[House Report 109-738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 440
109th Congress, 2nd Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 109-738
(109-102)
SUMMARY
OF
LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
__________
ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS
first session
Convened January 4, 2005
Adjourned December 22, 2005
second session
Convened January 31, 2006
Adjourned December 8, 2006
__________
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 29, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
DON YOUNG, Alaska, Chairman
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin, Vice- JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
Chair NICK J. RAHALL, II, West Virginia
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland Columbia
JOHN L. MICA, Florida JERROLD NADLER, New York
PETER HOEKSTRA, Michigan CORRINE BROWN, Florida
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan BOB FILNER, California
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
SUE W. KELLY, New York JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD,
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana California
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
JERRY MORAN, Kansas EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon
GARY G. MILLER, California ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey
ROB SIMMONS, Connecticut LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa
HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South Carolina TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania
TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON, Illinois BRIAN BAIRD, Washington
TODD RUSSELL PLATTS, Pennsylvania SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada
SAM GRAVES, Missouri JIM MATHESON, Utah
MARK R. KENNEDY, Minnesota MICHAEL M. HONDA, California
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania RICK LARSEN, Washington
JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
JIM GERLACH, Pennsylvania ANTHONY D. WEINER, New York
MARIO DIAZ-BALART, Florida JULIA CARSON, Indiana
JON C. PORTER, Nevada TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
KENNY MARCHANT, Texas LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennessee
MICHAEL E. SODREL, Indiana BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky
CHARLES W. DENT, Pennsylvania BRIAN HIGGINS, New York
TED POE, Texas RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
DAVID G. REICHERT, Washington ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ, Pennsylvania
CONNIE MACK, Florida JOHN T. SALAZAR, Colorado
JOHN R. `RANDY' KUHL, Jr., New York JOHN BARROW, Georgia
LUIS G. FORTUNO, Puerto Rico
LYNN A. WESTMORELAND, Georgia
CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, Jr., Louisiana
JEAN SCHMIDT, Ohio
SHELLEY SEKULA GIBBS, Texas
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
JOHN L. MICA, Florida, Chairman
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama Columbia
SUE W. KELLY, New York CORRINE BROWN, Florida
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD,
JERRY MORAN, Kansas California
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South Carolina BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey
TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON, Illinois TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania
SAM GRAVES, Missouri SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada
MARK R. KENNEDY, Minnesota JIM MATHESON, Utah
JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas MICHAEL M. HONDA, California
JIM GERLACH, Pennsylvania RICK LARSEN, Washington
MARIO DIAZ-BALART, Florida MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
JON C. PORTER, Nevada ANTHONY D. WEINER, New York
KENNY MARCHANT, Texas BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky
CHARLES W. DENT, Pennsylvania RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
TED POE, Texas JOHN T. SALAZAR, Colorado
JOHN R. `RANDY' KUHL, Jr., New NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
York, Vice-Chair BOB FILNER, California
LYNN A. WESTMORELAND, Georgia JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
VACANCY (Ex Officio)
DON YOUNG, Alaska
(Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey, Chairman
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina BOB FILNER, California, Ranking
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland Democrat
PETER HOEKSTRA, Michigan CORRINE BROWN, Florida
ROB SIMMONS, Connecticut GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
MARIO DIAZ-BALART, Florida JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD,
DAVID G. REICHERT, Washington, California
Vice-Chair MICHAEL M. HONDA, California
CONNIE MACK, Florida ANTHONY D. WEINER, New York
LUIS G. FORTUNO, Puerto Rico BRIAN HIGGINS, New York
CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, Jr., Louisiana BRIAN BAIRD, Washington
DON YOUNG, Alaska JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
(Ex Officio) (Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania, Chairman
JIM GERLACH, Pennsylvania ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of
KENNY MARCHANT, Texas, Vice-Chair Columbia
CHARLES W. DENT, Pennsylvania MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
JOHN R. `RANDY' KUHL, Jr., New York LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennessee
DON YOUNG, Alaska JULIA CARSON, Indiana
(Ex Officio) JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
(Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS, TRANSIT AND PIPELINES
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin, Chairman
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
HOWARD COBLE, North Carolina NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee JERROLD NADLER, New York
JOHN L. MICA, Florida GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
PETER HOEKSTRA, Michigan JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD,
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama California
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
SUE W. KELLY, New York EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
FRANK A. LoBIONDO, New Jersey BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey
JERRY MORAN, Kansas TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania
GARY G. MILLER, California BRIAN BAIRD, Washington
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada
ROB SIMMONS, Connecticut JIM MATHESON, Utah
HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South Carolina MICHAEL M. HONDA, California
TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON, Illinois RICK LARSEN, Washington
TODD RUSSELL PLATTS, Pennsylvania MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, Massachusetts
SAM GRAVES, Missouri ANTHONY D. WEINER, New York
MARK R. KENNEDY, Minnesota JULIA CARSON, Indiana
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas MICHAEL H. MICHAUD, Maine
MARIO DIAZ-BALART, Florida LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennessee
JON C. PORTER, Nevada BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky
TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska BRIAN HIGGINS, New York
KENNY MARCHANT, Texas RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
MICHAEL E. SODREL, Indiana ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ, Pennsylvania
DAVID G. REICHERT, Washington JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
JEAN SCHMIDT, Ohio (Ex Officio)
VACANCY
DON YOUNG, Alaska
(Ex Officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio, Chairman
THOMAS E. PETRI, Wisconsin CORRINE BROWN, Florida
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York NICK J. RAHALL II, West Virginia
JOHN L. MICA, Florida JERROLD NADLER, New York
SPENCER BACHUS, Alabama BOB FILNER, California
JERRY MORAN, Kansas ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS, Maryland
GARY G. MILLER, California EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon
ROB SIMMONS, Connecticut LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa
TODD RUSSELL PLATTS, Pennsylvania JULIA CARSON, Indiana
SAM GRAVES, Missouri PETER A. DeFAZIO, Oregon
JON PORTER, Nevada JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois
TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
MICHAEL E. SODREL, Indiana JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
LYNN A. WESTMORELND, Georgia, JOHN BARROW, Georgia
Vice-Chair (ex officio)
DON YOUNG, Alaska
(ex officio)
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
JOHN J. DUNCAN, Jr., Tennessee, Chairman
SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT, New York EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas
WAYNE T. GILCHREST, Maryland JOHN T. SALAZAR, Colorado
VERNON J. EHLERS, Michigan JERRY F. COSTELLO, Illinois
STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE, Ohio GENE TAYLOR, Mississippi
SUE W. KELLY, New York BRIAN BAIRD, Washington
RICHARD H. BAKER, Louisiana TIMOTHY H. BISHOP, New York
GARY G. MILLER, California BRIAN HIGGINS, New York
HENRY E. BROWN, Jr., South Carolina ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ, Pennsylvania
BILL SHUSTER, Pennsylvania EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon
JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas ELLEN O. TAUSCHER, California
JIM GERLACH, Pennsylvania BILL PASCRELL, Jr., New Jersey
TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska RUSS CARNAHAN, Missouri
TED POE, Texas NICK J. RAHALL, II, West Virginia
CONNIE MACK, Florida ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, District of
LUIS G. FORTUNO, Puerto Rico Columbia
CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, Jr., JOHN BARROW, Georgia
Louisiana, Vice-Chair JAMES L. OBERSTAR, Minnesota
JEAN SCHMIDT, Ohio (Ex Officio)
VACANCY
DON YOUNG, Alaska
(Ex Officio)
Committee Staff
Majority Full Committee Staff
Lloyd A. Jones, Chief of Staff
Elizabeth Megginson, Chief Counsel
Charles C. Ziegler, Deputy Chief Counsel and Parliamentarian
Debbie Callis, Administrator
Justin Sprinzen, Special Counsel to the Chairman
Amanda Newman, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Fraser Verrusio, Policy Director
Wynn Bott, Chief Financial Administrator
Jimmy Miller, Director of Committee Facilities and Travel
William Fox, Legislative Staff Assistant
Michael Kirlin, Staff Assistant
Reagan Highfill, Staff Assistant
------
Minority Full Committee Staff
David Heymsfeld, Minority Staff Director
Ward McCarragher, Minority Chief Counsel
Kathleen Zern, Minority Deputy Chief Counsel
Jennifer Walsh, Minority Executive Assistant
Dara Schlieker, Minority Administrator
------
Budget
Sharon Barkeloo, Professional Staff Member for Budget and Aviation
------
Information Systems
Keven Sard, Manager Information Systems
Sonia Salinas, Assistant Systems Administrator
------
Press Office
Steve Hansen, Communications Director
Justin Harclerode, Deputy Communications Director
Jim Berard, Minority Director of Communications
------
Editorial Office
Gilda Shirley, Editor
Tracy G. Mosebey, Legislative Calendar Clerk
------
Majority Staff
Investigations Office
Bob Faber, Senior Counsel
Richard Stanton, Investigative Counsel
Chris Burroughs, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Trinita Brown, Minority Counsel, Investigations
------
Subcommittee on Aviation
Majority Staff
James Coon, Staff Director and Senior Counsel
Holly E. Woodruff Lyons, Counsel
Chris C. Brown, Counsel
Sharon Barkeloo, Professional Staff Member on Budget and Aviation
Jason Rosa, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Stacie Soumbeniotis, Minority Staff Director and Senior Counsel
Giles Giovinazzi, Minority Counsel
John Drake, Professional Staff
Pam Keller, Minority Senior Staff Assistant
------
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
Majority Staff
John Rayfield, Staff Director and Counsel
Eric Nagel, Professional Staff Member
Bill Cody, Professional Staff Member
Marsha Canter, Senior Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
John Cullather, Minority Staff Director
Rose Hamlin, Minority Senior Staff Assistant
------
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency
Management
Majority Staff
Dan Mathews, Staff Director
Hugh Carroll, Counsel
Jennifer Hall, Counsel
Alexis Barrios, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Susan Brita, Minority Staff Director
Trinita Brown, Minority Counsel, Emergency Management Issues
Rose Hamlin, Minority Senior Staff Assistant
------
Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Majority Staff
Graham Hill, Staff Director
Suzanne Newhouse, Counsel
Joyce Rose, Professional Staff Member
James Tymon, Professional Staff Member
Bailey Edwards, Professional Staff Member
Tim Lundquist, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Kenneth House, Minority Staff Director, Transit Issues
Stephanie Manning, Minority Senior Policy Staff
Arthur Chan, Minority Highway Policy Director
Jennifer Esposito, Minority Hazardous Materials and Pipelines Issues
Jackie Schmitz, Minority Staff Assistant
------
Subcommittee on Railroads
Majority Staff
Glenn Scammel, Staff Director and Senior Counsel
John Brennan, Counsel
Phillip Maxwell, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Jennifer Esposito, Minority Staff Director
John Drake, Minority Professional Staff Member
Pam Keller, Minority Senior Staff Assistant
------
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
Majority Staff
John Anderson, Staff Director
Jonathan Pawlow, Counsel
Geoff Bowman, Professional Staff Member
Tom Corcoran, Professional Staff Member
Russ Kline, Legislative Staff Assistant
Minority Staff
Kenneth Kopocis, Minority Staff Director and Senior Counsel
Ryan Seiger, Minority Counsel
Beth Goldstein, Minority Legislative Assistant
Michael Brain, Minority Staff Assistant
C O N T E N T S
Page
Letter of Submittal.............................................. XIII
Jurisdiction of the House Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure................................................. 1
Foreword......................................................... 3
Bills enacted into law........................................... 5
Committee Bills and Resolutions That Passed the House But Not
Acted on by the Senate......................................... 9
Committee Bills Reported to the House But Not Acted Upon......... 10
Concurrent Resolutions Approved by Both Chambers................. 11
Senate Bills and Resolutions Referred to the Committee But Not
Acted Upon..................................................... 12
Bills Enacted Into Law (Summaries of Public Laws)................ 15
Committee Views and Estimates Reports............................ 44
Summary of Activities:
Subcommittee on Aviation..................................... 45
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation...... 53
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and
Emergency Management....................................... 79
Subcommittee on Highways, Transit, and Pipelines............. 125
Subcommittee on Railroads.................................... 137
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.............. 143
Oversight........................................................ 161
Subcommittee Oversight Summaries................................. 167
Publications..................................................... 191
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
----------
December 29, 2006.
Hon. Karen Haas,
Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ms. Haas: 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 109th Congress.
The purpose of this 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 the Committee pursuant to Rule X, Clause 1(r) 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,
Don Young,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure.
Enclosure.
Union Calendar No. 440
109th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 109-738
======================================================================
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATIVE AND OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES--COMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
_______
December 29, 2006.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Young of Alaska, 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 therefore;
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).
``(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
The 109th Congress produced landmark legislation to
authorize funding for highways, highway safety, public
transportation, motor carrier safety, research and hazardous
materials transportation, highway improvements and mass
transit, creating jobs and insuring the nation can meet the
challenge of moving goods and people on our transportation
infrastructure. The Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure led the effort to enact SAFETEA: LU--The Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users. The funds provided by this legislation
sparked a wave of construction that fuels the economy and
promises a more prosperous future for the users of all modes of
surface transportation.
In August of 2005 the country witnessed a massive natural
disaster, which struck the states of Louisiana, Texas,
Mississippi and Alabama and challenged the resources of the
Federal agencies responsible for responding in emergencies.
Hurricane Katrina, followed quickly by Hurricane Rita, left a
trail of destruction the scale and costs of which are
unprecedented in United States history. These disasters created
heroes among our Federal disaster responders, including the
United States Coast Guard, which saved thousands of suffering
people from rooftops and also those individuals in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who gave up months of their
lives to relocate to the disaster areas to provide response
services. The efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure
prompt debris removal allowed the rebuilding and recovery of
this devastated region to begin. The Department of
Transportation used its authority to rebuild highways and
bridges devastated by these terrible storms.
The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
immediately approved legislation to provide more disaster
assistance to those dislocated by the hurricanes, but also
approved legislation to restore FEMA's ability to provide the
level of coordination and response which the American people
deserve in their time of dire need.
The Committee's commitment to preserving the missions of
the United States Coast Guard and to providing authority and
funding for the Army Corps of Engineers flood control programs
will be directly responsible for saving lives and protecting
property in any future disaster, no matter the cause.
The Committee is proud of its bipartisan efforts to improve
highway, transit, water, and aviation systems and to protect
Americans in the aftermath of disasters. The Chairmen of the
Subcommittees working closely with the Ranking Democratic
Members, conducted many extremely informative hearings and
improved the management of federal agencies through successful
oversight. I want to express my appreciation for the effort of
the Members and the outstanding committee staff for the
Committee's productive two years.
It is with pride and gratitude that the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure submits its summary of
legislative and oversight activities for the 109th Congress--
accomplishments that will have a lasting positive impact on the
economy of the United States for many years to come.
BILLS ENACTED INTO LAW
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC LAW NUMBER DATE ENACTED BILL NUMBER TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PL 109-10.............. Apr. 29, 2005.................... H.R. 787............... To designate the United
States courthouse located
at 501 I Street in
Sacramento, California, as
the ``Robert T. Matsui
United States
Courthouse''.
PL 109-14.............. May 31, 2005..................... H.R. 2566.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-16.............. June 29, 2005.................... H.R. 483............... To designate a United
States courthouse in
Brownsville, Texas, as the
``Reynaldo G. Garza and
Filemon B. Vela United
States Courthouse''.
PL 109-20.............. June 30, 2005.................... H.R. 3104.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-35.............. July 20, 2005.................... H.R. 3332.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-37.............. July 22, 2005.................... H.R. 3377.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-40.............. July 28, 2005.................... H.R. 3453.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-42.............. July 30, 2005.................... H.R. 3512.............. To provide an extension of
highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety,
transit, and other
programs funded out of the
Highway Trust Fund pending
enactment of a law
reauthorizing the
Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century.
PL 109-58.............. Aug. 8, 2005..................... H.R. 6................. To ensure jobs for our
future with secure,
affordable, and reliable
energy.
PL 109-59.............. Aug. 10, 2005.................... H.R. 3................. To authorize funds for
Federal-aid highways,
highway safety programs,
and transit programs, and
for other purposes.
PL 109-74.............. Sept. 30, 2005................... H.R. 3649.............. To ensure funding for
sportfishing and boating
safety programs funded out
of the Highway Trust Fund
through the end of fiscal
year 2005, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-87.............. Oct. 7, 2005..................... S. 1786................ A bill to authorize the
Secretary of
Transportation to make
emergency airport
improvement project grants-
in-aid under title 49,
United States Code, for
repairs and costs related
to damage from Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita.
PL 109-88.............. Oct. 7, 2005..................... S. 1858................ To provide for community
disaster loans.
PL 109-89.............. Oct. 13, 2005.................... S. 1413................ A bill to redesignate the
Crowne Plaza in Kingston,
Jamaica, as the Colin L.
Powell Residential Plaza.
PL 109-90.............. Oct. 18, 2006.................... H.R. 2360.............. Making appropriations for
the Department of Homeland
Security for the fiscal
year ending September 30,
2006, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-98.............. Nov. 11, 2005.................... H.R. 2967.............. To designate the Federal
building located at 333
Mt. Elliott Street in
Detroit, Michigan, as the
``Rosa Parks Federal
Building''.
PL 109-99.............. Nov. 11, 2005.................... H.R. 3765.............. A bill to extend through
March 31, 2006, the
authority of the Secretary
of the Army to accept and
expend funds contributed
by non-Federal public
entities and to expedite
the processing of permits.
PL 109-101............. Nov. 11, 2005.................... S. 1285................ A bill to designate the
Federal building located
at 333 Mt. Elliott Street
in Detroit, Michigan, as
the ``Rosa Parks Federal
Building''.
PL 109-137............. Dec. 22, 2005.................... H.R. 3963.............. To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to
extend the authorization
of appropriations for Long
Island Sound.
PL 109-139............. Dec. 22, 2005.................... H.R. 4324.............. To amend the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance
Act to reauthorize the
predisaster mitigation
program, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-141............. Dec. 22, 2006.................... H.R. 4508.............. To commend the outstanding
efforts in response to
Hurricane Katrina by
members and employees of
the Coast Guard, to
provide temporary relief
to certain persons
affected by such hurricane
with respect to certain
laws administered by the
Coast Guard, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-171............. Feb. 8, 2006..................... S. 1932................ To provide for
reconciliation pursuant to
section 202(a) of the
concurrent resolution on
the budget for fiscal year
2006 (H. Con. Res. 95).
PL 109-176............. Mar. 6, 2006..................... S. 1777................ To provide relief for the
victims of Hurricane
Katrina.
PL 109-209............. Mar. 24, 2006.................... H.R. 4826.............. To extend through December
31, 2006, the authority of
the Secretary of the Army
to accept and expend funds
contributed by non-Federal
public entities to
expedite the processing of
permits.
PL 109-214............. Apr. 11, 2006.................... S. 2116................ To transfer jurisdiction of
certain real property to
the Supreme Court.
PL 109-218............. Apr. 20, 2006.................... H.R. 4979.............. To amend the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance
Act to clarify the
preference for local firms
in the award of certain
contracts for disaster
relief activities.
PL 109-221............. May. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 3351.............. To make technical
corrections to laws
relating to Native
Americans, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-241............. Jul. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 889............... To authorize appropriations
for the Coast Guard for
fiscal year 2006, to make
technical corrections to
various laws administered
by the Coast Guard, and
for other purposes.
PL 109-295............. Oct. 4, 2006..................... H.R. 5541.............. Making appropriations for
the Department of Homeland
Security for the fiscal
year ending September 30,
2007, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-305............. Oct. 6, 2006..................... H.R. 5074.............. To amend the Railroad
Retirement Act of 1974 to
provide for continued
payment of railroad
retirement annuities by
the Department of the
Treasury, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-306............. Oct. 6, 2006..................... H.R. 5187.............. To amend the John F.
Kennedy Center Act to
authorize additional
appropriations for the
John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts for
fiscal year 2007.
PL 109-308............. Oct. 6, 2006..................... H.R. 3858.............. To amend the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance
Act to ensure that State
and local emergency
preparedness operational
plans address the needs of
individuals with household
pets and service animals
following a major disaster
or emergency.
PL 109-331............. Oct. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 5546.............. To designate the United
States courthouse to be
constructed in Greenville,
South Carolina, as the
``Carroll A. Campbell, Jr.
United States
Courthouse''.
PL 109-332............. Oct. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 5606.............. To designate the Federal
building and United States
courthouse located at 221
and 211 West Ferguson
Street in Tyler, Texas, as
the ``William M. Steger
Federal Building and
United States
Courthouse''.
PL 109-335............. Oct. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 6051.............. To designate the Federal
building and United States
courthouse located at 2
South Main Street in
Akron, Ohio, as the ``John
F. Seiberling Federal
Building and United States
Courthouse''.
PL 109-339............. Oct. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 315............... To designate the United
States courthouse at 300
North Hogan Street,
Jacksonville, Florida, as
the ``John Milton Bryan
Simpson United States
Courthouse''.
PL 109-341............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... H.R. 1463.............. To designate a portion of
the Federal building
located at 2100 Jamieson
Avenue, in Alexandria,
Virginia, as the ``Justin
W. Williams United States
Attorney's Building''.
PL 109-342............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... H.R. 1556.............. To designate a parcel of
land located on the site
of the Thomas F. Eagleton
United States Courthouse
in St. Louis, Missouri, as
the ``Clyde S. Cahill
Memorial Park''.
PL 109-343............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... H.R. 2322.............. To designate the Federal
building located at 320
North Main Street in
McAllen, Texas, as the
``Kika de la Garza Federal
Building''.
PL 109-347............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... H.R. 4954.............. To improve maritime and
cargo security through
enhanced layered defenses,
and for other purposes.
PL 109-348............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... H.R. 5026.............. To designate the
Investigations Building of
the Food and Drug
Administration located at
466 Fernandez Juncos
Avenue in San Juan, Puerto
Rico, as the ``Andres Toro
Building''.
PL 109-352............. Oct. 13, 2006.................... S. 3661................ A bill to amend section 29
of the International Air
Transportation Competition
Act of 1979 relating to
air transportation to and
from Love Field, Texas.
PL 109-359............. Oct. 16, 2006.................... H.R. 5160.............. To establish the Long
Island Sound Stewardship
Initiative.
PL 109-381............. Dec. 1, 2006..................... S. 1140................ A bill to designate the
State Route 1 Bridge in
the State of Delaware as
the ``Senator William V.
Roth, Jr. Bridge''.
PL 109-392............. Dec. 12, 2006.................... H.R. 6121.............. To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to
reauthorize a program
relating to the Lake
Pontchartrain Basin, and
for other purposes.
PL 109-396............. Dec. 15, 2006.................... H.R. 3699.............. To provide for the sale,
acquisition, conveyance,
and exchange of certain
real property in the
District of Columbia to
facilitate the
utilization, development,
and redevelopment of such
property, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-434............. Dec. 20, 2006.................... H.R. 6316.............. To extend through December
31, 2008, the authority of
the Secretary of the Army
to accept and expend funds
contributed by non-Federal
public entities to
expedite the processing of
permits.
PL 109-443............. Dec. 21, 2006.................... H.R. 5076.............. To amend title 49, United
States Code, to authorize
appropriations for fiscal
years 2007, 2008, and
2009, and for other
purposes.
PL 109-449............. Dec. 22, 2006.................... S. 362................. To establish a program
within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the
United States Coast Guard
to help identify,
determine sources of,
assess, reduce, and
prevent marine debris and
its adverse impacts on the
marine environment and
navigation safety, in
coordination with non-
Federal entities, and for
other purposes.
PL 109-460............. Dec. 22, 2006.................... S. 2735................ To amend the National Dam
safety Program Act to
reauthorize the national
dam safety program, and
for other purposes.
PL 109-................ Dec. , 2006...................... H.R. 5483.............. To increase the disability
earning limitation under
the Railroad Retirement
Act and to index the
amount of allowable
earnings consistent with
increases in the
substantial gainful
activity dollar amount
under the Social Security
Act.
PL 109-................ Dec. , 2006...................... H.R. 5782.............. To amend title 49, United
States Code, to provide
for enhanced safety and
environmental protection
in pipeline
transportation, to provide
for enhanced reliability
in the transportation of
the Nation's energy
products by pipeline, and
for other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS THAT PASSED THE HOUSE BUT NOT ACTED ON BY THE SENATE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILL NUMBER TITLE PASSED THE HOUSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Con. Res. 145........................ Expressing the sense of July 25, 2006.
Congress in support of a
national bike month and in
appreciation of cyclists and
others for promoting bicycle
safety and the benefits of
cycling.
H. Con. Res. 152........................ Commemorating Mystic Seaport: June 27, 2005.
the Museum of America and the
Sea in recognition of its 75th
year.
H.R. 135................................ To establish the ``Twenty-First Apr. 12, 2005.
Century Water Commission'' to
study and develop
recommendations for a
comprehensive water strategy
to address future water needs.
H.R. 548................................ To designate the Federal Feb. 8, 2005.
building and United States
courthouse located at 200 West
2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as
the ``Tony Hall Federal
Building and United States
Courthouse''.
H.R. 1412............................... To amend the Ports and June 27, 2005.
Waterways Safety Act to
require notification of the
Coast Guard regarding
obstructions to navigation,
and for other purposes.
H.R. 1721............................... To amend the Federal Water Dec. 7, 2005.
Pollution Control Act to
reauthorize programs to
improve the quality of coastal
recreation waters, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 1817............................... To authorize appropriations for May 18, 1005.
fiscal year 2006 for the
Department of Homeland
Security, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 3983............................... To expedite the construction of Oct. 7, 2005.
new refining capacity in the
United States, to provide
reliable and affordable energy
for the American people, and
for other purposes.
H.R. 4200............................... To improve the ability of the May 17, 2006.
Secretary of Agriculture and
the Secretary of the Interior
to promptly implement recovery
treatments in response to
catastrophic events affecting
Federal lands under their
jurisdiction, including the
removal of dead and damaged
trees and the implementation
of reforestation treatments,
to support the recovery of non-
Federal lands damaged by
catastrophic events, to
revitalize Forest Service
experimental forests, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 4500............................... To designate certain buildings Dec. 13, 2005.
of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
H.R. 4530............................... To designate the Federal May 22, 2005.
building and United States
courthouse located at 101 Barr
Street in Lexington, Kentucky,
as the ``Scott Reed Federal
Building and United States
Courthouse''.
H.R. 4653............................... To repeal a prohibition on the Sept. 20, 2006.
use of certain funds for
tunneling in certain areas
with respect to the Los
Angeles to San Fernando Valley
Metro Rail project, California.
H.R. 4700............................... To provide for the conditional May 3, 2006.
conveyance of any interest
retained by the United States
in St. Joseph Memorial Hall in
St. Joseph, Michigan.
H.R. 4981............................... To amend the National Dam Sept. 27, 2006.
Safety Program Act.
H.R. 5013............................... To amend the Robert T. Stafford July 25, 2006.
Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act to prohibit the
confiscation of firearms
during certain national
emergencies.
H.R. 5681............................... To authorize appropriations for Sept. 28, 2006.
the Coast Guard for fiscal
year 2007, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 5689............................... To amend the Safe, Accountable, June 28, 2006.
Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users to make
technical corrections, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 6233............................... To amend the Safe, Accountable, Sept. 29, 2006.
Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users to make
technical corrections, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 6428............................... To authorize the Secretary of Dec. 9, 2006.
the Army to carry out certain
elements of the project for
hurricane and storm damage
reduction, Morganza to the
Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE BILLS REPORTED TO THE HOUSE BUT NOT ACTED UPON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILL NUMBER REPORT NUMBER DATE REPORTED TITLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 1496.......................... House Report 109-98... May 26, 2005.......... To return general aviation
to Ronald Reagan
Washington National
Airport.
H.R. 624........................... House Report 109-166.. July 13, 2005......... To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to
authorize appropriations
for sewer overflow control
grants.
H.R 1359........................... House Report 109-167.. July 13, 2005......... To amend the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act to
extend the pilot program
for alternative water
source projects.
H. Res. 378........................ House Report 109-167, July 27, 2005......... Recognizing and honoring
Part I (Education and the 15th anniversary of
the Workforce). the signing of the
Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990.
H.R. 1640.......................... House Report 109-215, July 29, 2005......... To ensure jobs for our
Part I (Energy and future with secure and
Commerce). reliable energy.
H.R. 610........................... House Report 109-216, July 29, 2005......... To provide for Federal
Part I (Science). energy research,
development,
demonstration, and
commercial application
activities, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 3405.......................... House Report 109-261, Oct. 31, 2005......... To prohibit the provision
Part I (Agriculture). of Federal economic
development assistance for
any State or locality that
uses the power of eminent
domain power to obtain
property for private
commercial development or
that fails to pay
relocation costs to
persons displaced by use
of the power of eminent
domain for economic
development purposes.
H. Res. 488........................ House Report 109-269.. Nov. 3, 2005.......... Requesting that the
President transmit to the
House of Representatives
information in his
possession relating to
contracts for services or
construction related to
Hurricane Katrina
recovery.
H.R. 1630.......................... House Report 109-280.. Nov. 8, 2005.......... ...........................
H.R. 1631.......................... House Report 109-314, Nov. 8, 2005.......... To provide for the
Part I financing of high-speed
(Transportation). rail infrastructure, and
for other purposes.
House Report 109-314, Feb. 3, 2006 ...........................
Part II (Ways and
Means).
H.R. 3889.......................... House Report 109-299, Nov. 16, 2005......... To further regulate and
Part I (Judiciary). punish illicit conduct
relating to
methamphetamine, and for
other purposes.
House Report 109-299, Nov. 17, 2005 ...........................
Part II (Energy and
Commerce).
H.R. 4438.......................... House Report 109-364.. Dec. 22, 2005......... To establish special rules
with respect to certain
disaster assistance
provided for Hurricane
Katrina and Hurricane
Rita.
H.R. 5316.......................... House Report 109-519, June 26, 2006......... To reestablish the Federal
Part I (Government Emergency Management
Reform). Agency as a cabinet-level
independent establishment
in the executive branch
that is responsible for
the Nation's preparedness
for, response to, recovery
from, and mitigation
against disasters, and for
other purposes.
109-519, Part II Dec. 8, 2006 ...........................
(Transportation).
H.R 4125........................... House Report 109-532.. June 27, 2006......... To permit the Administrator
of General Services to
make repairs and lease
space without approval of
a prospectus if the repair
or lease is required as a
result of damages to
buildings or property
attributable to Hurricane
Katrina or Hurricane Rita.
H.R 5393........................... House Report 109-607, July 28, 2006......... To provide for the
Part I (Finance). Department of Housing and
Urban Development to
coordinate Federal housing
assistance efforts in the
case of disasters
resulting in long-term
housing needs.
H.R. 5810.......................... House Report 109-608, July 28, 2006......... To amend the Comprehensive
Part I Environmental Response,
(Transportation). Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 to
authorize funding for
brownfields revitalization
activities and State
response programs, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 4650.......................... House Report 109-609.. July 28, 2006......... To direct the Secretary of
the Army to carry out
programs and activities to
enhance the safety of
levees in the United
States.
H.R. 5808.......................... House Report 109-662.. Sept. 15, 2006........ To authorize the Secretary
of Transportation to make
grants to public
transportation agencies
and over-the-road bus
operators to improve
security, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 5811.......................... House Report 109-667.. Sept. 19, 2006........ To implement the Protocol
of 1997 to the
International Convention
for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships,
1973, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 4880.......................... House Report 109-709, Sept. 29, 2006........ To direct the Commandant of
Part I the Coast Guard to require
(Transportation). that a security plan for a
maritime facility be
resubmitted for approval
upon transfer of ownership
or operation of such
facility, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 5351.......................... House Report 109-712, Nov. 9, 2006.......... To amend Homeland Security
Part I (Homeland Act of 2002 to establish a
Security). Directorate of Emergency
Management, to codify
certain existing functions
of the Department of
Homeland Security, and for
other purposes.
H.R. 5810.......................... House Report 109-730, Dec. 8, 2006.......... To amend the Comprehensive
Part I (Energy and Environmental Response,
Commerce). Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 to
authorize funding for
brownfields revitalization
activities and State
response programs, and for
other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS APPROVED BY BOTH CHAMBERS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESOLUTION NUMBER TITLE DATE OF PASSAGE--HOUSE DATE OF PASSAGE--SENATE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Con. Res. 67...................... Honoring the soldiers Feb. 17, 2005.......... Sept. 14, 2005
of the Army's Black
Corps of Engineers for
their contributions in
constructing the
Alaska-Canada highway
during World War II
and recognizing the
importance of these
contributions to the
subsequent integration
of the military.
H. Con. Res. 86...................... Authorizing the use of May 10, 2005........... May 12, 2005
the Capitol Grounds
for the Greater
Washington Soap Box
Derby.
H. Con. Res. 135..................... Authorizing the use of May 10, 2005........... May 12, 2005
the Capitol Grounds
for the District of
Columbia Special
Olympics Law
Enforcement Torch Run.
H. Con. Res. 136..................... Authorizing the use of May 10, 2005........... May 12, 2005
the Capitol Grounds
for the National Peace
Officers' Memorial
Service.
H. Con. Res. 161..................... Authorizing the use of Oct. 6, 2005........... Oct. 7, 2005
the Capitol Grounds
for an event to
commemorate the 10th
Anniversary of the
Million Man March.
H. Con. Res. 235..................... Expressing the sense of July 25, 2006.......... Sept. 25, 2006
the Congress that
States should require
candidates for
driver's licenses to
demonstrate an ability
to exercise greatly
increased caution when
driving in the
proximity of a
potentially visually
impaired individual.
H. Con. Res. 349..................... Authorizing the use of Apr. 27, 2006.......... May 2, 2006
the Capitol Grounds
for the Greater
Washington Soap Box
Derby.
H. Con. Res. 359..................... Authorizing the use of May 3, 2006............ May 4, 2006
the Capitol Grounds
for the District of
Columbia Special
Olympics Law
Enforcement Torch Run.
H. Con. Res. 360..................... Authorizing the use of Apr. 5, 2006........... Apr. 6, 2006
the Capitol Grounds
for the National Peace
Officers' Memorial
Service.
H. Con. Res. 372..................... Recognizing the 50th June 13, 2006.......... June 19, 2006
Anniversary of the
Interstate Highway
System.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BUT NOT ACTED UPON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATE OF REFERRAL TO THE
BILL NUMBER TITLE DATE OF SENATE PASSAGE COMMITTEE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. 50................................ To authorize and July 1, 2005........... July 11, 2005
strengthen the
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric
Administration's
tsunami detection,
forecast, warning, and
mitigation program,
and for other purposes.
S. 125............................... A bill to designate the Feb. 17, 2005.......... Mar. 1, 2005
United States
courthouse located at
501 I Street in
Sacramento,
California, as the
``Robert T. Matsui
United States
Courthouse''.
S. 466............................... A bill to deauthorize a Sept. 5, 2005.......... Sept. 6, 2005
certain portion of the
project for
navigation, Rockland
Harbor, Maine.
S. 501............................... To provide a site for July 29, 2005.......... Sept. 6, 2005
the National Women's
History Museum in the
District of Columbia.
S. 706............................... To convey all right, July 26, 2005.......... July 27, 2005
title, and interest of
the United States in
and to the land
described in this Act
to the Secretary of
the Interior for the
Prairie Island Indian
Community in Minnesota.
S. 939............................... To expedite payments of Oct. 27, 2005.......... Oct. 27, 2005
certain Federal
emergency assistance
authorized pursuant to
the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance
Act, and to direct the
Secretary of Homeland
Security to exercise
certain authority
provided under that
Act.
S. 1409.............................. A bill to amend the Sept. 30, 2006......... Nov. 13, 2006
Safe Drinking Water
Act Amendments of 1996
to modify the grant
program to improve
sanitation in rural
and Native villages in
the State of Alaska.
S. 1709.............................. To provide favorable Sept. 27, 2005......... Sept. 27, 2005
treatment for certain
projects in response
to Hurricane Katrina,
with respect to
revolving loans under
the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act,
and for other purposes.
S. 1764.............................. A bill to provide for Sept. 22, 2005......... Sept. 26, 2005
the continued
education of students
affected by Hurricane
Katrina.
S. 2650.............................. A bill to designate the June 27, 2006.......... June 28, 2006
Federal courthouse to
be constructed in
Greenville, South
Carolina, as the
``Carroll A. Campbell,
Jr. Federal
Courthouse''.
S. 3679.............................. To authorize Sept. 25, 2006......... Sept. 25, 2006
appropriations for the
National
Transportation Safety
Board, and for other
purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILLS ENACTED INTO LAW
(Summaries of Public Laws)
------
ROBERT T. MATSUI UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R 787
(Public Law 109-10)
H.R. 787 designates the new United States Courthouse
located at 501 I Street in Sacramento, California, as the
``Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse''. Robert Matsui
was elected to 14 consecutive terms in the United States House
of Representatives as a member of the California delegation,
beginning in the 96th Congress. He rose through the ranks and
was admired by his colleagues as a man of keen intellect,
trusted friend, and a formidable competitor. He was born in
Sacramento, California, September 17, 1941, attended the
University of California, Berkeley, and received his J.D. from
the Hastings College of Law, University of California in 1966.
After graduation, Matsui practiced law in a private practice
before becoming a councilman on the Sacramento City Council. In
1977 he was elected vice mayor of Sacramento. He served the
city of Sacramento in every capacity he could. In Congress,
Matsui's efforts in securing funding for Sacramento were
crucial in the revitalization of that city. Among the projects
for which he was responsible were the expansion of the city's
light rail public transit system, and the courthouse that will
soon bear his name. He passed away on January 1, 2005. This
bill passed the House on April 13, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 2566
(Public Law 109-14)
Public Law 109-14 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs for one month, and
authorized appropriations through June 30, 2005.
------
REYNALDO G. GARZA AND FILEMON B. VELA UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 483
(Public Law 109-16)
H.R. 483 designates the United States Courthouse located in
Brownsville, Texas, as the ``Garza-Vela United States
Courthouse''. Judge Reynaldo Garza was born in Brownsville,
Texas, on July 7, 1915, and attended local public schools. He
graduated from Brownsville Junior College in 1935, and from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1939. Upon his graduation, he
worked in private practice until entering the United States
Army Air Corps. After World War II, Reynaldo Garza returned to
private practice until 1961. In 1961 he was appointed to the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
and then elected Chief Judge for United States District Court
for the Southern District of Texas in 1974. Judge Garza was
appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth
Circuit in 1979, and in April of 1997, Chief Justice William H.
Rehnquist appointed him Chief Judge of the Temporary Emergency
Court of Appeals of the United States. He passed away on
September 14, 2004, from pneumonia.
Judge Filemon Vela was born in Harlingen, Texas in 1936,
and attended Harlingen local public schools. He went on to
attend Texas Southmost College, the University of Texas, and
St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. He served in
the United States Army from 1957 until 1959. After his
graduation, he worked in private practice from 1962 to 1975. He
was appointed as a Judge on the 107th Judicial District, for
Cameron-Willacy County from 1975 to 1980. President Carter
appointed him to the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Texas in 1980. Judge Vela took Senior
Status in 2000. Judge Vela passed away on April 13, 2004. This
bill passed the House on April 13, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART II
H.R. 3104
(Public Law 109-20)
Public Law 109-20 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 1 to July 19, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART III
H.R. 3332
(Public Law 109-35)
Public Law 109-35 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 20 to July 21, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART IV
H.R. 3377
(Public Law 109-37)
Public Law 109-37 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 22 to July 27, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART V
H.R. 3453
(Public Law 109-40)
Public Law 109-40 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 28 to July 30, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART VI
H.R. 3512
(Public Law 109-42)
Public Law 109-42 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 30 to August 14, 2005.
------
ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
(Railroads)
H.R. 6
(Public Law 109-58)
Railroad provisions included in the Energy Policy Act of
2005 were: $65 million in new funding to increase locomotive
fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and, $45 million in new
funding for the installation of devices to reduce diesel
locomotive idling.
------
SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A
LEGACY FOR USERS
H.R. 3
(Public Law 109-59)
Subcommittee on Aviation
Limited Exception From Type Certificate Requirement
(Section 4405 of P.L. 109-59)
This aviation provision was included as section 4405 of the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA: LU). Section 4405 provides a
narrow exception to the requirement that aircraft builders
obtain the permission of the type certificate holder before
building an aircraft using the type certificate holder's
design. Under section 4405, aircraft that were already in the
process of being built prior to the date on which Federal
Aviation Administration field offices were informed of this
requirement may continue to be certificated without the
permission of the type certificate holder, if certain
conditions are met.
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subtitle A of
Title X--Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Amendments
This law made several amendments to create a simpler and
more equitable formula for Federal sportfishing restoration and
recreational boating safety funding. The law established the
Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Trust Fund and
provided for the spend-out of more than $90 million in the
Boating Safety Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund to
support State programs in future Fiscal Years.
Subcommittee on Highways, Transit and Pipelines
This legislation reauthorizes the Federal highway, public
transportation, highway safety and motor carrier safety
programs for five years, from Fiscal Year 2005 through Fiscal
Year 2009. SAFETEA: LU, together with the Surface
Transportation Extension Acts, provides $286.4 billion in new
funding over the life of the bill. This is an increase of 42
percent over the previous reauthorization, the Transportation
Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) from 1998-2003.
COMPARISON OF GUARANTEED FUNDING TOTALS BY AGENCY
[In millions]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY TEA 21 SAFETEA: LU
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Highway Administration................................ $163,000 $227,560
Federal Transit Administration................................ $36,000 $52,579
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration................... $1,300 $2,888
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin......................... $1,700 $3,430
Total................................................... $202,000 $286,457
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through increased investment in our nation's transportation
infrastructure, this bill will maintain and improve our roads,
bridges, and transit systems. H.R. 3 passed the House on March
10, 2005, and the Senate on April 17, 2005. The conference
report was agreed to by the House and the Senate on July 29,
2005, and the bill was signed into law on August 10, 2005,
(Public Law 109-59).
Congestion relief
Annually, congestion costs American drivers $67 billion in
lost productivity and wasted motor fuel and 3.6 billion hours
of delay. The average traveler who drives during peak periods
loses $1,160 a year due to congestion-related delays. And
congestion is not only a problem in America's big cities--33
percent of all travel on major roadways in the United States is
affected by congestion.
SAFETEA: LU provides federal funding and policy initiatives
to combat congestion. The bill provides more than $227 billion
between fiscal years 2004 and 2009 for the Federal highway
program (an almost 40 percent increase over TEA 21), and more
than $52 billion for federal public transportation programs.
Public transportation is an important component to solving the
nation's congestion problems.
SAFETEA: LU creates several new programs designed to bridge
current infrastructure gaps and to address congestion choke
points. These programs include a $1.9 billion National Corridor
Infrastructure Improvement program, a $1.8 billion Projects of
Regional and National Significance program, and $833 million
for a Coordinated Border Infrastructure program.
SAFETEA: LU ensures that States utilize congestion relief
technologies to make roadway travel safer and more reliable.
The Act also includes several provisions that encourage and
promote the recapturing of unused highway capacity. Provisions
in SAFETEA: LU related to HOV/HOT lanes, transportation system
management and operations, and value pricing will allow highway
managers to squeeze more capacity from our existing highway
investments.
Safety
In 2003, more than 42,000 Americans were killed and 2.9
million were seriously injured each year on the Nation's
highways. Substandard road conditions and roadside hazards are
a contributing factor in nearly 1/3 of all fatal crashes each
year. In total, motor vehicle crashes cost the United States
more than $231 billion annually.
SAFETEA: LU creates a new core program for highway safety
infrastructure improvements with its own dedicated funding
stream. The new program is funded at approximately $5 billion
from Fiscal Year 2006 through 2009. To address the problem of
substandard road conditions in rural areas, SAFETEA: LU
includes $360 million for a new High Risk Rural Road Safety
Improvement program that targets funding for safety
improvements on rural two-lane roads. About 61 percent of all
highway-related fatalities occur on rural roads.
SAFETEA: LU increases funding for National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) highway safety formula grants to
support a full range of State safety programs, including
impaired driving programs, occupant protection programs,
motorcycle safety, police traffic services and roadway safety.
A new Safe Routes to School program is authorized that provides
$612 million over five years to States to encourage communities
to adopt strategies and fund projects designed to allow
children to walk and bike to school safely.
SAFETEA: LU provides $1.7 billion in State motor carrier
safety grants, including the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance
Program (MCSAP), Border Enforcement grants, Commercial Driver's
License grants, Performance and Registration Information System
Management grants, and State Data Improvement Grants. These
grants will promote State enforcement of and compliance with
Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations.
Freight mobility
In 2002, 8.9 billion tons of freight--at a value of more
than $5 trillion--was transported by highway. From 1990 to
2000, United States truck travel increased by 38 percent. In
the next 20 years, truck travel is expected to increase 90
percent due to an expanding economy and the increased reliance
on just-in-time delivery.
SAFETEA: LU funds several programs that are specifically
designed to improve the movement of freight. $1.9 billion over
five years is authorized for a National Corridor Infrastructure
Improvement program. This program is designed to fund regional
and multi-state corridor projects that will improve mobility
and economic growth in areas underserved by existing highway
infrastructure. An additional $833 million is provided to the
Coordinated Border Infrastructure program, which apportions
funds to border States for highway projects that will improve
the safe and efficient movement of people and goods at or
across the border between the United States and Mexico and the
United States and Canada.
SAFETEA: LU provides $1.8 billion for a new program to fund
projects of regional and national significance. This program is
designed to fund projects that will have a significant impact
on the movement of goods and people beyond the immediate local
area of the project.
SAFETEA: LU provides $100 million to complete the core
deployment and encourage the expanded deployment of the
Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN)
program, which will improve commercial motor vehicle efficiency
by allowing trucks to by-pass safety inspections and weigh
stations, based on their safety records.
Public transportation
From 1996 to 2005, public transit ridership grew 25
percent, and now carries 9.8 billion passenger trips a year.
But in many United States cities, public transportation
infrastructure is not keeping up with demand. Public
transportation provides vital mobility to seniors, individuals
with disabilities, and families with only one car or no car--
but in 40 percent of United States counties, there is no public
transportation system.
SAFETEA: LU increases funding to meet public transportation
infrastructure needs. The Act provides $52.58 billion for
transit programs, all guaranteed. This is a 46 percent increase
in guaranteed funding over TEA 21 levels. To address the
problem of so many U.S. counties having no public
transportation system at all, SAFETEA: LU increases the
percentage of formula funding for public transportation in
rural areas (towns of less than 50,000 in population). Total
six-year funding for rural public transportation increases by
95 percent, going from $1.25 billion to $2.44 billion.
SAFETEA: LU strengthens public transportation services for
individuals with disabilities by increasing the elderly and
disabled formula program and authorizes President Bush's New
Freedom Initiative, providing funds for disabled transportation
activities in areas where these services are not available, or
that go beyond the requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. These two initiatives total $1 billion over
the six-year authorization period, more than double the amount
provided for the elderly and disabled formula grants program
under TEA 21.
National infrastructure needs
The Federal highway, transit, and highway safety program
authorizations would have expired on September 30, 2003,
without the 12 extension bills. During the almost two-year
period that was required to pass the SAFETEA: LU legislation,
the critical needs of America's transportation infrastructure
became even more severe. In June 2006, the Interstate System
turned 50 years old. The Department of Transportation's 2002
Conditions and Performance Report shows that 32 percent of our
major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, 29 percent of
our bridges are structurally deficient or functionally
obsolete, 36 percent of the nation's urban rail vehicles and
maintenance facilities are in substandard or poor condition,
and 29 percent of the nation's bus fleet and maintenance
facilities are in substandard or poor condition. According to
the United States Department of Transportation, the combined
spending of all levels of government for the existing
infrastructure should be $106 billion annually for highways and
$20.6 billion for transit.
To reach that investment level by 2009, the federal share
of highway investments over the next six years should be
roughly $40 billion in 2004 growing to $60 billion in 2009. To
reach that investment level by 2009, capital public
transportation grants should reach $12.8 billion, with an
additional $1 billion for operating grants, research, planning,
and administrative costs.
SAFETEA: LU significantly increases investment in
transportation infrastructure. The highway obligation authority
grows from $34.4 billion in 2004 to $41 billion in 2009; public
transportation funding grows from $7.3 billion in 2004 to $10.3
billion in 2009.
Subcommittee on Railroads
This legislation expanded the authorization under the Swift
Act for high-speed rail corridor development to $100 million
per year for seven years. The existing law was also broadened
to permit Swift Act funds to be used for the acquisition of
high-speed trains, signal systems, and infrastructure. This
legislation also expanded the existing $3.5 billion Railroad
Infrastructure Finance loan program (RRIF) to $35 billion.
These funds may be used by state and local governments,
railroads, entities in a joint venture with a railroad,
interstate compacts and certain shippers to provide funding for
railroad lines, cars and facilities.
The Alaska Railroad is eligible for the technology and
rolling stock funds.
The following Railroad related provisions were included in
H.R. 3:
Rehabilitation and improvement financing: Expanded the
existing $3.5 billion Railroad Infrastructure Finance loan
program (RRIF) to $35 billion. These funds may be used by state
and local governments, railroads, entities in a joint venture
with a railroad, interstate compacts and certain shippers to
provide funding for railroad lines, cars and facilities. The
Alaska Railroad is eligible for these funds.
Rail Line Relocation Grants: Enacted a new authorization to
provide federal assistance for the relocation of rail lines to
enhance motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic, safety, community
quality of life, and area commerce. The authorization provides
$350,000,000 for each of the Fiscal Years 2006 through 2009.
Grants to Alaska Railroad: Enacted a provision authorizing
the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to make
general fund grants to the Alaska Railroad for capital
rehabilitation and improvements benefiting its passenger
operations.
Report on blocked railroad grade crossings: Directed the
Department of Transportation to conduct a study of the safety
and security impacts of blocked highway grade crossings.
Welded rail and railroad tank car improvements: Ordered the
improvement of safety standards for welded rail tracks and
requires the Department of Transportation to conduct further
studies on railroad tank car safety.
Study of rail transportation and regulation: Provides $1.8
million for the Transportation Research Board (TRB) to conduct
a comprehensive study of our nation's rail transportation
system. The TRB is required to complete the study within one
year of enactment and submit a report to Congress.
------
SPORTFISHING AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3649
Title 11
(Public Law 109-74)
H.R. 3649 extends programs funded from the Boat Safety
Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund through the end of
Fiscal Year 2005. The programs that were extended in this Act
include recreational boating safety, the sport fish restoration
national outreach and communications program, and Clean Vessel
Act programs. The bill passed the House on September 13, 2006,
and was passed with an amendment by the Senate on September 15,
2006. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed
the bill, as amended, on September 20, 2006.
------
A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION TO MAKE EMERGENCY
AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT GRANTS-IN-AID UNDER TITLE 49, UNITED STATES
CODE, FOR REPAIRS AND COSTS RELATED TO DAMAGE FROM HURRICANES KATRINA
AND RITA
S. 1786
(Public Law 109-87)
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make airport
development project grants from unobligated apportioned airport
improvement funds for Fiscal Year 2005 and Fiscal Year 2006 for
emergency capital and operating costs of repairing or replacing
public use facilities damaged by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita,
and which are incurred by a public use airport in Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, or Texas, listed in the Federal Aviation
Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
Authorizes the Secretary to waive any applicable grant
limitation or requirement if the Secretary determines that it
is necessary to respond to the urgent needs of the region
damaged by the hurricanes.
------
COMMUNITY DISASTER LOAN ACT OF 2005
S. 1858
(Public Law 109-88)
S. 1858, referred to as the Community Disaster Loan Act of
2005, amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act's Community Disaster Loan Program. The
program places a $5,000,000 limit per loan per community. S.
1858 removes this cap for the $750,000,000 appropriated for
this program for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The bill limits
the Community Disaster Loan program by not permitting the
waiver of repayment of these loan obligations, in effect
creating a $750,000,000 loan program which must be repaid by
the communities which have suffered from these two disasters.
This bill passed the House on October 7, 2005.
------
COLIN POWELL RESIDENTIAL PLAZA
S. 1413
(Public Law 109-89)
S. 1413 designates the Federal building in Kingston,
Jamaica, formerly known as the Crowne Plaza, as the Colin L.
Powell Residential Plaza. Colin Powell was born in New York
City on April 5, 1937. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell,
immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. He was educated
in New York City public schools. He went on to graduate from
the City College of New York with a degree in geology. While at
City College he joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps
(ROTC). When he graduated in 1958, he was at the top of his
ROTC class with the rank of cadet colonel, the highest rank in
the corps. In 1962, he was sent to Vietnam for the first of his
two tours of duty. In 1963, he was wounded and awarded the
Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. During his second tour in
Vietnam, he was injured in a helicopter crash but managed to
rescue his comrades for which he was awarded the Soldier's
Medal. He has received 11 decorations including the Legion of
Merit. He continued his education, gaining a master's degree in
business administration from George Washington University.
Since that time, Colin Powell has served our great Nation as a
professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he was the
recipient of numerous United States and foreign military awards
and decorations and soon rose to the rank of a four-star
general. He went on to serve as the 12th Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, which is the highest military position in the
Department of Defense. In his time as Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, he oversaw some 28 crises, including Operation
Desert Storm and the 1991 Persian Gulf War. His distinguished
career was topped off when he was sworn in as the 65th
Secretary of State of the United States in January of 2001, the
first African American to hold this office. As Secretary of
State, he took a leading role in rallying America's allies and
the United Nations in the war against terrorism. This bill
passed the House on October 6, 2005.
------
LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR AIRPORT OPERATORS
H.R. 2360
(Section 547 of Public Law 109-90)
This aviation provision was included in the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.
Section 547 provides all airports, those with Federal Screeners
and those choosing to participate in the Federal Screening
Partnership Program (SPP), with liability protection.
Specifically, the amendment provides all airports protection
from liability for the decision to file or not file an
application with the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) to participate in the Federal SPP; and protections from
liability arising out of negligent acts of security screeners,
whether Federal employees or the employees of Federally-
qualified SPP screening companies acting under a contract with
the TSA. The provision does not grant airports liability
protection for their own acts of negligence.
------
ROSA PARKS FEDERAL BUILDING
H.R. 2967
(Public Law 109-98)
H.R. 2967 designates the Federal building located at 333
Mt. Elliott Street in Detroit, Michigan, as the ``Rosa Parks
Federal Building''. Rosa Parks is most well known as the
``mother of the civil rights movement.'' In 1955, she defiantly
refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery,
Alabama, inspiring further civil disobedience. Rosa Park's
dedication to the fight for social and economic justice
continued well beyond that monumental day in 1955, as she spent
the remainder of her life fighting against all forms of
discrimination. Rosa Parks received numerous awards for her
contributions to the civil rights movement, including the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold
Medal. Rosa Parks passed away October 24, 2005. This bill
passed the House on October 26, 2005.
------
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006, THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-FEDERAL
PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS
H.R. 3765
(Public Law 109-99
H.R. 3765 provides a short-term extension through March 31,
2006, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act, H.R. 2864. H.R. 3765 became Public
Law 109-99.
------
ROSA PARKS FEDERAL BUILDING AND WILLIAM B. BRYANT ANNEX
S. 1285
(Public Law 109-101)
S. 1285 designates the Federal building located at 333 Mt.
Elliott Street in Detroit, Michigan, as the ``Rosa Parks
Federal Building'', and the annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman
Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at
Constitution Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, as
the ``William B. Bryant Annex''.
Rosa Parks is most well known as the ``mother of the civil
rights movement.'' In 1955 she defiantly refused to give up her
seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, inspiring
further civil disobedience. Rosa Park's dedication to the fight
for social and economic justice continued well beyond that
monumental day in 1955, as she spent the remainder of her life
fighting against all forms of discrimination. Rosa Parks
received numerous awards for her contributions to the civil
rights movement, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
and the Congressional Gold Medal. Rosa Parks passed away
October 24, 2005.
Judge Bryant was born in Alabama but raised in Washington,
DC. He attended DC public schools, and graduated from Dunbar
High School. He received both his Bachelor's and law degrees
from Howard University. In 1943, he entered the United States
Army, receiving a commission as a First Lieutenant. Judge
Bryant was honorably discharged in 1947, having attained the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After 18 years in private practice,
marked by a brief period with the Department of Justice,
William Bryant was appointed to the United States District
Court for the District of Columbia in 1965. In 1977, Judge
Bryant became the first African-American to serve as Chief
Judge for the D.C. District Court. Judge Bryant took senior
status in 1982. This bill passed the House on November 2, 2005.
------
A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO EXTEND THE
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND
H.R. 3963
(Public Law 109-137)
H.R. 3963, a bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, reauthorizes the Long Island Sound program within
the Environmental Protection Agency to provide $40 million a
year for the protection and restoration of the Long Island
Sound. This bill became Public Law 109-137 on December 22,
2005.
------
PREDISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4324
(Public Law 109-139)
H.R. 4324 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize through Fiscal Year
2008 the program of technical and financial assistance to
states and local governments for cost-effective predisaster
hazard mitigation measures. It also amends the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 to extend through September 30, 2007,
the deadline for completion by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office of a study estimating the reduction
in Federal disaster assistance that has resulted and is likely
to result from enactment of such Act. This bill passed the
House on December 15, 2005.
------
COAST GUARD HURRICANE RELIEF ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4508
(Public Law 109-141)
The legislation addresses several issues that have arisen
due to the recent events in the Gulf Coast as a result of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. H.R. 4508 recognizes and commends
the heroic actions of the Coast Guard in response to Hurricane
Katrina and preserves up to 90 days of accumulated leave that
would otherwise be lost at the end of this calendar year for
Coast Guardsmen who were detailed to operations in response to
Hurricane Katrina. The legislation also authorizes the Coast
Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and
documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina
and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that
are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the
impacted region.
------
THE DEFICIT CONTROL ACT OF 2005
S. 1932
Essential Air Service Program
(Section 3012 of Public Law 109-171)
Section 3012 of S. 1932, The Deficit Control Act of 2005,
provides an additional $15 million in each of Fiscal Years 2007
and 2008 for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The
additional $15 million is contingent upon at least $110 million
being provided for EAS from current sources (i.e., appropriated
funds and overflight fees). Together with base funding of at
least $110 million, the additional $15 million will increase
EAS funding to at least $125 million in Fiscal Years 2007 and
2008.
------
KATRINA EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2006
S. 1777
(Public Law 109-176)
S. 1777, as amended, extends the disaster unemployment
assistance eligibility period to 39 weeks for individuals
eligible for such assistance under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) who
are unemployed as a result of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane
Rita and are not eligible for regular unemployment assistance.
The Stafford Act allows the President to provide assistance to
individuals unemployed as a result of a major disaster through
the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program for a period of up
to 26 weeks. Due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a significant
part of the Gulf region's workforce remained unemployed after
this 26 week period. S. 1777, as amended, provides for an
additional 13 weeks of assistance. This bill passed the House
on March 3, 2006.
------
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006, THE AUTHORITY OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-
FEDERAL PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS
H.R. 4826
(Public Law 109-209)
H.R. 4826, provides a short-term extension through December
31, 2006, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act, H.R. 2864. H.R. 4826 became Public
Law 109-209.
------
SUPREME COURT GROUNDS TRANSFER ACT OF 2005
S. 2116
(Public Law 109-214)
S. 2116 transfers jurisdiction over a small parcel of land
from the Architect of the Capitol to the Supreme Court of the
United States. The small parcel of land is bordered by
Constitution Avenue on the North, Maryland Avenue on the West
and South, and by Second Street on the East. This transfer also
includes realigning the jurisdictional boundaries of the United
States Capitol Police and the United States Supreme Court
Police to reflect this land transfer. The transfer will enable
the Supreme Court Police to have control over the grounds
within the bollard perimeter currently under construction. This
bill passed the House on March 28, 2006.
------
LOCAL COMMUNITY RECOVERY ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4979
(Public Law 109-218)
H.R. 4979, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to
clarify the preference for local firms in the award of
contracts for disaster relief activities. The bill makes it
clear that the government can direct contracts to local
communities devastated by disasters. The Stafford Act provides
a preference for doing business with local firms to help them
rebuild their economy. In the areas hardest hit by Hurricane
Katrina, the job market, local economy, and tax base were
devastated. This legislation puts people back to work
rebuilding their communities, while simultaneously
strengthening the local economy and tax base and providing for
lower cost and faster job completion. This bill passed the
House on March 28, 2006.
------
COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 889
Public Law 109-241
This legislation authorizes appropriations for the Coast
Guard for Fiscal Year 2006, to make technical corrections to
various laws administered by the Coast Guard, and for other
purposes. The law also amends existing statutes to improve
management of Coast Guard activities, navigation, and
commercial shipping. The law also commends the Coast Guard for
the service's heroic efforts in response to Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita earlier this year, amends current law to improve
vessel safety procedures aboard United States ferries, and
directs the Coast Guard to establish a long-range vessel
tracking system to improve maritime domain awareness in
offshore waters.
The law also includes several provisions that were included
in H.R. 1412, the Delaware River Protection Act of 2005, as
passed in the House.
------
DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5013
Section 557 of Public Law 109-295
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FY 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 5013, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit the
confiscation of lawfully possessed firearms by an individual
operating under the color of Federal law while acting in
support of a major disaster or emergency declaration, unless
the confiscation is otherwise permitted by law. This Act
ensures that law abiding citizens can continue to protect
themselves, their families, their businesses, and their
property, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, during
disasters, when law enforcement is most likely to be
overwhelmed and unable to fulfill the safety needs of the
citizens they serve. It prevents agencies from arbitrarily
depriving law abiding citizens of their private property and
means of protection during a disaster. Additionally, this Act
clarifies that an individual may require the temporary
surrender of firearms as a condition for entry into any mode of
transportation used for rescue or evacuation during a disaster
or emergency. The Act authorizes any individual aggrieved by a
violation of this legislation to seek relief by bringing an
action for redress and by bringing a civil action in United
States district court for return of a confiscated firearm. H.R.
5013, as amended, passed the House on July 25, 2006.
------
POST-KATRINA REFORM OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
H.R. 5316
Title VI of Public Law 109-295
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS BILL]
H.R. 5316--Restoring Emergency Services to Protect Our
Nation from Disasters Act of 2006 or the ``RESPOND Act of
2006'' was ordered reported by the Committee on May 17, 2006,
and includes a number of the provisions that became law through
the Fiscal Year 2007 Homeland Appropriations. The Homeland
Security Appropriations Act puts Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) back together again and gives the agency the
tools and authority to do its job. With the leadership,
authority, and resources necessary to respond effectively to
the next disaster, FEMA can once again be a model agency within
the Federal Government.
The amendment to the Home Security Appropriations Act:
Elevates the standing of FEMA within the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) by promoting the Administrator of FEMA to the
level of Deputy Secretary. It also requires that the
Administrator possess a demonstrated ability in and knowledge
of emergency management and homeland security and at least five
years of executive leadership and management experience.
Provides statutory protections to FEMA, like those provided
to the United States Coast Guard and the Secret Service under
the Homeland Security Act, by maintaining FEMA as a distinct
entity within the Department. It also prevents the transfer of
FEMA authorities, personnel, assets and funds;
Directs the Administrator to serve as the principal advisor
to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the
Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to
emergency management and permits the President to designate the
Administrator as a member of the Cabinet in the event of
natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other disasters.
Returns training, exercises, and grant administration
authority to FEMA, restoring the nexus between emergency
preparedness and response, helping improve FEMA relations with
state and local first responders, officials, and emergency
managers.
Brings direction, professional expertise, and
accountability to Federal, State, and local preparedness
activities by defining responsibility for disaster management
as vested jointly between Federal and State governments and
establishing: A national advisory council of State and local
officials and first responders; National planning scenarios;
Target capabilities or recommended preparedness levels;
Training and exercises; A comprehensive assessment system and
remedial action program; and Federal preparedness requirements.
Further improves response capabilities at the Federal,
State and local levels by establishing regional emergency
support and response teams and Regional Offices and Advisory
Councils, authorizing the Urban Search and Rescue System and
the Metropolitan Medical Response System, and establishing a
nationwide pre-positioned emergency equipment program.
Elevates the importance of emergency communications within
DHS by creating an Office of Emergency Communications,
requiring the Director of the new office to conduct a
nationwide baseline assessment of emergency communication needs
and produce a National Emergency Communications Plan.
Requires State and local governments to establish
effective, Department-approved Statewide Interoperable
Communications Plans before being able to use DHS grant funds
for emergency communications.
Prevents waste, fraud, and abuse by developing internal
management controls, fraud prevention training, and allowing
the inspectors general of other Federal agencies to use a
portion of their disaster relief funds for oversight
activities. It also creates a housing pilot program to reduce
the need for large scale trailer parks; and places a spending
cap on mitigation programs.
Requires the development of capabilities necessary to meet
the needs of individuals with disabilities and others with
special needs.
Requires FEMA to develop a voluntary family registry and
locator system and to coordinate with the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children in the Center's development of a
National Emergency Child Locator Center.
Authorizes FEMA to disclose evacuee information to law
enforcement agencies to track sex offenders.
Increases authorization levels for a select few programs
and FEMA's core operating budget: Urban Search and Rescue
increases by $20 million for Fiscal Year 2008; Metropolitan
Medical Response increases by $30 million for Fiscal Year 2008;
Emergency Management Performance Grant increases by $175
million for Fiscal Year 2008; Emergency Management Assistance
Compact authorized at $4 million for Fiscal Year 2008; and
FEMA's two operating accounts increase by 10 percent per year
for three years.
------
RURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 2338
(Section 326 of Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 2338, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the
President to designate an advocate for small states and rural
areas within FEMA to advocate for the fair treatment in the
provision of assistance under such Act. The Homeland Security
Appropriations Act also requires the Department of Homeland
Security to report to specified Congressional Committees on the
extent to which disaster declaration regulations meet the needs
of States with populations of less than one million and comply
with existing statutory restrictions on the use of arithmetic
formulas and sliding scales based on income or population. H.R.
2338, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote by the
Subcommittee on July 14, 2005.
------
DISASTER RELIEF EQUITY ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3208
(Section 688 of Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 3208 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to require the President to ensure
that the distribution of supplies, the processing of
applications, and other disaster relief and assistance
activities shall be accomplished in an equitable and impartial
manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,
religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status.
------
TO AMEND TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, TO PERMIT ACCESS TO DATABASES
MAINTAINED BY THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR PURPOSES OF
COMPLYING WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY AND NOTIFICATION LAWS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
H.R. 4381
(Section 640a of Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 4381 amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to authorize the
disclosure to government agencies of FEMA records on assistance
provided to individuals in connection with a major disaster or
emergency for purposes of complying with a federal or state sex
offender registry or notification law. The bill also conditions
receipt of federal funds by non-governmental organizations
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act on the organization providing assurances
satisfactory to the President that it will disclose its records
for the purpose of permitting a requesting jurisdiction to
comply with a Federal or State sex offender registry or
notification law.
------
TO AMEND THE ROBERT T. STAFFORD DISASTER RELIEF AND EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE ACT TO RESTORE FEDERAL AID FOR THE REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND
REPLACEMENT OF PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES THAT ARE
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY A MAJOR DISASTER
H.R. 4517
(Section 689a of Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 4517 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to restore federal aid for the repair,
restoration, and replacement of private nonprofit educational
facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
------
RAILROAD RETIREMENT TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5074
(Public Law 109-305)
Current law (enacted in 2001) mandates that the Railroad
Retirement Board utilize a private disbursing agent to send
Tier II checks to retirees. This requirement has been postponed
in appropriations measures each year, because using a private
disbursing agent would result in increased cost to the Railroad
Retirement Board.
H.R. 5074 permanently amends the Railroad Retirement Act to
use the United States Treasury as the disbursing agent. This
Act results in a savings of $2 million per year.
------
TO AMEND THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER ACT TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007
H.R. 5187
(Public Law 109-306)
H.R. 5187 amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to
authorize additional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 to the
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the
maintenance, repair, and security account and the capital
projects account. This increase aligns the authorized amounts
with those requested by the President in the Fiscal Year 2007
budget. This bill passed the House on July 25, 2006.
------
PETS EVACUATION AND TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3858
(Public Law 109-308)
H.R. 3858, also known as the PETS Act, amends the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to
require the Director of FEMA to ensure that state and local
emergency preparedness operational plans take into account the
needs of individuals with household pets and service animals
following a major disaster or emergency. To qualify for FEMA
funding, a jurisdiction is required to submit a plan detailing
their disaster preparedness plan. The PETS Act ensures that the
needs of individuals with household pets and service animals
are considered when preparedness plans are developed. H.R.
3858, as amended, also permits FEMA to fund structures that
will accommodate people with pets and service animals and
provide essential needs to pets and service animals following a
disaster. This bill passed the House, as amended, on September
20, 2006.
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CARROLL A. CAMPBELL, JR. UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 5546
(Public Law 109-331)
H.R. 5546, as amended, designates the Federal Courthouse to
be constructed in Greenville, South Carolina, as the ``Carroll
A. Campbell, Jr. United States Courthouse.'' The bill honors
former South Carolina Governor and Congressman Carroll A.
Campbell, Jr. who passed away in 2005. In 1970, Governor
Campbell's political career began with his election to the
South Carolina House of Representatives, and he later served in
the South Carolina Senate. He served in the United States House
of Representatives from 1979 until his election as Governor in
1986. As Governor of South Carolina, Campbell coordinated his
state's response to Hurricane Hugo and lured large industry to
the state. After two terms in office, Governor Campbell was
prevented from seeking a third term. In 2001 at the relatively
young age of 61, Governor Campbell was diagnosed with
Alzheimer's disease. Governor Campbell passed away after a
severe heart attack on December 7, 2005. This bill passed the
House on September 27, 2006.
------
WILLIAM M. STEGER FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 5606
(Public Law 109-332)
H.R. 5606 designates the Federal building and United States
Courthouse located at 221 and 211 West Ferguson Street in
Tyler, Texas, as the ``William M. Steger Federal Building and
United States Courthouse.'' The Act honors William Steger, who
served as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of
Texas and was appointed to the Federal bench in 1970. Judge
Steger's service began in 1941 when he joined the Army Air
Corps the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1952, Judge
Steger was a seasoned attorney and appointed to serve as the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas by
President Eisenhower. Judge Steger's career as a judge began in
1970, with an appointment to the Federal bench by President
Nixon. During his tenure, he closed more than 6,500 cases,
issued several landmark decisions, and was rarely reversed on
appeal. Judge Steger passed away June 4, 2006. This bill passed
the House on September 27, 2006.
------
JOHN F. SEIBERLING FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 6051
(Public Law 109-335)
H.R. 6051, as amended, designates the Federal building and
United States Courthouse located at 2 South Main Street in
Akron, Ohio, as the ``John F. Seiberling Federal Building and
United States Courthouse''. John Seiberling was born in 1918 in
Akron, Ohio. He received his degree from Harvard University and
his law degree from Columbia School of Law. After four years of
duty with the United States Army during World War II,
Seiberling began a career in private practice. After more than
20 years as an attorney, Seiberling was elected to the 92nd
Congress and served in the United States House of
Representatives for 16 years as a Representative of the 14th
District of Ohio. During his eight terms in the United States
Congress, Representative Seiberling led the fight to establish
some of our country's most important urban parks, and has
received the title of ``patron saint'' of many of our national
parks. This bill passed the House on September 27, 2006.
------
JOHN MILTON BRYAN SIMPSON UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 315
(Public Law 109-339)
H.R. 315 designates the United States Courthouse at 300
North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the John Milton
Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse. Born in Kissimmee,
Florida, John Simpson progressed through, what would be called
by any reasonable person, a long, distinguished, and publicly
oriented career. After receiving his law degree from the
University of Florida and seven years in private practice, John
Simpson began what would result in a career in public service
spanning 54 years. He began as an Assistant State's Attorney,
served two years in the United States Army during World War II,
and was a State Judge for nine years before being nominated to
the Federal bench in 1950. He served as Chief Judge for three
different Courts, the Southern and Middle District Courts of
Florida and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He served on
the Conference of Chief Judges for three years. During his
tenure on the bench, he was also instrumental in the move
toward desegregation in Northern Florida during the late 1950s
and early 1960s. This bill passed the House on February 8,
2005.
------
JUSTIN W. WILLIAMS UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S BUILDING
H.R. 1463
(Public Law 109-341)
H.R. 1463 designates a portion of the Federal building
located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as
the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building''.
Born in New York City in 1942, Justin Williams earned his
Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University in 1963, and his law
degree from the University of Virginia in 1967. After
graduation, Justin Williams embarked upon his legal career.
From 1967 until 1986, he worked for the Criminal Division of
the Department of Justice and served as Assistant
Commonwealth's Attorney in Arlington County and Assistant
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia,
based in Alexandria. In 1986, Justin Williams was appointed
Chief of the Criminal Division and served in that capacity
until his death. Justin Williams passed away August 31, 2003.
This bill passed the House on April 13, 2005.
------
CLYDE S. CAHILL MEMORIAL PARK
H.R. 1556
(Public Law 109-342)
H.R. 1556 designates a parcel of land located on the site
of the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse in St.
Louis, Missouri, as the ``Clyde S. Cahill Memorial Park.''
Judge Cahill, was the first African-American to be appointed to
the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Missouri. After serving in the United States Air Force during
World War II and acquiring a law degree from St. Louis
University Law School, Judge Cahill engaged in the private
practice of law in 1951. From 1958 through 1968, he served as
chief legal advisor to the Missouri NAACP and while with the
NAACP, he filed the first lawsuit in Missouri to implement the
Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education helping
to end school segregation in Missouri. Judge Cahill was
appointed to the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Missouri in 1980. Judge Cahill had a reputation for
being courteous and compassionate. This bill passed the House
on September 27, 2006.
------
KIKA DE LA GARZA FEDERAL BUILDING
H.R. 2322
(Public Law 109-343)
H.R. 2322 designates the Federal building located at 320
North Main Street in McAllen, Texas, as the ``Kika de la Garza
Federal Building.'' The bill honors former Congressman de la
Garza from Texas, who served in the United States House of
Representatives for 32 years. Congressman de la Garza started
his career of civil service early, when he enlisted in the
United States Navy at age 17. After his military service, he
earned a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.
Following law school, he was elected to the Texas House of
Representatives, where he served the state for six consecutive
terms. Congressman de la Garza was elected in 1964 to the
United States House of Representatives. During his 32 years of
service in Washington, de la Garza accomplished countless goals
and participated in a number of historic events including the
creation of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He also served
as the first Hispanic Chair of a Congressional Committee. This
bill passed the House on September 27, 2006.
------
SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4954
(Public Law 109-347)
H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every Port
Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act) includes a number of measures
within the Committee's jurisdiction. The bill includes the
Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act of 2005 (WARN Act),
which gives the Federal Communications Commission the tools it
needs to encourage wireless communications providers to
participate in the Emergency Alert System. This is a critical
step toward strengthening and modernizing our Nation's
emergency alert system. The SAFE Port Act also makes a number
of improvements to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act. It provides for medical monitoring of
emergency response providers by the Department of Health and
Human Services. Additionally, the bill ensures that the
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and the
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program are administered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This bill passed the
House on May 4, 2006 and the conference report was approved by
the House on September 30, 2006.
------
ANDRES TORO BUILDING
H.R. 5026
(Public Law 109-348)
H.R. 5026 designates the Investigations Building of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located at 466 Fernandez
Juncos Avenue in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the ``Andres Toro
Building.'' Andres Toro was the Director of the Compliance
Division of the FDA San Juan District Office. He joined the FDA
in 1977, as an investigator in the San Juan District office and
worked his way up the ranks to Director of the Compliance
Division. He is the first and only Puerto Rican to have risen
to this high government rank in the FDA without taking a
position off the island. He received many awards along the way.
Mr. Toro played a major role in some of the most unprecedented
regulatory cases the FDA has initiated against the food and
drug industry. He was known for his dedication and commitment
in preserving and protecting public health. This bill passed
the House on September 27, 2006.
------
THE WRIGHT AMENDMENT REFORM ACT OF 2006
S. 3661
(Public Law 109-352)
This legislation lifts all domestic flight restrictions on
scheduled commercial service at Love Field, Dallas, Texas,
beginning eight years after the date of enactment. It currently
maintains existing domestic flight restrictions at Love Field
(i.e., direct flights out of Love Field are limited to the
following states: Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi,
Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma), but
allows through-ticketing from Love Field to cities outside the
Wright Amendment's geographic area, while reducing the number
of gates at Love Field from 32 to 20. The Act specifically
clarifies that nothing in the legislation shall affect general
aviation service at Love Field, and shall not take effect until
the Federal Aviation Administration notifies Congress that
aviation operations in the airspace are safe. S. 3661 was
passed by both the House and the Senate on September 29, 2006.
------
LONG ISLAND SOUND STEWARDSHIP ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5160
(Public Law 109-359)
H.R. 5160, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006
establishes the Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative and
Advisory Committee to identify, protect, and enhance sites in
Connecticut and New York that are within the Long Island Sound
region with significant ecological, educational, open space,
public access, or recreational value; requires the Advisory
Committee to identify areas with significant value as potential
stewardship sites, and report on recommended sites and
recommended grants for securing and improving sites. It directs
the Environmental Protection Agency to review the Advisory
Committee's recommendations, approve stewardship sites, award
grants, and report annually on the Initiative.
------
TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO REAUTHORIZE A
PROGRAM RELATING TO THE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN BASIN, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
H.R. 6121
(Public Law 109-392)
H.R. 6121 amends section 121 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act to reauthorize appropriations for the Environmental
Protection Agency's Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration
Program in Louisiana and Mississippi. The purpose of the
program is to restore the ecological health of the Basin by
developing and funding restoration projects and related
scientific and public education projects. On November 13, 2006,
the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6121 by voice vote,
and the Senate passed H.R. 6121 by unanimous consent on
November 16, 2006. The bill was presented to the President on
December 4, 2006.
------
FEDERAL AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT REAL PROPERTY ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3699
(Public Law 109-396)
H.R. 3699, as amended, authorizes the exchange of Federal
land between the Department of Interior's National Park Service
and the District of Columbia. Under a transfer of jurisdiction,
the Federal government retains ownership of the property and
the District is given authority to maintain and administer the
property. Transferring this land allows the District to utilize
the lands for development, to increase its tax base and
decrease financial dependence on the Federal government. Many
of the parcels in H.R. 3699 are underutilized or neglected and
consequently the transfer would help the Federal government
manage existing properties by reducing maintenance backlogs.
These lands are not currently providing substantial value and
their transfer to the District allows taxpayer dollars to be
spent on maintaining more beneficial properties. This bill
passed the House, as amended, on September 30, 2006, and passed
the Senate on November 16, 2006.
------
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008, THE AUTHORITY OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-
FEDERAL PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS
H.R. 6316
(Public Law 109-434)
H.R. 6316 provides a short-term extension through December
31, 2008, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 2864. H.R. 6316 was
presented to the President on December 11, 2006.
------
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5076
(Public Law 109-443)
H.R. 5076 authorizes the appropriation of $81,594,000 for
Fiscal Year 2007 and $92,625,000 for Fiscal Year 2008 to fund
authorized activities of the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB). These funding levels would support 410 Full Time
Equivalent (FTE) staff in 2007 and 430 FTE in 2008.
Section 2(a)(1) of the bill requires the NTSB to submit to
Congress a list of accidents the Board was required to
investigate, as well as a list of ongoing investigations
exceeding the time allotted by Board order. This reporting
requirement would not apply to accident types which the NTSB
may voluntarily elect to investigate, but is not required to
investigate, under current law, such as railroad grade-crossing
or highway accidents.
Section 2(a)(2) directs the NTSB to develop and implement a
plan to achieve, to the maximum extent feasible, the self-
sufficient operation of the NTSB Academy. This facility has in
the past consumed too large a portion of the Board's budget
resources, to the detriment of its core accident investigation
mission. This provision requires the NTSB to develop a plan to
make better use of this facility and reduce the burden it
imposes on the Board's budget.
Section 2(b) improves oversight of the ``Most Wanted Safety
Improvements'' by requiring the NTSB to comment on the
Secretary of Transportation's annual report to Congress on the
status of each recommendation that the Board has made to the
Department of Transportation that remains on the Board's list
of Most Wanted Safety Improvements. Similarly, section 7 of the
bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to
report to Congress on why the FAA has not implemented the
aviation recommendations in the NTSB's list of ``Most Wanted
Transportation Safety Improvements, 2006.''
Section 3 extends the expedited contracting procedures that
were authorized for the NTSB in the 2003 reauthorization act.
These procedures have proven beneficial in allowing the Board
to award contracts quickly to obtain services to expedite
accident investigations. The Act expands the disclosure and
reporting requirements associated with this authority under
current law to include all contracts regardless of the amount
of funds involved.
Under H.R. 5076, the Department of Transportation Inspector
General's current authority under 49 United States Code 1137 to
review the financial management, property management, and
business operations of the NTSB, including internal accounting
and administrative control systems, is unchanged. Section 4 of
the bill clarifies how these functions of the Inspector General
should be funded. Currently, the NTSB reimburses the Inspector
General for the costs incurred by the Inspector General in
carrying out 49 United States Code 1137. H.R. 5076 clarifies
that an appropriation of funds directly to the Inspector
General for these activities is preferable to a reimbursable
agreement, but if such an appropriation is not available, then
a reimbursable agreement should be used instead.
Section 5 requires the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) to evaluate and audit the programs and expenditures of
the NTSB at least annually. This provision will provide greater
oversight of the NTSB without risking any infringement on the
Board's independence that could result from having the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General perform
this audit function. When the NTSB was first established in
1967, it initially relied on DOT for funding and administrative
support. In 1975, under the Independent Safety Board Act, all
organizational ties to DOT were severed. The NTSB serves as an
independent ``watchdog'' over the DOT, as well as State
transportation agencies, recommending actions these agencies
should take to improve safety. Therefore, maintaining NTSB's
strict independence from DOT is critically important to NTSB's
mission.
Section 9(b) clarifies that NTSB has jurisdiction to
investigate major marine casualties occurring on bodies of
water such as Lake George, New York, by expanding NTSB's
jurisdiction to include major marine accidents occurring ``on
or under the navigable waters, internal waters, or the
territorial sea of the United States.''
Section 9(d) authorizes each member of the Board, rather
than the Chairman, to select employees on his or her own
personal staff.
Section 9(f) directs the NTSB to develop and approve a
process for the entire Board's review and comment or approval
of budget and legislative documents submitted by the Board to
the President, Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
or Congress.
Section 9(g) requires the Board to maintain at least one
full time employee in each State located more than 1,000 miles
from the nearest Board regional office to provide initial
investigative response to accidents in that State.
Section 10 provides that, for a runway safety area project
at Juneau International Airport, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) may only select as the preferred
alternative the least expensive alternative, including life-
cycle costs, that otherwise meets FAA standards and that
maintains the length of the runway as of the date of enactment
of this legislation.
Section 11 instructs the Inspector General of the United
States Department of Transportation to conduct oversight of the
reviews currently underway at the Federal Highway
Administration and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the
tragic July 10, 2006, fatal accident in the Central Artery
tunnel project in Boston, Massachusetts. The section also
instructs the Inspector General to investigate, in cooperation
with the United States Attorney General and the Attorney
General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any criminal or
fraudulent acts committed in the execution of the project.
------
MARINE DEBRIS RESEARCH, PREVENTION, AND REDUCTION ACT
S. 362
(Public Law 109-449)
S. 362, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and
Reduction Act, as passed in the House, would establish a marine
debris prevention and removal program within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), strengthen the
Coast Guard's capabilities to improve and enforce compliance
with laws and regulations regarding the disposal of plastics
and other garbage from vessels, and reactivate the Interagency
Marine Debris Coordinating Committee to coordinate marine
debris research and activities throughout the Federal
government.
------
DAM SAFETY ACT OF 2006
S. 2735/H.R. 4981
(Public Law 109-460)
S. 2735 and H.R. 4981, as amended, reauthorize the National
Dam Safety Program for five years, through Fiscal Year 2011.
The National Dam Safety Program, administered by FEMA, was
established to improve safety and security around dams. The
program provides assistance grants to state dam safety agencies
to assist them in improving their regulatory programs,
training, and research, and to create a National Inventory of
Dams. H.R. 4981, as amended, passed the House on September 27,
2006. S. 2735 passed the Senate on December 6, 2006, and passed
the House on December 8, 2006.
------
PIPELINE INSPECTION, PROTECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5782
(Public Law 109-XXX)
H.R. 5782 reauthorizes the Federal pipeline safety programs
and amends title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety
and reliability of transporting the Nation's energy products by
pipelines. This bill addresses enforcement of one-call laws,
provides guidance to states on underground damage programs,
requires a rule to be issued establishing a distribution
integrity management program, and requires that standards be
developed to reduce the risks in pipeline control rooms
associated with human factors. The Act also directs the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to
develop regulations on the operation of low-stress hazardous
liquid pipelines. H.R. 5782 also authorizes funding levels for
the pipeline safety programs for Fiscal Year 2007 through
Fiscal Year 2010. H.R. 5782 was ordered reported by the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on July 19, 2006,
and the House Energy and Commerce Committee on September 27,
2006. H.R. 5782 was agreed to by the House on December 6, 2006,
and the Senate on December 7, 2006.
------
THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT DISABILITY EARNINGS ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5483
(Public Law 109-XXX)
Under current law, the Railroad Retirement Board pays
disabled railroad workers a stipend averaging $1911 per month.
Disabled workers may earn additional outside income, but not
more than $400 per month.
H.R. 5483 permanently amends the Railroad Retirement Act to
increase the amount of permissible outside earnings. The bill
raises the earnings limit from $400 to $700 per month effective
January 1, 2007, and enacts an indexing formula to provide for
automatic increases in the future. The cost estimate from the
Congressional Budget Office is less than $500,000 per year.
COMMITTEE VIEWS AND ESTIMATES REPORTS
Pursuant to section 301(d) of the Congressional Budget Act,
the Committee submitted its Views and Estimates Reports to the
Committee on the Budget for fiscal years 2006 and 2007 on
February 16, 2005, and February 22, 2006, 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 be effective during the next fiscal year.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
Public Laws and Other Legislation
SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A
LEGACY FOR USERS
H.R. 3
Section 4405 of Public Law 109-59
Limited Exception From Type Certificate Requirement
This aviation provision was included as section 4405 of the
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA: LU). Section 4405 provides a
narrow exception to the requirement that aircraft builders
obtain the permission of the type certificate holder before
building an aircraft using the type certificate holder's
design. Under section 4405, aircraft that were already in the
process of being built prior to the date on which Federal
Aviation Administration field offices were informed of this
requirement may continue to be certificated without the
permission of the type certificate holder, if certain
conditions are met.
------
THE DEFICIT CONTROL ACT OF 2005
Section 3012 of Public Law 109-171--Essential Air Service Program
S. 1932
(Public Law 109-171)
Section 3012 of S. 1932 (The Deficit Control Act of 2005)
provides an additional $15 million in each of Fiscal Years 2007
and 2008 for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The
additional $15 million is contingent upon at least $110 million
being provided for EAS from current sources (appropriated funds
and overflight fees for example). Together with base funding of
at least $110 million, the additional $15 million will increase
EAS funding to at least $125 million in Fiscal Years 2007 and
2008.
------
THE WRIGHT AMENDMENT REFORM ACT OF 2006
S. 3661
(Public Law 109-352)
This legislation lifts all domestic flight restrictions on
scheduled commercial service at Love Field, beginning eight
years after the date of enactment. It currently maintains
existing domestic flight restrictions at Love Field (direct
flights out of Love Field are limited to the following states:
Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Kansas, Louisiana, New
Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma), but allows through-ticketing
from Love Field to cities outside the Wright Amendment's
geographic area, while reducing the number of gates at Love
Field from 32 to 20. The Act specifically clarifies that
nothing in the legislation shall affect general aviation
service at Love Field, and shall not take effect until the
Federal Aviation Administration notifies Congress that aviation
operations in the airspace are safe. S. 3661 was passed by both
the House and the Senate on September 29, 2006 and was signed
into law on October 13, 2006. It became Public Law 109-352.
------
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5076
(Public Law 109-443)
H.R. 5076 authorizes the appropriation of $81,594,000 for
Fiscal Year 2007 and $92,625,000 for Fiscal Year 2008 to fund
authorized activities of the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB). These funding levels would support 410 Full Time
Equivalent (FTE) staff in 2007 and 430 FTE in 2008.
Section 2(a)(1) of the bill requires the NTSB to submit to
Congress a list of accidents the Board was required to
investigate, as well as a list of ongoing investigations
exceeding the time allotted by Board order. This reporting
requirement would not apply to accident types which the NTSB
may voluntarily elect to investigate, but is not required to
investigate, under current law, such as railroad grade-crossing
or highway accidents.
Section 2(a)(2) directs the NTSB to develop and implement a
plan to achieve, to the maximum extent feasible, the self-
sufficient operation of the NTSB Academy. This facility has in
the past consumed too large a portion of the Board's budget
resources, to the detriment of its core accident investigation
mission. This provision requires the NTSB to develop a plan to
make better use of this facility and reduce the burden it
imposes on the Board's budget.
Section 2(b) improves oversight of the ``Most Wanted Safety
Improvements'' by requiring the NTSB to comment on the
Secretary of Transportation's annual report to Congress on the
status of each recommendation that the Board has made to the
Department of Transportation that remains on the Board's list
of Most Wanted Safety Improvements. Similarly, section 7 of the
bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to
report to Congress on why the FAA has not implemented the
aviation recommendations in the NTSB's list of ``Most Wanted
Transportation Safety Improvements, 2006.''
Section 3 extends the expedited contracting procedures that
were authorized for the NTSB in the 2003 reauthorization act.
These procedures have proven beneficial in allowing the Board
to award contracts quickly to obtain services to expedite
accident investigations. The Act expands the disclosure and
reporting requirements associated with this authority under
current law to include all contracts regardless of the amount
of funds involved.
Under H.R. 5076, the Department of Transportation Inspector
General's current authority under 49 United States Code 1137 to
review the financial management, property management, and
business operations of the NTSB, including internal accounting
and administrative control systems, is unchanged. Section 4 of
the bill clarifies how these functions of the Inspector General
should be funded. Currently, the NTSB reimburses the Inspector
General for the costs incurred by the Inspector General in
carrying out 49 United States Code 1137. H.R. 5076 clarifies
that an appropriation of funds directly to the Inspector
General for these activities is preferable to a reimbursable
agreement, but if such an appropriation is not available, then
a reimbursable agreement should be used instead.
Section 5 requires the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) to evaluate and audit the programs and expenditures of
the NTSB at least annually. This provision will provide greater
oversight of the NTSB without risking any infringement on the
Board's independence that could result from having the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General perform
this audit function. When the NTSB was first established in
1967, it initially relied on DOT for funding and administrative
support. In 1975, under the Independent Safety Board Act, all
organizational ties to DOT were severed. The NTSB serves as an
independent ``watchdog'' over the DOT, as well as State
transportation agencies, recommending actions these agencies
should take to improve safety. Therefore, maintaining NTSB's
strict independence from DOT is critically important to NTSB's
mission.
Section 9(b) clarifies that NTSB has jurisdiction to
investigate major marine casualties occurring on bodies of
water such as Lake George, New York, by expanding NTSB's
jurisdiction to include major marine accidents occurring ``on
or under the navigable waters, internal waters, or the
territorial sea of the United States.''
Section 9(d) authorizes each member of the Board, rather
than the Chairman, to select employees on his or her own
personal staff.
Section 9(f) directs the NTSB to develop and approve a
process for the entire Board's review and comment or approval
of budget and legislative documents submitted by the Board to
the President, Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
or Congress.
Section 9(g) requires the Board to maintain at least one
full time employee in each State located more than 1,000 miles
from the nearest Board regional office to provide initial
investigative response to accidents in that State.
Section 10 provides that, for a runway safety area project
at Juneau International Airport, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) may only select as the preferred
alternative the least expensive alternative, including life-
cycle costs, that otherwise meets FAA standards and that
maintains the length of the runway as of the date of enactment
of this legislation.
Section 11 instructs the Inspector General of the United
States Department of Transportation to conduct oversight of the
reviews currently underway at the Federal Highway
Administration and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the
tragic July 10, 2006 fatal accident in the Central Artery
tunnel project in Boston, Massachusetts. The section also
instructs the Inspector General to investigate, in cooperation
with the United States Attorney General and the Attorney
General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any criminal or
fraudulent acts committed in the execution of the project.
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FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER PROGRAM
H. Con. Res. 196
This resolution honors the pilots of United States
commercial air carriers who volunteer to participate in the
highly successful Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program.
The House approved this resolution on December 12, 2005, by a
roll call vote of 413-2 and the Senate subsequently approved
the resolution by unanimous consent.
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LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR AIRPORT OPERATORS
Section 547 of Public Law 109-90
H.R. 2360
This aviation provision was included in the Department of
Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.
Section 547 provides all airports, those with Federal Screeners
and those choosing to participate in the Federal Screening
Partnership Program (SPP), with liability protection.
Specifically, the amendment provides all airports protection
from liability for the decision to file or not file an
application with the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) to participate in the Federal SPP; and protections from
liability arising out of negligent acts of security screeners,
whether Federal employees or the employees of Federally-
qualified SPP screening companies acting under a contract with
the TSA. The provision does not grant airports liability
protection for their own acts of negligence.
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EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES OF THE
VICTIMS OF THE CRASH OF COMAIR FLIGHT 5191
H. Res. 980
This Resolution remembers and honors the victims of the
crash of Comair Flight 5191. It also extends deep sympathy and
condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the
victims. The House agreed to the resolution under suspension of
the rules on September 6, 2006.
Hearings
On February 9, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, Commercial Space Transportation: Beyond the X Prize.
The purpose of this hearing was to discuss the status and
future of the United States commercial space transportation
industry and the role of the Federal Aviation Administration in
providing safety oversight of the industry.
On March 15, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Lasers: A Hazard to Aviation Safety and Security? The purpose
of this hearing was to examine the potential safety and
security implications of visible lasers to civil aircraft.
On April 6, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Efforts to Prevent Pandemic by Air Travel. The purpose of this
hearing was to receive testimony on efforts to prevent the
spread of disease by air travel.
On April 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Transforming the Federal Aviation Administration: A Review of
the Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Planning and
Development Office. The purpose of this hearing was to review
progress and challenges facing the Federal Aviation
Administration Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Planning
and Development Office.
On April 20, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Air Traffic Management by Foreign Countries. The purpose of
this hearing was to review and obtain perspectives on the
governance, organizational structure, modernization efforts,
and system funding of commercialized international air traffic
control providers.
On May 4, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Financial Condition of the Aviation Trust Fund: Are Reforms
needed? The purpose of this hearing was to assess the financial
condition of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (commonly known
as the Aviation Trust Fund), and discuss possible alternative
mechanisms for financing the future needs of the aviation
system.
On May 25, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
The U.S. Jet Transport Industry: Global Market Factors
affecting Producers (Boeing-Airbus Trade Case). The purpose of
this hearing was to receive testimony on competition,
regulation, and global market factors affecting United States
aircraft manufacturers.
On June 22, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Airline Pensions: Avoiding Further Collapse. The purpose of
this hearing was to examine the current status of airline
pension plans, the impact of the termination of United and US
Airways' plans, and how further terminations may be avoided.
On July 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Cell Phones on Aircraft: Nuisance or Necessity? The purpose of
this hearing was to examine the public safety, national
security, and social implications of the Federal Communication
Commission's proposed rule that reverses long-standing
regulations on the use of cellular telephones and similar
wireless communications devices onboard aircraft during flight.
On September 28, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, Current Outlook and Future of U.S. Commercial Airline
Industry. The purpose of this hearing was to examine the
current situation of the United States commercial airline
industry, the impact of recent bankruptcies and increased fuel
prices, and the outlook for the industry's future.
On February 8, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, U.S.-EU Open Skies Agreement: With a focus on the
Department of Transportation's NPRM regarding `actual control'
of U.S. air carriers. The purpose of this hearing was to
receive testimony on the tentative Open Skies agreement reached
between the United States and the European Union as well as the
Department of Transportation's recent Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking on `actual control' of United States carriers.
On February 15, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, Commercial Jet Fuel Supply: Impact and Cost on the
Airline Industry. The purpose of this hearing was to examine
the impact and cost of commercial jet fuel on the United States
airline industry including: (1) how commercial jet fuel is
produced, transported and priced; (2) steps airlines have taken
to increase fuel efficiency in the wake of rising fuel costs;
(3) the effect of certain air traffic control modernization
programs on airline fuel efficiency; (4) the impact of new
aircraft manufacturing technologies on fuel efficiency; and (5)
what actions, if any, the Federal Government can take to help
the struggling United States airline industry cope with higher
jet fuel costs.
On March 8, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is charged with
investigating civil aviation accidents and significant
transportation accidents in the surface modes--railroad,
highway, marine, and pipeline. The NTSB determines the probable
cause of all civil aviation accidents and significant surface
transportation accidents, conducts safety studies, and
evaluates the effectiveness of other government agencies'
programs for preventing transportation accidents.
On March 20, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Corona, California, titled, Meeting Future Aviation Capacity
Needs in Southern California. This field hearing was held to
discuss future aviation capacity needs in Southern California
and possible regional solutions.
On March 22, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing in
Wichita, Kansas, titled, Keeping Aviation Manufacturing
Competitive. The purpose of this hearing was to review issues
important to keeping the United States aviation manufacturing
industry competitive in the global marketplace.
On March 29, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and the National Airspace
System. The purpose of this hearing was to discuss the use of
UAVs or Unmanned Aerial Systems in the National Airspace System
(NAS) and the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration
to provide safety oversight and air traffic control over these
systems in the NAS.
On May 3, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Mishandled Baggage: Problems and Solutions. The purpose of this
hearing was to examine issues related to lost, delayed,
damaged, or pilfered baggage, and to explore potential
solutions to those problems.
On June 21, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Air Traffic Control Modernization. The purpose of this hearing
was to review progress and challenges facing the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Joint Program Development
Office in modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS) to
meet projected increases in traffic volumes, enhance the
system's margin of safety, and increase the efficiency of the
air traffic control system, the principal component of the NAS.
On June 29, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Airline Passenger Baggage Screening: Technology and Airport
Deployment Update. The Subcommittee received testimony from the
Transportation Security Administration, Government
Accountability Office, airport representatives, and explosive
detection system (EDS) manufacturers concerning the financing
and deployment of integrated in-line EDS systems for screening
checked baggage. The hearing also reviewed the Reveal EDS
Machine pilot program at Newark Liberty International Airport.
On July 12, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled,
Reforming the Wright Amendment. The purpose of this hearing was
to examine the agreement reached on reforming the Wright
Amendment and its economic, regional, and national impacts on
the United States aviation system.
On September 20, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, Oversight of Federal Aviation Administration Safety
Programs. The purpose of this hearing was to review the Federal
Aviation Administration's safety programs.
On September 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
titled, Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing
Options. The purpose of this hearing was to examine options for
financing the Federal Aviation Administration, and more
specifically, the Next Generation Air Transportation System,
which is expected to be a major issue in next year's
reauthorization of aviation programs.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME
TRANSPORTATION
During the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation, chaired by Congressman Frank A.
LoBiondo with Congressman Bob Filner serving as the Ranking
Democratic Member, developed major legislation regarding the
United States Coast Guard and maritime security. The Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, Public Law 109-
241, the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE Port)
Act, Public Law 109-347, the Sportfishing and Recreational
Boating Safety Act of 2005, Public Law 109-59, the Sportfishing
and Recreational Boating Safety Amendments Act of 2005, Public
Law 109-74, and the Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005,
Public Law 109-141, were enacted during the 109th Congress and
incorporated a number of bills that were developed and
considered by the Subcommittee.
Enacted Legislation
SPORTFISHING AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ACT OF 2005
Subtitle A of Title X of Public Law 109-59--Sportfishing and
Recreational Boating Safety Amendments
H.R. 3
(Public Law 109-59)
This law made several amendments to create a simpler and
more equitable formula for Federal sportfishing restoration and
recreational boating safety funding. The law established the
Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Trust Fund and
provided for the spend-out of more than $90 million in the
Boating Safety Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund to
support State programs in future Fiscal Years.
------
SPORTFISHING AND RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3649
(Public Law 109-74)
This law made several technical and conforming amendments
to the Sportfishing and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2005
(Public Law 109-59) and provided funding for State sportfish
conservation and recreational boating safety programs in Fiscal
Year 2005.
------
COAST GUARD HURRICANE RELIEF ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4508
(Public Law 109-141)
The legislation addresses several issues that have arisen
due to the recent events in the Gulf Coast as a result of
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. H.R. 4508 recognizes and commends
the heroic actions of the Coast Guard in response to Hurricane
Katrina and preserves up to 90 days of accumulated leave that
would otherwise be lost at the end of this calendar year for
Coast Guardsmen who were detailed to operations in response to
Hurricane Katrina. The legislation also authorizes the Coast
Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and
documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina
and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that
are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the
impacted region.
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COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 889
(Public Law 109-241)
This legislation authorizes appropriations for the Coast
Guard for Fiscal Year 2006, to make technical corrections to
various laws administered by the Coast Guard, and for other
purposes. The law also amends existing statutes to improve
management of Coast Guard activities, navigation, and
commercial shipping. The law also commends the Coast Guard for
the service's heroic efforts in response to Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita earlier this year, amends current law to improve
vessel safety procedures aboard United States ferries, and
directs the Coast Guard to establish a long-range vessel
tracking system to improve maritime domain awareness in
offshore waters.
The law also includes several provisions that were included
in H.R. 1412, the Delaware River Protection Act of 2005, as
passed in the House.
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MARINE DEBRIS RESEARCH, PREVENTION, AND REDUCTION ACT
S. 362
(Public Law 109-449)
S. 362, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and
Reduction Act, as passed in the House, would establish a marine
debris prevention and removal program within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), strengthen the
Coast Guard's capabilities to improve and enforce compliance
with laws and regulations regarding the disposal of plastics
and other garbage from vessels, and reactivate the Interagency
Marine Debris Coordinating Committee to coordinate marine
debris research and activities throughout the Federal
government.
Other Legislation
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5681
Passed the House on September 28, 2006
The bill authorizes approximately $9.0 billion for Coast
Guard programs and operations in Fiscal Year 2007, including
approximately $1.7 billion for the Coast Guard's Deepwater
program which would accelerate the program's completion from
the current projected timeline. The bill makes several
amendments to current statutes related to the activities of the
Coast Guard, navigation and commercial shipping. The bill also
includes a provision that would establish a civil penalty for
individuals who possess personal use quantities of narcotics at
maritime facilities or aboard vessels subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
The bill, as passed in the House, also includes H.R. 5811,
the MARPOL Annex VI Implementation Act of 2006, as reported
from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
DELAWARE RIVER PROTECTION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 1412
Passed by the House on June 27, 2005
(Enacted into Law as Title 6 of Public Law 109-241, the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2006)
H.R. 1412 addresses several issues that were raised by an
oil spill in the Delaware River in November 2004. The
legislation amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to adjust oil
spill liability limits to reflect increases in inflation since
1990. The legislation requires individuals to report to the
Coast Guard any release of an object from a vessel or a
facility that could obstruct navigation in United States
waters. The legislation also includes several provisions to
improve future oil spill response actions in the Delaware River
and nationwide.
MARPOL ANNEX VI IMPLEMENTATION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5811
Reported by the Committee on July 19, 2006
Passed the House as Title 5 of H.R. 5681, the Coast Guard Authorization
Act of 2006
H. R. 5811, the MARPOL Annex VI Implementation Act of 2006,
would implement requirements under MARPOL Annex VI for purposes
of United States law. The bill would require all vessels
operating within the territorial sea (the belt of the oceans
extending out to a distance of 12 miles from shore) and in
special emission control areas to comply with air emission
regulations. The regulations would require engines that are
installed on covered vessels to meet standards under Annex VI
regarding NOx, SOx, and other organic compounds. The
regulations would also require ports and terminals to comply
with requirements to provide receptacles or access to reception
facilities where ozone depleting substances and other materials
can be disposed of.
MARITIME TERMINAL SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4880
Reported Favorably to the House on September 29, 2006
(Enacted into Law as Part of P.L. 109-347, the SAFE Ports Act)
The bill makes several amendments to current law to improve
the security of ports and port terminal facilities. The bill
would require a port terminal facility operator to resubmit a
facility security plan for the Coast Guard's approval upon the
transfer of ownership or operational control of that facility.
The bill also requires each operator of a port terminal
facility to designate a United States citizen as the Facility
Security Officer under a facility security plan. Lastly, the
bill establishes several deadlines for maritime security
programs required under the Maritime Transportation Security
Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295).
Hearings
During the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation chaired by Congressman Frank A.
LoBiondo, with Congressman Bob Filner serving as Ranking
Democratic Member, held 19 hearings.
OVERSIGHT FIELD HEARING ON THE DELAWARE RIVER OIL SPILL
On January 18, 2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight
field hearing on the Delaware River oil spill to review the
circumstances that led to a discharge of oil from the M/V ATHOS
I into waters of the Delaware River on November 26, 2004, and
the response to the discharge by the vessel owner, and Federal
and State agencies. The Subcommittee examined the response of
Federal and State agencies to the spill and whether these
agencies had all assets necessary to minimize the environmental
and economic damages from this incident.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Sally
Brice-O'Hara, Commander, Fifth District, United States Coast
Guard, and was accompanied by Captain Jonathan D. Sarubbi,
Captain of the port of Philadelphia; Lieutenant Colonel Robert
J. Ruch, Commander, Philadelphia District, United States Army
Corps of Engineers; Mr. Bradley Campbell, Commissioner, New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Ms. Kathleen
McGinty, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection; Mr. Dennis Rochford, President, Maritime Exchange
for the Delaware River and Bay; and Mr. Eric P. Stiles, Vice
President for Conservation and Stewardship, New Jersey Audubon
Society.
FISCAL YEAR 2006 BUDGET FOR COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAMS, AND H.R. 889, THE COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT
OF 2005
On March 3, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
Fiscal Year 2006 budget for the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation programs, and H.R. 889, the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2005. The purpose of the hearing
was to consider the Administration's Fiscal Year 2006 budget
requests for the United States Coast Guard, Department of
Homeland Security port and container security programs, the
Federal Maritime Commission, and other maritime transportation
programs.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Admiral Thomas H.
Collins, Commandant, United States Coast Guard; Master Chief
Franklin A. Welch, Master Chief Petty Officer, United States
Coast Guard; the Honorable Steven R. Blust, Chairman, Federal
Maritime Commission, and Mr. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner of
Public Building Service, United States General Services
Administration.
OVERSIGHT HEARING ON DEEPWATER IMPLEMENTATION
On April 20, 2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on Deepwater Implementation. The Subcommittee reviewed
the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System program
(Deepwater) and Revised Deepwater Implementation Plan.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Admiral Thomas A.
Collins, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, who was
accompanied by Rear Admiral Patrick M. Stillman, Program
Executive Officer, Coast Guard Integrated Deepwater System; and
Ms. Margaret T. Wrightson, Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Issues, United States Government Accountability Office.
On March 25, 2005, the Coast Guard submitted a Revised
Deepwater Implementation Plan that proposed an amended baseline
and a modified acquisition schedule for the Deepwater program.
Under the revised plan, the total cost of the Deepwater program
would increase to an estimated total of $19-24 billion (in 2002
dollars) from the previous funding level of $15 billion. The
revised plan also included a modified acquisition schedule that
would require funding over a 20-25-year period (completion in
2021-2026), up from the original 20-year schedule. The modified
acquisitions schedule included detailed delivery information
for Fiscal Years 2006-2011; however no information is included
for the schedule or order of delivery for deepwater assets
beyond this period.
The revised plan made a number of changes to the
specifications of the assets that are to be procured under the
Deepwater program. Under the revised plan, the Coast Guard will
fit the Fast Response Cutter (FRC), which will replace the 110-
foot cutter fleet, with a composite hull that is designed to
double the operational life of the vessel. Additionally, the
FRC and the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) will be modified to
enhance response and reaction capability by increasing the
operational speed of these vessels. The revised plan also calls
for the accelerated delivery of certain assets including the
FRC and the OPC.
The revised plan also calls for major changes to the
aviation assets that will be part of the Deepwater program.
Under the revised plan, the Coast Guard will retain and
renovate the Service's fleet of HH-60J helicopters instead of
acquiring the smaller AB-139 that was selected under the
original Deepwater plan. The Coast Guard will also retain 16
upgraded and renovated HC-130H long-range search aircraft.
The revised Deepwater plan suggested that the Coast Guard
may procure a fewer number of each individual asset due to the
enhanced capabilities that would be added to each platform.
As part of the original Deepwater program, the Coast Guard
included funding to sustain legacy assets until the time when
those assets were scheduled to be replaced with assets that
were acquired under the program. However, the Coast Guard has
suffered a rapid deterioration of legacy assets in recent
years. As a result, funding for the Deepwater program has been
diverted from the already slowed asset replacement schedule to
maintain these increasing numbers of failing legacy assets.
This funding diversion, coupled with shortfalls in appropriated
funding levels and increasing maritime homeland security
operations, has accelerated the impacts of this downward
spiral, increased costs to sustain the old assets, and reduced
funds available for new assets.
The aging inventory of patrol boats, aircraft, helicopters,
cutters, and systems has generated growing concerns over the
Coast Guard's ability to effectively and safely perform all of
its assigned missions. The Coast Guard's fleet of 110-foot
Patrol Boats have suffered numerous hull breaches that have
required the vessels to undergo emergency repairs while in dry
dock. The Service's fleet of High and Medium Endurance Cutters
routinely miss operations due to failing sub-systems, and
instances of in-flight engine power failures aboard HH-65
helicopters are increasing at an alarming and dangerous rate.
The Coast Guard has described a declining spiral phenomenon
that has resulted in deferred modernization of aging assets,
reduced readiness, rising maintenance needs, and increased
total ownership costs. Recapitalization funds are spent keeping
old assets operating, which only defers modernization starting
the cycle all over again.
COAST GUARD AMENDMENTS OF 2005
On May 12, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
consider a committee print of the Coast Guard Amendments of
2005. This draft legislation was later incorporated into H.R.
889. The draft legislation proposes to make several amendments
to laws relating to the Coast Guard and maritime
transportation.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Calvin Lederer,
Deputy Judge Advocate General, United States Coast Guard.
The majority of provisions that were included in the draft
bill were included in the Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation Act of 2006 which became law in 2006.
COAST GUARD LAW ENFORCEMENT
On June 15, 2005, the Coast Guard held a hearing to review
the Coast Guard's maritime law enforcement missions.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral R.
Dennis Sirois, Assistant Commandant for Operations, United
States Coast Guard.
Title 14, United States Code, provides the Coast Guard with
broad authorities to ``enforce or assist in the enforcement of
all applicable laws on, under and over the high seas and waters
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.'' Under these
authorities, the Coast Guard carries out missions to interdict
illegal drugs and alien migrants in United States waters and on
the high seas, and to enforce domestic fisheries laws and
international fishing agreements in the United States Exclusive
Economic Zone. The Coast Guard is also responsible for
enforcing compliance with port security and vessel security
regulations that were established following the enactment of
the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.
OVERSIGHT HEARING ON DEEPWATER IMPLEMENTATION
On June 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
continue oversight over the Coast Guard's integrated Deepwater
System program (Deepwater) and reviewed the revised
implementation program that was submitted with the Service's
Capital Investment Plan, Fiscal Year 2006.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Vice Admiral Thad W.
Allen, Chief of Staff, United States Coast Guard, and was
accompanied by Mr. Gregory L. Giddens, Deputy Program Executive
Officer for the Integrated Deepwater System, United States
Coast Guard.
On March 25, 2005, the Coast Guard submitted the Revised
Deepwater Implementation Plan that proposed an amended baseline
and a modified acquisition schedule for the Deepwater program.
Under the revised plan, the total cost of the Deepwater program
would increase to an estimated total of $19-24 billion (in 2002
dollars) from the previous funding level of $15 billion. The
revised plan also includes a modified acquisition schedule that
would require funding over a 20-25-year period (completion in
2021-2026), up from the original 20-year schedule. The modified
acquisitions schedule includes detailed delivery information
for Fiscal Years 2006-2011; however no information is included
for the schedule or order of delivery for Deepwater assets
beyond this period.
On May 31, 2005, as a result of a Congressional mandate,
the Coast Guard submitted a Capital Investment Plan that
included a complete funding projection and acquisition schedule
for the Deepwater program beyond the first five Fiscal Years
that were submitted as part of the Revised Deepwater
Implementation Plan in March. The Capital Investment Plan
retains the range of project costs (between $19-24 billion) and
completion dates (between Fiscal Years 2021-2026) that were
originally outlined in the revised plan.
However, the Capital Investment Plan also provides detailed
information on the delivery schedule of individual assets under
two alternative funding streams: a Capital Investment Plan
funding stream (CIP) and a CIP Plus funding stream. The CIP
funding stream assumes that all new acquisitions and legacy
asset sustainment and upgrades would be funded with amounts
from the Deepwater account. Whereas, the CIP Plus funding
stream would fund only new acquisitions with funding from the
Deepwater account and would require that funding for legacy
asset sustainment and upgrade projects for the Fiscal Years
2006-2010 be reallocated from other programs within the
Department of Homeland Security (approximately $214 million in
funding per Fiscal Year in addition to funding under CIP).
The CIP funding stream represents the amounts that are
proposed under the Department of Homeland Security's Future
Year Homeland Security Plan FY06-10. This plan proposes level
funding for the Deepwater program at an amount of $752 million
in 2007 dollars per Fiscal Year (to be adjusted for inflation).
These amounts do not include additional funding for enhanced
legacy sustainment and upgrade efforts in any Fiscal Year
similar to the funding that was included in the
Administration's Fiscal Year 2006 request (approximately $214
million). The Administration's Fiscal Year 2006 budget request
of $966 million is representative of the funding level that
would be requested under the CIP Plus option.
OVERSIGHT HEARING ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
SECURITY ACT
On June 29, 2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on the implementation of maritime transportation
security measures required by the Maritime Transportation
Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295) and the Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-293).
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Craig E.
Bone, Director of Port Security, United States Coast Guard, and
Mr. Robert Jacksta, Executive Director of Border Security and
Facilitation, Office of Field Operations, United States Customs
and Border Protection.
The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA)
contains several provisions intended to protect America's
maritime community against the threat of terrorism without
adversely affecting the flow of United States commerce through
our ports. Following September 11th, the United States Coast
Guard was designated as the lead Federal agency for maritime
homeland security. The Coast Guard's homeland security mission
is to protect the United States maritime domain and the United
States Marine Transportation System and deny their use and
exploitation by terrorists as a means for attacks on United
States territory, population, and critical infrastructure.
On July 1, 2004, federal regulations went into force,
implementing many of the maritime transportation security
measures that were mandated by the Maritime Transportation
Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). These regulations required each of
America's 361 marine and freshwater ports to implement detailed
security plans that had previously been approved by the Coast
Guard. Additionally, all United States vessels and facilities
were required to put similar security measures into action.
The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004
included a number of amendments to the MTSA to enhance the
security of the maritime transportation sector. These Acts
created the framework for a national maritime security system
and required Federal agencies, ports, and vessel owners to take
numerous steps to upgrade security.
S. 362--THE MARINE DEBRIS RESEARCH, PREVENTION AND REDUCTION ACT
On September 29, 2005, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation and the Committee on Resources
Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans held a joint legislative
hearing on S. 362, the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and
Reduction Act. The Committee considered the bill, as passed in
the Senate, and several other issues related to marine debris
in United States waters.
The Subcommittees heard testimony from Rear Admiral Thomas
H. Gilmour, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security
and Environmental Protection, United States Coast Guard; Mr.
Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, United States Department of Commerce; Mr. Kurt
J. Nagle, President and CEO, American Association of Port
Authorities; Mr. Joseph J. Cox, President, Chamber of Shipping
of America; Mr. David Benton, Executive Director, Marine
Conservation Alliance; Ms. Monita W. Fontaine, Esq., National
Marine Manufacturers Association, and Dr. Jennifer Samson,
Principal Scientist, Clean Ocean Action.
``Marine debris'' refers to the trash or litter that floats
around the world's oceans or washes up on beaches. Marine
debris comes from a variety of sources on land and at sea;
however, 80 percent of marine debris comes from land-based
sources, including cigarette filters, food wrappers, caps and
lids. The remaining 20 percent comes from ocean-based
activities, including lost or abandoned fishing gear, galley
waste, and trash from ships and offshore oil and gas
facilities.
The pervasiveness of marine debris and its potential
adverse effect on marine organisms, ocean habitats, and human
health and safety is of major concern. The lifespan of marine
debris ranges from two weeks (for some paper products) to 450
years (in the case of plastics). Each year, marine mammals, sea
turtles, fish and seabirds become entangled in marine debris or
ingest plastics, causing serious health problems and
fatalities.
Effects of both land-based sources and ocean-based sources
can have negative impacts on living marine organisms. One
example of the problem involves plastic bags floating in the
ocean. Plastic bags may resemble jellyfish to sea turtles.
Ingesting plastics can cause life threatening blockages in the
animal's digestive tract. With a number of marine turtle
species listed as either threatened or endangered under the
Endangered Species Act, the threat of marine debris is of
particular concern for the health of these animals. Studies
have also found that lost fishing gear poses significant
entanglement threats to many marine organisms, including fish,
crabs, birds and marine mammals. Marine debris also has serious
consequences for humans. Broken glass and medical waste on
beaches, as well as ropes and lost fishing gear can pose
serious threats to beachgoers, boaters and divers. Human health
concerns, due to medical waste debris on beaches, have led to
beach closures causing additional economic harm to coastal
communities.
There are a number of initiatives to reduce and prevent
marine debris. Internationally, controls for at-sea dumping of
garbage generated on land were enacted in 1972, through the
Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of
Wastes and Other Matter (referred to as the London Convention).
Additional attention was given to marine debris when a 1978
protocol was added to the 1973 International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL Convention) to prevent
at-sea disposal of garbage generated during routine ship
operations. Annex V of the MARPOL Convention prohibits all
overboard disposal of plastics and limits other discharges
based on the material and the vessel's location and distance
from shore.
National initiatives that affect United States waters out
to 200 miles and the actions taken by United States citizens
onboard ships include: The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships,
which implements Annex V of MARPOL, by prohibiting the disposal
of garbage within 3 nautical miles of the coast; the Marine
Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act; the Driftnet Impact
Monitoring, Assessment and Control Act; the Clean Water Act;
Title 1 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
(referred to as the Ocean Dumping Act); the Beaches
Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act; and the
Coastal Shore Act. In addition, coastal and Great Lakes states,
and territories have also instituted laws and entered into
public-private initiatives to reduce and prevent marine debris.
OVERSIGHT FIELD HEARING ON THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR MARITIME SECURITY
On January 24, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to review the National Strategy for Maritime Security,
including eight supporting implementation plans that have been
subsequently released, and to continue oversight over several
related Federal programs that are being or have been
implemented to enhance security in the maritime domain.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Craig E.
Bone, Director of Port Security, United States Coast Guard; Mr.
Mark O. Hatfield, Jr., Deputy Federal Security Director for
Newark Liberty International Airport, Transportation Security
Administration; Ms. Lisa Himber, Vice President, Maritime
Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay; Dr. Scott Glen,
Institute of Marine and Coastal Services, Rutgers University;
and Mr. William Boles, Director of Security, Port of
Wilmington.
The Strategy recognizes four national strategic objectives
that will guide United States efforts to enhance security in
the maritime domain: (1) to prevent terrorist attacks and
criminal or hostile attacks in the maritime domain; (2) to
protect maritime-related population centers and critical
infrastructures; (3) to minimize damage and expedite recovery
following an incident in the maritime domain; and (4) to
safeguard the ocean and marine resources.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND THE FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION FISCAL
YEAR 2007 BUDGET REQUESTS
On March 1, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
consider the Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 budget requests
for the United States Coast Guard, the Federal Maritime
Commission, and other maritime transportation programs.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Vice Admiral Terry
Cross, Commandant, United States Coast Guard; Master Chief
Franklin A. Welch, Master Chief Petty Officer, United States
Coast Guard; The Honorable Steven R. Blust, Chairman, Federal
Maritime Commission; and Mr. David L. Winstead, Commissioner of
Public Building Service, United States General Services
Administration.
The President requests nearly $8.2 billion in Fiscal Year
2007 for activities of the United States Coast Guard, which is
an increase of approximately $127 million (or 1.58 percent),
over the total amount appropriated for Fiscal Year 2006,
including Fiscal Year 2006 supplemental appropriations and
rescissions. However, the President's request includes $30
million for increased fuel costs; $53 million for increased
personnel costs; and $50 million to begin design of new
headquarters. Therefore, the amount requested for actual Coast
Guard operations would not maintain current services at the
Fiscal Year 2006 levels.
The Coast Guard request is designed to carry out three
primary objectives for the Coast Guard in Fiscal Year 2007: (1)
to strengthen maritime preparedness; (2) to maximize awareness
within the maritime domain; and (3) to enhance capabilities to
deal with current and emerging threats.
The President's budget request for Coast Guard Operating
Expenses (OE) in Fiscal Year 2007 is approximately $5.5
billion, an increase of more than $108 million, or two percent,
over the Fiscal Year 2006 enacted level including Fiscal Year
2006 supplemental funds and rescissions. The Fiscal Year 2006
level included more than $132 million provided pursuant to the
Emergency Hurricane Supplemental (Public Law 109-148). The
Operating Expenses account comprises over two-thirds of the
Coast Guard's budget and provides for the safety of the public
and the Coast Guard's workforce, with an enhanced emphasis on
the Service's maritime homeland security mission. The request
includes funding for 40,262 military and 6,022 civilian full
time equivalent personnel.
The President requests approximately $21.5 million for the
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), up approximately 5.9 percent
from nearly $20.3 million appropriated in Fiscal Year 2006.
The FMC is a five member independent agency formed in 1961
following the abolition of the Federal Maritime Board. The
Commission is responsible for enforcing international shipping
rules and regulations involving carriers (container ship
operators), shippers (companies owning goods to be
transported), and transportation facilitators such as freight
forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers, and customs
brokers.
The FMC is primarily engaged in administering the Shipping
Act of 1984. However, the FMC also enforces the Foreign
Shipping Practices Act and Section 19 of the Merchant Marine
Act, 1920. Under these authorities, the FMC protects shippers
and carriers from restrictive or unfair practices of foreign
governments and foreign-flag carriers. To enforce these laws,
the FMC has the authority to take action against the offending
carriers, including the imposition of per voyage fees and the
prevention of trade with the United States. The FMC also
enforces the laws related to cruise vessel financial
responsibility to ensure that cruise vessel operators have
sufficient resources to pay judgments to passengers for
personal injury or death or for nonperformance of a voyage.
FOREIGN OPERATION OF UNITED STATES PORT FACILITIES
On March 9, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing to review
the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act
of 2002 (MTSA), specifically, port security facility plans,
issues related to cargo security, and the delay in the
development of Transportation Worker Identification Credentials
(TWIC).
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Stewart A. Baker,
Assistant Secretary for Policy, United States Department of
Homeland Security, and was accompanied by Rear Admiral Craig E.
Bone, Director, Inspections and Compliance Directorate, United
States Coast Guard, and Mr. Jay Ahern, Assistant Commissioner
for Field Operations, Customs and Border Patrol; Dr. Stephen E.
Flynn, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security
Studies, Council on Foreign Relations; Mr. Kurt J. Nagle,
President, American Association of Port Authorities; Mr. James
Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow for Defense and
Homeland Security, The Heritage Foundation; Mr. Robert Scavone,
Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning & Development, P&O
Ports North America, Inc.; and Mr. Gary L. Brown, Union
Security Liaison, International Longshore and Warehouse Union.
The Subcommittee analyzed how the operation of terminals at
United States ports by foreign entities, such as would have
occurred under the purchase by Dubai Ports World (DP World) of
the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O), could
affect the implementation of MTSA and the safety and security
at these ports.
The 361 ports in the United States handle more than 2.5
billion tons of trade annually. This involves approximately 11
million shipping containers. The Department of Homeland
Security, primarily through the activities of Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and the United States Coast Guard,
administers run many programs to secure the ports.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OIL POLLUTION ACT
On April 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
review the implementation of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(Public Law 101-380) and the financial status of the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Thomas
H. Gilmour, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security
and Environmental Protection, United States Coast Guard; Ms.
Jan P. Lane, Director, National Pollution Funds Center, United
States Coast Guard; and Mr. David Kennedy, Director, Office of
Response and Restoration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) establishes the Federal
framework governing oil spill prevention, response, liability,
research, and restoration. The Act was passed after the EXXON
VALDEZ oil spill that discharged more than 11 million gallons
of crude oil into Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 24,
1989. Under OPA, the Coast Guard leads Federal oil spill
response and prevention efforts in tidal waters, while the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for
coordinating efforts in non- tidal and inland waters.
Under OPA, a responsible party for a vessel or facility
that discharges oil or which poses a substantial threat of
discharging oil into or upon navigable waters or adjoining
shorelines or the exclusive economic zone is liable for the
costs associated with removing the oil and any damages to
natural resources arising from the spill. Covered costs and
damages include the costs of cleanup and removal; natural
resources damages, including loss of use of natural resources;
injury or loss of real or personal property; loss or impairment
of income, profits, or earning capacity; loss of subsistence
use of natural resources; costs of providing increased or
additional public services; and loss of taxes, royalties,
rents, fees, or net profit shares.
OPA established an Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF)
to provide a readily available funding source to assume the
costs of Federal oil spill response and prevention efforts and
to pay for costs and damages above the liability limits
established by OPA. The Coast Guard and the Environmental
Protection Agency use funds from the OSLTF to carry out
immediate and ongoing response efforts to oil spills which can
later be reimbursed by the responsible party up to the vessel's
or facility's liability limits. The OSLTF is the sole source of
funding to support actions where there is no responsible party
identified. Funds derived from payments of natural resource
damages, funds for payment of claims for removal costs or
damages, and up to $50 million each fiscal year for emergency
removal actions under section 311(c) of the Clean Water Act are
available from the OSLTF without appropriation.
The OSLTF was initially capitalized at an amount of $1
billion with revenues from a five-cent per barrel tax on each
barrel of oil that was transported to oil refineries in the
United States, and the transfer of $551 million in funds from
two existing trust funds. The authority to impose this tax
expired at the end of 1994; however, the Energy Policy Act of
2005, Public Law 109-58, reinstituted that authority effective
April 1, 2006, through the end of 2014. Under this new
authority, the barrel tax will continue to be imposed until the
unobligated balance in the Fund exceeds $2.7 billion.
The Coast Guard has estimated that approximately $740
million was available in the Fund at the beginning of Fiscal
Year 2006. The Coast Guard has estimated that the Fund will
receive approximately $130 million in funding during Fiscal
Year 2006 and approximately $217 million in Fiscal Year 2007.
OVERSIGHT HEARING ON COAST GUARD MISSION CAPABILITIES
On May 11, 2006, the Subcommittee continued its oversight
of Coast Guard mission capabilities, including the effects of
increased maritime homeland security responsibilities on the
Coast Guard's traditional missions, and reviewed the
implementation of programs to enhance Maritime Domain
Awareness.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Joseph
L. Nimmich, Assistant Commandant for Policy and Planning,
United States Coast Guard; and Rear Admiral Wayne E. Justice,
Director of Enforcement and Incident Management, United States
Coast Guard.
Over the past five years, the Coast Guard's budget has
increased dramatically as the service has taken on the
responsibilities of the lead Federal agency with
responsibilities for maritime homeland security. During this
time, the Coast Guard has integrated increased port, waterway,
and coastal security missions with the service's traditional
missions of search and rescue, illegal drug and migrant
interdiction, oil spill prevention and response, marine safety,
maintaining aids to navigation, icebreaking operations,
enforcement of United States fisheries laws, and defense
readiness.
During this period, funding levels and resource hours
devoted to the Coast Guard's non-security missions have
declined relative to the service's homeland security mission.
In 2004, the Coast Guard reported that resource hours for its
traditional missions declined from more than 344,000 hours in
calendar year 2001 to 297,000 in 2004. Similarly, funding for
missions other than the Coast Guard's port, waterway and
coastal security missions have declined from 77 percent the
Coast Guard's budget in Fiscal Year 2005 to 73 percent in the
Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 budget.
The Coast Guard has previously testified that it allocates
resources and personnel based on the greatest need within the
maritime domain and that numerical target of activity for
particular mission areas are not an adequate tool to measure
performance in a multi-mission service. In Fiscal Year 2005,
the Coast Guard reported that it met or achieved performance
measures for eight of the service's 11 mission programs and
that Coast Guard missions interdicted or removed more than 138
metric tons of cocaine, the largest amount ever intercepted by
the service.
The Coast Guard has reported that the service's legacy
fleet of aircraft and vessels has suffered a rapid
deterioration in recent years. The Coast Guard's aging
inventory of patrol boats, aircraft, helicopters, cutters, and
systems has generated growing concerns over the Coast Guard's
ability to effectively and safely perform all of its assigned
missions. The Coast Guard has described the situation as a
declining readiness spiral that has resulted in deferred
modernization of aging assets, reduced readiness, rising
maintenance needs, and increased total ownership costs.
The Coast Guard has established the Automatic
Identification System (AIS) to provide continuous, real-time
information on the identity, location, speed and course of
vessels in ports that are equipped with AIS receivers. AIS was
originally developed as a collision avoidance system to prevent
marine casualties between two commercial vessels. However, the
Coast Guard's main use of AIS will be to track vessels for
security purposes.
DEEPWATER IMPLEMENTATION
The Subcommittee met on June 14, 2006, to review the Coast
Guard's Integrated Deepwater System program (Deepwater) and the
Revised Deepwater Implementation Plan.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Admiral Thad W.
Allen, Commandant, United States Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System program
(Deepwater) is intended to replace or modernize approximately
90 ships and 200 aircraft used in the Coast Guard's deepwater
missions; these missions generally occur more than 50 miles
offshore and typically require long transits to operating
areas, forward deployment of forces, and extended on-scene
presence. The Coast Guard's major missions are carried out in
the deepwater zone, including drug and migrant interdiction
operations, search and rescue, homeland security, and fisheries
law enforcement. Importantly, the Coast Guard's existing
(``legacy'') fleet of vessels and aircraft are nearing or has
already reached the end of their service lives, are
technologically limited, and are expensive to operate because
of relatively high crew requirements. The Deepwater program
includes the cost of maintaining the assets, as well as
replacing or modernizing them, and with each year that passes,
the category of maintenance of legacy assets consumes a larger
share of the money allocated for Deepwater. Consequently,
finishing the replacement part of the program sooner rather
than later would be more cost effective over time.
On July 21, 2005, the Coast Guard submitted a 25-year
Revised Deepwater Implementation Plan. Further, in February
2006, the Coast Guard submitted an updated plan to align with
its Fiscal Year 2007 budget submission. The new plan changes
the balance of upgraded legacy assets versus new assets, alters
the delivery schedules, and increases the costs to $24 billion,
$7 billion more than earlier estimates. The increase in costs
reflects the expanded homeland security responsibilities and
covers such items as greater weaponry, improved communications
systems, and greater operating capabilities. However, this 25-
year program is again dependent on receiving a projected amount
of funding each year.
The revised plan calls for major changes to the assets that
will be part of the Deepwater program. Under the revised plan,
the Coast Guard will retain and upgrade the Service's fleet of
HH-60J helicopters. The Coast Guard will also retain 22
upgraded and renovated HC-130H long range aircraft (for
surveillance, search, and airlift needs) instead of decreasing
the current 27 aircraft to six under the original plan. The
original plan called for a replacement of all cutters and
patrol boats. The revised plan generally spreads out delivery
of each class of vessels over a longer number of years. Also,
the revised plan includes nine additional 25-foot short-range
boats and nine fewer 35-foot long-range boats.
After the revised plan was finalized, however, changes have
occurred concerning the Fast Response Cutter (FRC), which was
to replace the 110-foot (some of which were converted to 123-
feet) cutter fleet. The FRC's design included a composite hull
that was supposed to double the operational life of the vessel.
Deepwater's revised plan called for the acquisition of 58 FRC's
by 2027. However, various concerns with the hull form,
potential speed, and propulsion systems exist. On February 28,
2005, the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program Office temporarily
suspended work on the design because of high technical risks.
On April 6, 2006, the Coast Guard issued a request for
information to obtain data about the state of the market for a
proven patrol boat design. The Coast Guard will likely purchase
an ``off-the-shelf'' patrol boat design to serve as the new
FRC.
The aging inventory of patrol boats, aircraft, helicopters,
cutters, and systems has generated growing concerns over the
Coast Guard's ability to effectively and safely perform all of
its assigned missions. The Coast Guard's fleet of 110-foot
Patrol Boats has suffered numerous hull breaches that have
required the vessels to undergo emergency repairs while in dry
dock. The Service's fleet of High and Medium Endurance Cutters
routinely miss operations due to failing sub-systems, and
instances of in-flight engine power failures aboard HH-65
helicopters are alarming and dangerous. The HH-65's are now
being reengined--an additional unanticipated program expense.
The Coast Guard has described a declining spiral phenomenon
that has resulted in deferred modernization of aging assets,
reduced readiness, rising maintenance needs, and increased
total ownership costs. Recapitalization funds are spent keeping
old assets' operating, which only defers modernization starting
the cycle all over again.
FISCAL YEAR 2007 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION
On June 20, 2006, the Subcommittee met to consider changes
to the legislative statutes that authorize activities of the
United States Coast Guard and concern maritime transportation.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Rear Admiral
William D. Baumgartner, Judge Advocate General, United States
Coast Guard; Professor Myron H. Nordquist, Center for Oceans
Law and Policy, University of Virginia School of Law; and Mr.
Douglas B. Stevenson, Director, Center for Seafarers' Rights of
the Seamen's church Institute of New York and New Jersey.
The draft bill formed the basis for H.R. 5681, the Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 2006, which passed the House.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON DRAFT LEGISLATION REGARDING BALLAST WATER
MANAGEMENT AND REDUCTION OF AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS
The Subcommittee met on July 11, 2006, to review and
receive testimony on draft legislation regarding ballast water
management and the reduction of air pollution from ships.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Brian M.
Salerno, Director of Inspection and Compliance, United States
Coast Guard; Mr. Timothy R.E. Keeney, Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration; Ms. Catherine Hazlewood, Senior
Policy Advisor, North America, Global Invasive Species
Initiative, The Nature Conservancy; Ms. Kathy Metcalf,
Director, Maritime Affairs, Chamber of Shipping of America; and
Mr. Donald O'Hare, Vice President, World Shipping Council.
The Subcommittee considered a draft bill that would require
the Coast Guard to build upon its existing domestic ballast
water management program and to establish ballast water
discharge standards. The draft bill would require the Coast
Guard to facilitate, monitor, and evaluate the testing of
alternative ballast water management methods aboard vessels
employed in international trade. The draft bill would also
require the Coast Guard to establish national ballast water
discharge standards after the service has determined that
methods exist that are capable of reducing the number of
organisms transported in ballast water to at least the
Convention standard of less than ten organisms that are greater
than 50 micrometers in size per cubic meter of ballast water.
The draft bill would also grant the Coast Guard the authority
to establish a more stringent standard based on the
demonstrated capabilities of available alternative ballast
water management methods.
The Subcommittee also considered draft legislation that
would implement requirements under Annex VI of the MARPOL
Convention for purpose of United States law. The International
Maritime Organization adopted Annex VI to the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Convention) in 1997, which establishes international
regulations that set limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide
emissions from ship exhausts and prohibit deliberate emissions
of ozone depleting substances. In April of this year, the
Senate acceded to the treaty by unanimous consent. Annex VI
entered into force for the 36 member nations that have ratified
the treaty on May 19, 2006. Earlier this year, the
Administration submitted draft legislation to implement the
vessel air emission requirements under Annex VI domestically.
The bill considered by the Committee largely incorporates
the Administration's proposal with several changes regarding
the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) role in regulating
vessels that operate in United States territorial waters. The
Administration's proposal gives the EPA a primary
responsibility for developing, administering, and enforcing
regulations regarding the release of nitrogen and sulfur
compounds and ozone depleting substances from vessels. The bill
proposes to incorporate these administration and enforcement
responsibilities with the Coast Guard's existing
responsibilities under the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD LICENSING AND DOCUMENTATION OF MERCHANT
MARINERS
On July 20, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on the Coast Guard's merchant mariner licensing and
documentation program.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Craig E.
Bone, Assistant Commandant for Prevention, United States Coast
Guard; Mr. Shull Autin, Chief Operating Officer, SEACOR Marine,
LLC, on behalf of the Offshore Marine Service Association; Mr.
Dale Sause, Chairman of the Board, American Waterways
Operators; Mr. Ronald Davis, President, Marine Engineers'
Beneficial Association; and Captain Elizabeth Gedney, Director
of Safety, Security, and Risk Management, Passenger Vessel
Association.
The Coast Guard is responsible for promulgating the
requirements for the licensing and documentation of mariners.
Each mariner credential has specific requirements as to age,
citizenship, physical condition, character, qualifying sea
service, assessments, and specialized training. Mariner
credentials are issued by the Coast Guard in the form of
Licenses for deck, engineer, and radio officers; Certificates
of Registry (CORs) for staff officers; and Merchant Mariner
Documents (MMDs) for unlicensed ratings of shipboard deck and
engineering departments. Credentials may contain limitations as
to vessel type, tonnage, propulsion, horsepower, or waters upon
which service is authorized.
Coast Guard regulations regarding merchant mariner
documentation and licensing were designed to closely conform to
the provisions for the International Convention on Standards,
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW),
1978. An STCW Certificate is issued to mariners who meet the
STCW requirements and is in addition to United States Merchant
Mariner credentials.
A seaman may apply for a merchant mariner credential at any
of the 17 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers (RECs).
There are several requirements to satisfy including the
completion of an application form and payment of user fees. All
applicants must currently appear in person to have their
fingerprints taken for use in a criminal background check and
swear an oath to be eligible for an MMD, license or COR.
When a seaman submits an application package for
evaluation, he must include a copy of proof of citizenship and
establish proof of having a Social Security Number (SSN). If
the seaman is not a United States citizen, he may still be
considered for a credential, but he must provide documentation
that he is a permanent resident in possession of an Alien
Registration Card issued by United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement and proof of foreign citizenship. Further,
seamen must present proof that he is free of dangerous drugs
including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and
amphetamines. Fingerprints are forwarded to the Federal Bureau
of Investigations (FBI) to verify all background information
and the Coast Guard receives from the FBI a record of all
arrests and convictions.
If the seaman has a criminal record and fails to reveal it
on his application, he may be subject to criminal penalty. In
addition, his credential may be rendered null and void and will
be required to be surrendered to the Coast Guard or he may be
charged to appear at a formal hearing before a Coast Guard
Administrative Law Judge. A criminal record does not
necessarily mean that the seaman will be denied, but a
falsified application is automatic grounds for denial. In
addition, the seaman must agree to a check of the National
Driver Register (NDR) for offenses in connection with his
operation of a motor vehicle. The application may be
disapproved if information from the NDR check leads the Coast
Guard to determine that he cannot be entrusted with the duties
and responsibilities of the credential.
All mariners employed aboard United States merchant vessels
greater than 100 gross register tons (domestic tonnage), except
those exclusively navigating rivers, are required to have a
valid United States Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD). An MMD
is a card similar to a driver's license in appearance; it is
both an identity credential and a qualification credential. It
is not, however, a guarantee of finding work, but rather a
certification allowing the seaman to work in the shipboard
merchant marine industry.
MMDs are issued to unlicensed personnel who support the
operation of a vessel. Unqualified ratings are issued to entry
level individuals who typically have little or no sea service
such as ordinary seaman, wiper, or food handler. With an MMD,
the seaman may work in the deck, engineering, or steward's
department of a ship depending on the type of rating for which
a seaman applies. Qualified ratings are issued based on
previous sea service in a particular department or specialized
training. Qualified ratings for members in the deck department
are issued by rating type (for example, Able Seaman or Bosun)
and any vessel type restrictions (for example, sail vessels or
offshore supply vessels).
All qualified ratings require completing a written
examination. These examinations are administered at the REC. An
examination is not required for unqualified (entry level)
ratings.
Most merchant mariners applying for a qualified rating must
submit a physical examination report completed by a physician
or otherwise qualified person within one year of the
application. This report must certify that the seaman is in
good health and has no physical impairment or medical condition
which would render him incompetent to perform the ordinary
duties allowed by the MMD. Not meeting the vision, hearing, or
general physical condition required for an MMD does not
automatically result in a denial of an MMD. The Commandant of
the United States Coast Guard may consider the seaman for a
physical waiver if extenuating circumstances warrant special
consideration.
In contrast to the MMD, a license only documents a
mariner's qualifications; it is not an identification document.
Licenses are issued to officers in the deck and engineering
departments, and to radio officers. Each license has general,
service and examination requirements that must be satisfied
before a license is issued. Certificates of Registry (CORs),
which are another form of license, are issued to officers in
the staff department. Each COR grade has separate experience
requirements in the area for which a COR is sought.
Because of the numerous qualifications and limitations
(grade and restrictions), there are literally hundreds of
different licenses available. In fact, about 25 percent of
mariners carry more than one qualification.
A holder of an MMD, license, or COR may also be required to
obtain an STCW endorsement to meet the requirements of the
International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 if
working on an international voyage. An STCW endorsement is both
an identification and qualification credential and sets
qualification standards for masters, officers and watch
personnel on merchant ships that engage on international
voyages.
Over 90 percent of ships visiting United States waters are
foreign-flag, and merchant mariners aboard these vessels are
required to carry STCW credentials issued by a foreign nation.
Approximately 350 large United States merchant ships that
routinely visit foreign ports, as well as thousands of smaller
United States documented commercial vessels that operate on
ocean or near-coastal voyages, are subject to STCW. There are
currently approximately 49,000 holders of an STCW issued by the
Coast Guard.
A seaman may apply for renewal at any of the 17 Coast Guard
RECs. The seaman must satisfy requirements for renewal
including the completion of an application form and payment of
user fees. A seaman can renew his credential(s) up to 12 months
prior to expiration. There is a grace period where a seaman can
renew his credential no more than 12 months beyond the five-
year expiration date, but he cannot operate under the authority
of that credential during the grace period. Once the credential
has expired, it is no longer valid and cannot be used for work
in the maritime trades. Further if the credential has expired
beyond the grace period, maritime workers are required to meet
all requirements (except recency of service) to obtain a
credential including examination and training requirements.
There are concerns that the Coast Guard's licensing and
documentation program has become backlogged to the point that
it may be affecting maritime commerce in the United States.
Since 1990, the MLD Program has experienced a significant
increase in both the scope and complexity of its
responsibilities and, with the exception of the temporary
contractor support added at the RECs over the past three years,
staffing levels have not increased since the regionalization of
the program in 1982.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) required the
introduction of drug testing requirements for applicants and a
requirement that an application include a review of the
National Driver Register (for driving records). OPA 90 also
limited the period of validity of a Merchant Mariner Document,
whereas previously they did not expire. Following the events of
September 11, 2001, enhanced safety and security screening
procedures were also put into place. As a result the Coast
Guard has strictly enforced compliance with regulatory
requirements for verifying the identity and nationality of
applicants and the administration of the specified oath by
mariners. The MMD was replaced with a new card incorporating
tamper-resistant and anti-counterfeiting features. New
procedures, including the centralized screening and evaluation
of applicants' criminal backgrounds, were implemented to
enhance safety and security of the nation and the marine
transportation system.
Mariners across the United States have attempted to deal
with backlog by choosing to submit their applications to the
REC where they hope to receive faster service. These actions
may compound the problems that are incurred by mariners and the
Coast Guard in accessing information for new and renewal
applications because mariner records are often stored at
numerous RECs and have not been consolidated into a central
facility. The National Maritime Center currently stores records
submitted as part of the applications for Merchant Mariner
Documents (MMDs), while the RECs maintain the records for
licenses. ``REC shopping,'' while permissible, may necessitate
the shipment of records between RECs, adding to the processing
time, or result in the further splitting of a mariner's
official record.
To help reverse the trend in the growing number of
applications in the processing queue and, consequently, the
amount of time to process an application, the National Maritime
Center has placed contracted support personnel at 16 of the
RECs to augment the Coast Guard staffs. Even this support has
not enabled the permanent REC staffs to devote the necessary
time to other program requirements such as the oversight of the
steadily increasing mariner training course industry.
Congress authorized the Coast Guard to temporarily extend
the validity of existing merchant mariner credentials for
mariners in the Gulf Region as part of the Coast Guard
Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-141); however that
extension was limited to the period ending on February, 28,
2006. Additional authority to grant an additional one-year
extension was included as a part of the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-241). The
Coast Guard has not yet signaled whether it will use the new
authority to free up time necessary to address the growing
backlog of new and renewal applications.
There are currently more than 1,800 Coast Guard-approved
merchant mariner training courses taught by more than 225
different companies or organizations. These courses teach
things such as ``Basic fire-fighting'', CPR, or the deployment
and use of survival craft. The Coast Guard must approve and,
subsequently, re-evaluate these courses. To persuade mariners
to take courses which they are not required to take, the Coast
Guard has allowed some courses to meet some of the sea service
required to get licenses and endorsements. Also, the Coast
Guard has allowed attendance of a course as a way for a mariner
to meet license and endorsement requirements without taking an
examination.
The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 required
the Department of Homeland Security to develop enhanced
identification credentials for persons that require unescorted
access to United States vessels and to United States ports and
terminal facilities. The Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) and the Coast Guard have recently published proposed
rules to require workers to be issued a Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC). The TWIC will contain
biometric information and will be the primary means for
limiting access to restricted areas of United States ports,
facilities and vessels.
Under regulations that have been proposed by the TSA,
maritime workers will be required to obtain a TWIC prior to
applying for merchant mariner credentials. TSA estimates that
it will take a minimum of 30 to 60 days to issue a TWIC to an
applicant. It is unclear whether applicants will be able to be
employed by the maritime industries while waiting to be issued
a TWIC card and whether the additional processing time under
the TWIC program will affect the availability of qualified
maritime workers.
Under the proposed rules, maritime workers will be required
to pay up to $149 in fees for a TWIC. These fees would be in
addition to fees required for Coast Guard-issued credentials.
As a companion to the TWIC rulemaking, the Coast Guard is
proposing to consolidate merchant mariner identification and
qualification documents into a new Merchant Mariner Credential
(MMC). Based upon the implementation of the TWIC standard, the
Coast Guard is proposing a rule that will go into effect 18
months after the TWIC rule.
Under the proposed rules, TWIC cards would become the
identity document for all mariners. The MMC would combine all
other documents that are issued by the Coast Guard authorizing
service on United States flag vessels. The MMC will have a
single renewal date and will be able to be renewed at any time
during its validity and up to 12 months after expiration
without penalty. With TWIC taking on the role of identity
document, it may be possible that all interaction with the
Coast Guard on mariner credentials could be done by mail or
even online.
The Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC), which is
responsible for the management, coordination, and execution of
marine safety activities and services at the national level, is
planning the centralization of the Mariner License and
Documentation (MLD) program. Centralizing many of the processes
currently performed by the 17 Regional Examination Centers is
but one element of the strategic approach. It will reportedly
be accompanied by growth in the number of personnel to a level
commensurate with the current and expected future workload,
while also enabling the NMC to staff new functions intended to
improve customer service. In general, the service is seeking to
improve nationwide consistency through centralization of
certain processes. The RECs will still exist, however,
preserving for mariners local access to Coast Guard licensing
specialists. The first changes will occur with records being
moved from the damaged REC in New Orleans to the NMC in West
Virginia.
All merchant mariner credentials are valid for five years
from the issue date. If a credential expires before the
document or license is renewed, the credential becomes invalid.
To avoid this possibility, the Coast Guard encourages maritime
workers to renew their credentials up to 12 months before the
existing credentials expire.
The term ``license creep'' refers to when the renewal is
issued before the old credential expires. In that case, the
mariner loses the time left on his old credential because it is
replaced by the new credential on the date that the renewal is
issued. The Coast Guard has taken steps to minimize ``license
creep'' by reportedly encouraging RECs to issue and mail
renewed credentials at a future date after applications are
approved. However, to be eligible for this service, mariners
must request delayed issuance at the time their applications
for renewal are submitted.
OVERSIGHT HEARING ON COAST GUARD MISSION PERFORMANCE
On September 14, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on the Inspector General's annual review of Coast Guard
mission performance and to oversee the Coast Guard's efforts to
balance its assets and personnel to carry out each of its many
traditional and homeland security missions.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Joseph
L. Nimmich, Assistant Commandant for Policy & Planning, United
States Coast Guard, and Edward Stulginsky, Deputy Assistant
Inspector General for Audits, Department of Homeland Security.
Following September 11, 2001, the Coast Guard was
established as the lead Federal agency with responsibilities
for maritime homeland security. As a result, the Coast Guard
has expanded its missions to secure United States ports,
vessels and coastal waters while also carrying out the
Service's traditional missions. Section 888 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) classified the Coast
Guard's traditional missions as ``homeland security missions''
and ``non-homeland security missions''. The homeland security
missions include: (1) Illegal Drug Interdiction, (2)
Undocumented Migrant Interdiction, (3) Other Law Enforcement,
(4) Defense Readiness, and (5) Ports, Waterways, and Coastal
Security (PWCS). The non-homeland security missions include:
(1) Search and Rescue (SAR), (2) Aids to Navigation (ATON), (3)
Ice Operations, (4) Living Marine Resources, (5) Marine
Environmental Protection, and (6) Marine Safety.
Because of concerns that the additional responsibilities
could adversely affect the Coast Guard's traditional missions,
Section 888 prohibits the Secretary from substantially or
significantly reducing the missions of the Coast Guard or the
Coast Guard's capability to perform these missions. To ensure
that these concerns are monitored, the Act requires the Office
of the Inspector General for the Department of Homeland
Security (OIG) to conduct an annual review of the Coast Guard's
mission performance.
In July 2006, the OIG released its annual review of the
Coast Guard's mission performance for Fiscal Year 2005. It
evaluated the ``resource hours'' (the number of flight hours
for aircraft and underway hours for boats and cutters), as well
as the performance goals and results from Fiscal Years 2001
through 2005 to form conclusions. Significantly, the data
revealed that the total resource hours for both homeland
security missions and non-homeland security missions increased
every year.
Importantly, however, the growth in resource hours has now
leveled off. Specifically, the increase in resource hours from
Fiscal Year 2004 to Fiscal Year 2005 was less than 1.5 percent.
The report concluded that, because the Coast Guard has limited
numbers of assets, the Coast Guard will be unable to increase
the total number of mission resource hours without the
acquisition of additional aircraft, cutters, and boats.
Further, the Coast Guard has a limited ability to respond to an
extended crisis, such as occurred with the hurricanes in the
Gulf of Mexico in 2005, and therefore, with no additional
reserve assets to use for catastrophic situations, the Service
was forced to divert resources (and resource hours) normally
dedicated to other missions. As a result, the Coast Guard
dramatically reduced the number of illegal drug interdiction
missions and observed evidence of an increase in the number of
illegal migrants that attempted to enter the United States by
sea, most likely due to decreased Coast Guard cutter and
aircraft presence.
The Coast Guard's Deepwater program will result in the
nearly complete recapitalization of Coast Guard vessels,
aircraft and support systems. Under the program, these
Deepwater assets will be designed with enhanced components and
systems that should enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities to
successfully carry out its missions. However, the Coast Guard
continues to experience problems and delays, and it is unclear
how these delays will affect the projected delivery date of
replacement assets. Until legacy assets are replaced by
Deepwater assets, the OIG's report suggests that Coast Guard
mission performance may be expected to fall off due to
increased legacy asset unavailability.
In addition, the report concluded that, despite success in
increasing mission hours, the Coast Guard still has room for
improvement in its performance. The Service was significantly
more successful in Fiscal Year 2005 in meeting goals for its
traditional non-homeland security missions than its homeland
security missions. The Coast Guard met 22 of 28 performance
goals (79 percent) for its traditional non-homeland security
missions, meeting its non-homeland security missions goals in
all areas except for Living Marine Resources. This was the
Coast Guard's best performance over the past five years
regarding its non-homeland security missions performance.
In contrast, however, the Coast Guard met only five of 19
(26 percent) of its performance goals in Fiscal Year 2005 for
its homeland security missions, not including the PWC mission
(because a risk-based performance measure for this mission was
only recently developed). Of the four mission areas for which a
risk-based performance measure existed, analysis could be
performed only on three missions (Undocumented Migrant
Interdiction, Other Law Enforcement, and Defense Readiness)
because the results for Illegal Drug Interdiction were not yet
available at the time of the assessment. The Coast Guard only
met its goals in one of the three remaining homeland security
missions--Other Law Enforcement. While these results are
concerning, it must be noted that the analysis was incomplete.
Two of the five missions were not analyzed, including the
largest user of Coast Guard resource hours (PWC). It is hoped
that future reports will be able to provide a more complete
picture of the Coast Guard's homeland security mission
performance, and consequently, allow troubleshooting to occur.
The report also examined the Coast Guard's performance over
time. Only Aids to Navigation and Marine Environmental
Protection achieved the established goals for the five-year
period, while Marine Safety met its goals for the three-year
period that goals were established and results were available.
Seven of the remaining missions did not consistently meet
goals: Illegal Drug Interdiction, Undocumented Migrant
Interdiction, Other Law Enforcement, Defense Readiness, SAR,
Ice Operations, and Living Marine Resources. In fact, the
Service only met its performance goals for Illegal Drug
Interdiction in Fiscal Year 2004 (although 2005 results were
not available), Undocumented Migrant Interdiction in two out of
the past five years, and did not meet its performance goals for
Defense Readiness in any year in the five-year period.
Significantly, the report determined that there are
barriers to improving or sustaining the Coast Guard's
performance. The Coast Guard is within 4 percent of its
statistically projected maximum level of resource hours. The
report noted that, as a result, ``the Coast Guard will be
unable to increase its total resource hours without the
acquisition of additional aircraft, cutters, and boats.''
Further, the Coast Guard's limited capacity is further
exacerbated by extended crisis operations, which cause a loss
of resources following the operations since the assets require
significant maintenance and reconditioning. This loss of
resources necessarily affects readiness for other missions. In
addition, the Coast Guard must ensure that a comprehensive and
fully-defined performance management system is implemented to
improve performance.
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ICEBREAKING REPORT
On September 26, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to review the recent National Academy of Sciences
report on the Coast Guard's polar icebreakers.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Rear Admiral Joseph
L. Nimmich, Assistant Commandant for Policy and Planning,
United States Coast Guard, Dr. Anita K. Jones, Chair, Polar
Research Board, Assessment of United States Coast Guard Polar
Icebreaker Roles and Future Needs, National Academy of
Sciences, Dr. Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director, National Science
Foundation, and Mr. Mead Treadwell, Chairman, United States
Arctic Research Commission.
The Coast Guard is the only Federal agency that operates
polar icebreakers. In one of the most challenging environments
on earth, the icebreakers support the United States research
operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. The United States has
territory and citizens above the Arctic Circle, and it
maintains three year-round scientific stations in Antarctica to
assert a United States presence and ensure American leadership
among the nations that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty.
While the primary mission of the polar icebreakers is to
support scientific research missions, the polar icebreakers can
also support other Coast Guard missions including search and
rescue, marine pollution response, law enforcement, defense
operations, and ice operations--providing icebreaking
capability, charting the positions and movements of icebergs
(the International Ice Patrol), and supporting Department of
Defense and civilian scientific research. The Coast Guard is
the sole federal agency with the essential combination of
properly equipped platforms, experienced and trained personnel,
and authorities to perform these tasks in the Polar Regions.
To accomplish these polar missions, the Coast Guard
operates three icebreaking vessels: POLAR STAR, POLAR SEA, and
HEALY. The POLAR STAR and the POLAR SEA were commissioned in
1976 and 1978, respectively, and are for heavy icebreaking use
in both the Arctic and Antarctic. The HEALY was commissioned in
1999 and is only for use in the Arctic since it has light
icebreaking capability. The POLAR SEA and POLAR STAR have
deteriorated after almost 30 years of operations in some of the
harshest conditions in the world, and there are significant
issues concerning their possible future service life.
Therefore, Congress required a study in the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 to examine the role of the
Coast Guard's icebreakers in supporting United States
operations in the Arctic and Antarctic, including scenarios to
continue those operations.
The study concluded the following: (1) The nation needs the
capability to operate in both polar regions reliably and at
will; (2) The United States should continue to project an
active and influential presence in the Arctic and Antarctic to
support its interests. This objective requires United States
government polar icebreaking capability to assure year-round
access throughout the Arctic and sufficient capability to break
a channel into and assure the maritime resupply of McMurdo
Station; (3) The United States should maintain leadership in
polar research. This requires icebreaking capability to provide
access to the polar regions; (4) Operations and maintenance of
the polar icebreaking fleet have been underfunded for years,
and the capabilities of the fleet have diminished dramatically;
(5) Deferred long-term maintenance and failure to execute a
plan for replacement or refurbishment have placed national
interests in the polar regions at risk; (6) National interests
in the polar regions require that the United States immediately
program, budget, design, and construct two new polar
icebreakers to be operated by the Coast Guard; (7) To provide
continuity of United States icebreaking capabilities, the POLAR
SEA should remain mission capable and the POLAR STAR should
remain available for reactivation until the new polar
icebreakers enter service; (8) The Coast Guard should be
provided a sufficient operations and maintenance budget to
support an increased, regular, and influential presence in the
Arctic. Other agencies should reimburse incremental costs
associated with directed mission tasking; and (9) Polar
icebreakers are essential instruments of United States national
policy in the changing polar regions. To assure adequate
national icebreaking capability into the future, a Presidential
Decision Directive should be issued to clearly align agency
responsibilities and budgetary authorities.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
During the 109th Congress, Honorable Bill Shuster of
Pennsylvania served as Chairman of the Subcommittee and
Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia
served as the Ranking Democratic Member. The Subcommittee held
a number of hearings to conduct oversight and prepare
legislation. A brief list of the topics covered by the
Subcommittee during the 109th Congress includes: hearings,
resolutions, and legislation resulting from the impact of
Hurricane Katrina, reform of the national emergency management
system, reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission,
reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program,
reauthorization of the Predisaster Mitigation Program,
authorization of the General Services Administration's Fiscal
Year 2005 and 2006 Capital Investment and Leasing Program,
numerous bills for building designations, and resolutions
authorizing the use of the Capitol grounds.
Enacted Bills
ROBERT T. MATSUI UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 787
(Public Law 109-10)
H.R. 787 designates the new United States Courthouse
located at 501 I Street in Sacramento, California, as the
``Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse''. Robert Matsui
was elected to 14 consecutive terms in the United States House
of Representatives as a member of the California delegation,
beginning in the 96th Congress. He rose through the ranks and
was admired by his colleagues as a man of keen intellect,
trusted friend, and a formidable competitor. He was born in
Sacramento, California, September 17, 1941, attended the
University of California, Berkeley, and received his J.D. from
the Hastings College of Law, University of California in 1966.
After graduation, Matsui practiced law in a private practice
before becoming a councilman on the Sacramento City Council. In
1977 he was elected vice mayor of Sacramento. He served the
city of Sacramento in every capacity he could. In Congress,
Matsui's efforts in securing funding for Sacramento were
crucial in the revitalization of that city. Among the projects
for which he was responsible were the expansion of the city's
light rail public transit system, and the courthouse that will
soon bear his name. He passed away on January 1, 2005.
------
REYNALDO G. GARZA AND FILEMON B. VELA UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 483
(Public Law 109-16)
H.R. 483 designates the United States Courthouse located in
Brownsville, Texas, as the ``Garza-Vela United States
Courthouse''. Judge Reynaldo Garza was born in Brownsville,
Texas, on July 7, 1915, and attended local public schools. He
graduated from Brownsville Junior College in 1935, and from the
University of Texas at Austin in 1939. Upon his graduation, he
worked in private practice until entering the United States
Army Air Corps. After World War II, Garza returned to private
practice until 1961. In 1961 he was appointed to the United
States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and
then elected Chief Judge for United States District Court for
the Southern District of Texas in 1974. Judge Garza was
appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth
Circuit in 1979, and in April of 1997, Chief Justice William H.
Rehnquist appointed him Chief Judge of the Temporary Emergency
Court of Appeals of the United States. He passed away on
September 14, 2004, from pneumonia.
Judge Filemon Vela was born in Harlingen, Texas, in 1936,
and attended Harlingen local public schools. He went on to
attend Texas Southmost College, the University of Texas, and
St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. He served in
the United States Army from 1957 until 1959. After his
graduation, he worked in private practice from 1962 to 1975. He
was appointed as a Judge on the 107th Judicial District, for
Cameron-Willacy County from 1975 to 1980. President Carter
appointed him to the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Texas in 1980. Judge Vela took Senior
Status in 2000. Judge Vela passed away on April 13, 2004. This
bill passed the House on April 13, 2005.
------
COMMUNITY DISASTER LOAN ACT OF 2005
S. 1858
(Public Law 109-88)
S. 1858, referred to as the Community Disaster Loan Act of
2005, amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act's Community Disaster Loan Program. The
program places a $5,000,000 limit per loan per community. S.
1858 removes this cap for the $750,000,000 appropriated for
this program for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The bill limits
the Community Disaster Loan program by not permitting the
waiver of repayment of these loan obligations, in effect
creating a $750,000,000 loan program which must be repaid by
the communities which have suffered from these two disasters.
This bill passed the House on October 7, 2005.
------
COLIN L. POWELL RESIDENTIAL PLAZA
S. 1413
(Public Law 109-89)
S. 1413 designates the Federal building in Kingston,
Jamaica, formerly known as the Crowne Plaza, as the Colin L.
Powell Residential Plaza. Colin Powell was born in New York
City on April 5, 1937. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell,
immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. He was educated
in New York City public schools. He went on to graduate from
the City College of New York with a degree in geology. While at
City College he joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps
(ROTC). When he graduated in 1958, he was at the top of his
ROTC class with the rank of cadet colonel, the highest rank in
the corps. In 1962, he was sent to Vietnam for the first of his
two tours of duty. In 1963, he was wounded and awarded the
Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. During his second tour in
Vietnam, he was injured in a helicopter crash but managed to
rescue his comrades, for which he was awarded the Soldier's
Medal. He has received 11 decorations including the Legion of
Merit. He continued his education, gaining a master's degree in
business administration from George Washington University.
Since that time, Colin Powell has served our great Nation as a
professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he was the
recipient of numerous United States and foreign military awards
and decorations and soon rose to the rank of a four-star
general. He went on to serve as the 12th Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, which is the highest military position in the
Department of Defense. In his time as Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, he oversaw some 28 crises, including Operation
Desert Storm and the 1991 Persian Gulf War. His distinguished
career was topped off when he was sworn in as the 65th
Secretary of State of the United States in January of 2001, the
first African American to hold this office. As Secretary of
State, he took a leading role in rallying America's allies and
the United Nations in the war against terrorism. This bill
passed the House on October 6, 2005.
------
ROSA PARKS FEDERAL BUILDING
H.R. 2967
(Public Law 109-98)
H.R. 2967 designates the Federal building located at 333
Mt. Elliott Street in Detroit, Michigan, as the ``Rosa Parks
Federal Building''. Rosa Parks is most well known as the
``mother of the civil rights movement.'' In 1955, she defiantly
refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery,
Alabama, inspiring further civil disobedience. Rosa Park's
dedication to the fight for social and economic justice
continued well beyond that monumental day in 1955, as she spent
the remainder of her life fighting against all forms of
discrimination. Rosa Parks received numerous awards for her
contributions to the civil rights movement, including the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold
Medal. Rosa Parks passed away October 24, 2005. This bill
passed the House on October 26, 2005.
------
ROSA PARKS FEDERAL BUILDING AND WILLIAM B. BRYANT ANNEX
S. 1285
(Public Law 109-101)
S. 1285 designates the Federal building located at 333 Mt.
Elliott Street in Detroit, Michigan, as the ``Rosa Parks
Federal Building'', and the annex to the E. Barrett Prettyman
Federal Building and United States Courthouse located at
Constitution Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, as
the ``William B. Bryant Annex''.
Rosa Parks is most well known as the ``mother of the civil
rights movement.'' In 1955 she defiantly refused to give up her
seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, inspiring
further civil disobedience. Rosa Park's dedication to the fight
for social and economic justice continued well beyond that
monumental day in 1955, as she spent the remainder of her life
fighting against all forms of discrimination. Rosa Parks
received numerous awards for her contributions to the civil
rights movement, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
and the Congressional Gold Medal. Rosa Parks passed away
October 24, 2005.
Judge Bryant was born in Alabama but raised in Washington,
DC. He attended DC public schools, and graduated from Dunbar
High School. He received both his bachelor's and law degrees
from Howard University. In 1943, he entered the United States
Army, receiving a commission as a First Lieutenant. Judge
Bryant was honorably discharged in 1947, having attained the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After 18 years in private practice,
marked by a brief period with the Department of Justice,
William Bryant was appointed to the United States District
Court for the District of Columbia in 1965. In 1977, Judge
Bryant became the first African-American to serve as Chief
Judge for the District of Columbia District Court. Judge Bryant
took senior status in 1982. This bill passed the House on
November 2, 2005.
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PREDISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4324
(Public Law 109-139)
H.R. 4324 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize through Fiscal Year
2008 the program of technical and financial assistance to
states and local governments for cost-effective predisaster
hazard mitigation measures. It also amends the Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 to extend through September 30, 2007,
the deadline for completion by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office of a study estimating the reduction
in Federal disaster assistance that has resulted and is likely
to result from enactment of such Act. This bill passed the
House on December 15, 2005.
------
KATRINA EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2006
S. 1777
(Public Law 109-176)
S. 1777, as amended, extends the disaster unemployment
assistance eligibility period to 39 weeks for individuals
eligible for such assistance under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) who
are unemployed as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and
are not eligible for regular unemployment assistance. The
Stafford Act allows the President to provide assistance to
individuals unemployed as a result of a major disaster through
the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program for a period of up
to 26 weeks. Due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a significant
part of the Gulf region's workforce remained unemployed after
this 26-week period. S. 1777, as amended, provides for an
additional 13 weeks of assistance. This bill passed the House
on March 3, 2006.
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SUPREME COURT GROUNDS TRANSFER ACT OF 2005
S. 2116
(Public Law 109-214)
S. 2116 transfers jurisdiction over a small parcel of land
from the Architect of the Capitol to the Supreme Court of the
United States. The small parcel of land is bordered by
Constitution Avenue on the North, Maryland Avenue on the West
and South, and by Second Street on the East. This transfer also
includes realigning the jurisdictional boundaries of the United
States Capitol Police and the United States Supreme Court
Police to reflect this land transfer. The transfer will enable
the Supreme Court Police to have control over the grounds
within the bollard perimeter currently under construction. This
bill passed the House on March 28, 2006.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY RECOVERY ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4979
(Public Law 109-218)
H.R. 4979, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to
clarify the preference for local firms in the award of
contracts for disaster relief activities. The bill makes it
clear that the government can direct contracts to local
communities devastated by disasters. The Stafford Act provides
a preference for doing business with local firms to help them
rebuild their economy. In the areas hardest hit by Hurricane
Katrina, the job market, local economy, and tax base were
devastated. This legislation puts people back to work
rebuilding their communities, while simultaneously
strengthening the local economy and tax base and providing for
lower cost and faster job completion. This bill passed the
House on March 28, 2006.
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DISASTER RECOVERY PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5013
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 5013, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to prohibit the
confiscation of lawfully possessed firearms by an individual
operating under the color of Federal law while acting in
support of a major disaster or emergency declaration, unless
the confiscation is otherwise permitted by law. This Act
ensures that law abiding citizens can continue to protect
themselves, their families, their businesses, and their
property, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, during
disasters, when law enforcement is most likely to be
overwhelmed and unable to fulfill the safety needs of the
citizens they serve. It prevents agencies from arbitrarily
depriving law abiding citizens of their private property and
means of protection during a disaster. Additionally, this Act
clarifies that an individual may require the temporary
surrender of firearms as a condition for entry into any mode of
transportation used for rescue or evacuation during a disaster
or emergency. The Act authorizes any individual aggrieved by a
violation of this legislation to seek relief by bringing an
action for redress and by bringing a civil action in United
States district court for return of a confiscated firearm. H.R.
5013, as amended, passed the House on July 25, 2006.
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POST-KATRINA REFORM OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
H.R. 5316
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 5316--Restoring Emergency Services to Protect Our
Nation from Disasters Act of 2006 or the ``RESPOND Act of
2006'' was ordered reported by the Committee on May 17, 2006
and includes a number of the provisions that became law through
the Fiscal Year 2007 Homeland Appropriations Act. The Homeland
Security Appropriations Act puts the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) back together again and gives FEMA the
tools and authority to do its job. With the leadership,
authority, and resources necessary to respond effectively to
the next disaster, FEMA can once again be a model agency within
the Federal Government. The amendment to the appropriations
Homeland Security Appropriations Act--
Elevates the standing of the FEMA within the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by promoting the
Administrator of FEMA to the level of Deputy Secretary;
also requires that the Administrator possess a
demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency
management and homeland security and at least five
years of executive leadership and management
experience;
Provides statutory protections to FEMA, like
those provided to the United States Coast Guard and the
Secret Service under the Homeland Security Act, by
maintaining FEMA as a distinct entity within the
Department; and preventing the transfer of FEMA
authorities, personnel, assets and funds;
Directs the Administrator to serve as the
principal advisor to the President, the Homeland
Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland
Security for all matters relating to emergency
management and permits the President to designate the
Administrator as a member of the Cabinet in the event
of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other
disasters;
Returns training, exercises, and grant
administration authority to FEMA, restoring the nexus
between emergency preparedness and response, helping
improve FEMA relations with state and local first
responders, officials, and emergency managers;
Brings direction, professional expertise,
and accountability to Federal, State, and local
preparedness activities by defining responsibility for
disaster management as vested jointly between Federal
and State governments and establishing:
A national advisory council of State and
local officials and first responders;
National planning scenarios;
Target capabilities or recommended
preparedness levels;
Training and exercises;
A comprehensive assessment system and
remedial action program; and
Federal preparedness requirements.
Further improves response capabilities at
the Federal, State, and local levels by establishing
regional emergency support and response teams and
Regional Offices and Advisory Councils, authorizing the
Urban Search and Rescue System and the Metropolitan
Medical Response System, and establishing a nationwide
pre-positioned emergency equipment program;
Elevates the importance of emergency
communications within DHS by creating an Office of
Emergency Communications, requiring the Director of the
new office to conduct a nationwide baseline assessment
of emergency communication needs and produce a National
Emergency Communications Plan;
Requires State and local governments to
establish effective, Department-approved Statewide
Interoperable Communications Plans before being able to
use DHS grant funds for emergency communications;
Prevents waste, fraud, and abuse by
developing internal management controls, fraud
prevention training, and allowing the inspectors
general of other Federal agencies to use a portion of
their disaster relief funds for oversight activities;
creates a housing pilot program to reduce the need for
large-scale trailer parks; and places a spending cap on
mitigation programs;
Requires the development of capabilities
necessary to meet the needs of individuals with
disabilities and others with special needs;
Requires FEMA to develop a voluntary family
registry and locator system and to coordinate with the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in
the Center's development of a National Emergency Child
Locator Center;
Authorizes FEMA to disclose evacuee
information to law enforcement agencies to track sex
offenders;
Increases authorization levels for a select
few programs and FEMA's core operating budget:
Urban Search and Rescue increases by $20
million for Fiscal Year 2008.
Metropolitan Medical Response increases by
$30 million for Fiscal Year 2008.
Emergency Management Performance Grant
increases by $175 million for Fiscal Year 2008.
Emergency Management Assistance Compact
authorized at $4 million for Fiscal Year 2008.
FEMA's two operating accounts increase by
10 percent per year for three years.
------
RURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 2338
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 2338, as amended, amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the
President to designate an advocate for small states and rural
areas within FEMA to advocate for the fair treatment in the
provision of assistance under such Act. The Homeland Security
Appropriations Act also requires the Department of Homeland
Security to report to specified Congressional Committees on the
extent to which disaster declaration regulations meet the needs
of States with populations of less than one million and comply
with existing statutory restrictions on the use of arithmetic
formulas and sliding scales based on income or population. H.R.
2338, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote by the
Subcommittee on July 14, 2005.
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DISASTER RELIEF EQUITY ACT OF 2005
H.R 3208
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 3208 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to require the President to ensure
that the distribution of supplies, the processing of
applications, and other disaster relief and assistance
activities shall be accomplished in an equitable and impartial
manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,
religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status.
------
TO AMEND TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, TO PERMIT ACCESS TO DATABASES
MAINTAINED BY THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR PURPOSES OF
COMPLYING WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY AND NOTIFICATION LAWS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
H.R. 4381
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 4381 amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to authorize the
disclosure to government agencies of FEMA records on assistance
provided to individuals in connection with a major disaster or
emergency for purposes of complying with a federal or state sex
offender registry or notification law. The Act also conditions
receipt of federal funds by non-governmental organizations
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act on the organization providing assurances
satisfactory to the President that it will disclose its records
for the purpose of permitting a requesting jurisdiction to
comply with a Federal or State sex offender registry or
notification law.
------
TO AMEND THE ROBERT T. STAFFORD DISASTER RELIEF AND EMERGENCY
ASSISTANCE ACT TO RESTORE FEDERAL AID FOR THE REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND
REPLACEMENT OF PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES THAT ARE
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY A MAJOR DISASTER
H.R. 4517
(Public Law 109-295)
[PASSED AS PART OF THE FY 2007 HOMELAND APPROPRIATIONS ACT]
H.R. 4517 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to restore Federal aid for the repair,
restoration, and replacement of private nonprofit educational
facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
------
TO AMEND THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER ACT TO AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL
APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007
H.R. 5187
(Public Law 109-306)
H.R. 5187 amends the John F. Kennedy Center Act to
authorize additional appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 to the
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the
maintenance, repair, and security account and the capital
projects account. This increase aligns the authorized amounts
with those requested by the President in the Fiscal Year 2007
budget. This bill passed the House on July 25, 2006.
------
PETS EVACUATION AND TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3858
(Public Law 109-308)
H.R. 3858, also known as the PETS Act, amends the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to
require the Director of FEMA to ensure that state and local
emergency preparedness operational plans take into account the
needs of individuals with household pets and service animals
following a major disaster or emergency. To qualify for FEMA
funding, a jurisdiction is required to submit a plan detailing
their disaster preparedness plan. The PETS Act ensures that the
needs of individuals with household pets and service animals
are considered when preparedness plans are developed. H.R.
3858, as amended, also permits FEMA to fund structures that
will accommodate people with pets and service animals and
provide essential needs to pets and service animals following a
disaster. This bill passed the House, as amended, on September
20, 2006.
------
CARROLL A. CAMPBELL, JR. UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 5546
(Public Law 109-331)
H.R. 5546, as amended, designates the Federal Courthouse to
be constructed in Greenville, South Carolina, as the ``Carroll
A. Campbell, Jr. United States Courthouse.'' The bill honors
former South Carolina Governor and Congressman Carroll A.
Campbell, Jr. who passed away in 2005. In 1970, Governor
Campbell's political career began with his election to the
South Carolina House of Representatives, and later served in
the South Carolina Senate. He served in the United States House
of Representatives from 1979 until his election as Governor in
1986. As Governor of South Carolina, Campbell coordinated his
state's response to Hurricane Hugo and lured large industry to
the state. After two terms in office, Governor Campbell was
prevented from seeking a third term. In 2001 Governor Campbell
was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Governor Campbell
passed away after a severe heart attack on December 7, 2005.
This bill passed the House on September 27, 2006.
------
WILLIAM M. STEGER FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 5606
(Public Law 109-332)
H.R. 5606, designates the Federal building and United
States Courthouse located at 221 and 211 West Ferguson Street
in Tyler, Texas, as the ``William M. Steger Federal Building
and United States Courthouse.'' The Act honors William Steger,
who served as United States Attorney for the Eastern District
of Texas and was appointed to the Federal bench in 1970. Judge
Steger's service began in 1941, when he joined the Army Air
Corps the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1952, Judge
Steger was a seasoned attorney and appointed to serve as the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas by
President Eisenhower. Judge Steger's career as a judge began in
1970, with an appointment to the Federal bench by President
Nixon. During his tenure, he closed more than 6,500 cases,
issued several landmark decisions, and was rarely reversed on
appeal. Judge Steger passed away June 4, 2006. This bill passed
the House on September 27, 2006.
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JOHN F. SEIBERLING FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 6051
(Public Law 109-335)
H.R. 6051, as amended, designates the Federal building and
United States Courthouse located at 2 South Main Street in
Akron, Ohio, as the ``John F. Seiberling Federal Building and
United States Courthouse''. John Seiberling was born in 1918 in
Akron, Ohio. He received his degree from Harvard University and
his law degree from Columbia School of Law. After four years of
duty with the United States Army during World War II,
Seiberling began a career in private practice. After more than
20 years as an attorney, Seiberling was elected to the 92nd
Congress and served in the United States House of
Representatives for 16 years as a Representative of the 14th
District of Ohio. During his eight terms in the United States
Congress, Representative Seiberling led the fight to establish
some of our country's most important urban parks, and has
received the title of ``patron saint'' of many of our national
parks. This bill passed the House on September 27, 2006.
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JOHN MILTON BRYAN SIMPSON UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 315
(Public Law 109-339)
H.R. 315 designates the United States Courthouse at 300
North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the John Milton
Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse. Born in Kissimmee,
Florida, John Simpson progressed through, what would be called
by any reasonable person, a long, distinguished, and publicly
oriented career. After receiving his law degree from the
University of Florida and seven years in private practice, John
Simpson began what would result in a career in public service
spanning 54 years. He began as an Assistant State's Attorney,
served two years in the United States Army during World War II,
and was a State Judge for nine years before being nominated to
the Federal bench in 1950. He served as Chief Judge for three
different Courts, the Southern and Middle District Courts of
Florida and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He served on
the Conference of Chief Judges for three years. During his
tenure on the bench, he was also instrumental in the move
toward desegregation in Northern Florida during the late 1950s
and early 1960s. This bill passed the House on February 8,
2005.
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JUSTIN W. WILLIAMS UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S BUILDING
H.R. 1463
(Public Law 109-341)
H.R. 1463 designates a portion of the Federal building
located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as
the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building''.
Born in New York City, in 1942, Justin Williams earned his
Bachelor's Degree from Columbia University in 1963, and his law
degree from the University of Virginia in 1967. After
graduation, Justin Williams embarked upon his legal career.
From 1967, until 1986, he worked for the Criminal Division of
the Department of Justice and served as Assistant
Commonwealth's Attorney in Arlington County and Assistant
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia,
based in Alexandria. In 1986, Justin Williams was appointed
Chief of the Criminal Division and served in that capacity
until his death. Justin Williams passed away August 31, 2003.
This bill passed the House on April 13, 2005.
------
CLYDE S. CAHILL MEMORIAL PARK
H.R. 1556
(Public Law 109-342)
H.R. 1556 designates a parcel of land located on the site
of the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse in St.
Louis, Missouri, as the ``Clyde S. Cahill Memorial Park.''
Judge Cahill, who passed away in 2004, was the first African
American to be appointed to the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Missouri. After serving in the
United States Air Force during World War II and acquiring a law
degree from St. Louis University Law School, Judge Cahill
engaged in the private practice of law in 1951. From 1958
through 1968, he served as chief legal advisor to the Missouri
NAACP and while with the NAACP, he filed the first lawsuit in
Missouri to implement the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v.
Board of Education helping to end school segregation in
Missouri. Judge Cahill was appointed to the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in 1980.
Judge Cahill had a reputation for being courteous and
compassionate. This bill passed the House on September 27,
2006.
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KIKA DE LA GARZA FEDERAL BUILDING
H.R 2322
(Public Law 109-343)
H.R. 2322 designates the Federal building located at 320
North Main Street in McAllen, Texas, as the ``Kika de la Garza
Federal Building.'' The bill honors former Congressman de la
Garza from Texas, who served in the United States House of
Representatives for 32 years. Congressman de la Garza started
his career of civil service early when he enlisted in the
United States Navy at age 17. After his military service, he
earned a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.
Following law school, he was elected to the Texas House of
Representatives where he served the state for six consecutive
terms. Congressman de la Garza was elected in 1964,to the
United States House of Representatives. During his 32 years of
service in Washington, de la Garza accomplished countless goals
and participated in a number of historic events including the
creation of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He also served
as the first Hispanic Chair of a Congressional Committee. This
bill passed the House on September 27, 2006.
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SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4954
(Public Law 109-347)
H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every Port
Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act) includes a number of measures
within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction. The bill includes the
Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act of 2005 (WARN Act),
which gives the Federal Communications Commission the tools it
needs to encourage wireless communications providers to
participate in the Emergency Alert System. This is a critical
step in strengthening and modernizing our Nation's emergency
alert system. The SAFE Port Act also makes a number of
improvements to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act. It provides for medical monitoring of
emergency response providers by the Department of Health and
Human Services. Additionally, the Act ensures that the Chemical
Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and the Radiological
Emergency Preparedness Program are administered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. This bill passed the House on May
4, 2006,and the conference report was approved by the House on
September 30, 2006.
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ANDRES TORO BUILDING
H.R. 5026
(Public Law 109-348)
H.R. 5026 designates the Investigations Building of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located at 466 Fernandez
Juncos Avenue in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the ``Andres Toro
Building.'' Andres Toro was the Director of the Compliance
Division of the FDA San Juan District Office. He joined the FDA
in 1977 as an investigator in the San Juan District office and
worked his way up the ranks to Director of the Compliance
Division. He is the first and only Puerto Rican to have risen
to this high government rank in the FDA without taking a
position off the island. He received many awards along the way.
Mr. Toro played a major role in some of the most unprecedented
regulatory cases the FDA has initiated against the food and
drug industry. He was known for his dedication and commitment
in preserving and protecting public health. This bill passed
the House on September 27, 2006.
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FEDERAL AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT REAL PROPERTY ACT OF 2005
H.R. 3699
(Public Law 109-396)
H.R. 3699, as amended, authorizes the exchange of Federal
land between the Department of Interior's National Park Service
and the District of Columbia. Under a transfer of jurisdiction,
the Federal government retains ownership of the property and
the District is given authority to maintain and administer the
property. Transferring this land allows the District to utilize
the lands for development, to increase its tax base and
decrease financial dependence on the Federal government. Many
of the parcels in H.R. 3699 are underutilized or neglected and
consequently the transfer helps the Federal government manage
existing properties by reducing maintenance backlogs. These
lands are not currently providing substantial value and their
transfer to the District allows taxpayer dollars to be spent on
maintaining more beneficial properties. This bill passed the
House, as amended, on September 30, 2006, and passed the Senate
on November 16, 2006.
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DAM SAFETY ACT OF 2006
S. 2735/H.R. 4981
(Public Law 109-460)
S. 2735 and H.R. 4981, as amended, reauthorize the National
Dam Safety Program for five years, through Fiscal Year 2011.
The National Dam Safety Program, administered by the FEMA, was
established to improve safety and security around dams. The
program provides assistance grants to state dam safety agencies
to assist them in improving their regulatory programs,
training, and research, and to create a National Inventory of
Dams.
H.R. 4981, as amended, passed the House on September 27,
2006. S. 2735 passed the Senate on December 6, 2006, and passed
the House on December 8, 2006.
------
Other Legislation
In addition to numerous bills enacted into law, the
Subcommittee reported a number of concurrent resolutions
authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds. Additionally, the
Subcommittee held hearings and reported several bills that
passed the House but did not pass the Senate. 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. 86
House Concurrent Resolution 86 authorized the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby
qualifying races held on June 18, 2005. The races took place on
Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street,
NW. The winners of the races, Robbie Reuss, Michelle Gregos,
and Michael DeYoung went on to represent the Washington
Metropolitan Area at the National finals, held in Akron, Ohio.
DISTRICT OF CLOLUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
H. CON. RES. 135
House Concurrent Resolution 135 authorized the 2005
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
to be conducted through the grounds of the Capitol on June 10,
2005. The Capitol Police hosted the opening ceremonies for the
run starting on Capitol Hill. Over 2,000 law enforcement
representatives from local and Federal law enforcement agencies
in the Washington, DC area carried the Special Olympics Torch
in honor of over 2,500 Special Olympians who participated in
this annual event to show their support of the Special
Olympics.
NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE
H. CON. RES. 136
House Concurrent Resolution 136 authorized the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the 24th Annual National Peace Officers'
Memorial Service, held on May 15, 2005. The service was in
honor of the Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers
killed in the line of duty in 2004.
AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR AN EVENT TO COMMEMORATE
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILLION MAN MARCH
H. CON. RES. 161
House Concurrent Resolution 161 authorized the use of the
Capitol Grounds on October 15, 2005, for activities associated
with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Million
Man March.
GREATER WASHINGTON SOAP BOX DERBY
H. CON. RES. 349
House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorized the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby
qualifying races held on June 17, 2006. The races took place on
Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street,
NW.
The winners of the races, Oliver Schaller, Elise Keitz, and
Michelle Gregos, went on to represent the Washington
Metropolitan Area at the National finals, held in Akron, Ohio.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
H. CON. RES. 359
House Concurrent Resolution 359 authorized the 2006
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
to be conducted through the grounds of the Capitol on June 9,
2006. The Capitol Police hosted the opening ceremonies for the
run starting on Capitol Hill.
NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL SERVICE
H. CON. RES. 360
House Concurrent Resolution 360 authorized the use of the
Capitol Grounds for the 25th Annual National Peace Officers'
Memorial Service, held on May 15, 2006. The service was in
honor of the Federal, State and local law enforcement officers
killed in the line of duty in 2005.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING AND MEMORIALIZING THE PASSENGERS AND
CREW OF UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 93
S. CON. RES. 26
Senate Concurrent Resolution 26 honors and memorializes the
passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 for their
decisive actions and efforts of bravery on September 11, 2001.
The resolution directs the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and other specified Congressional officials to
select an appropriate memorial in the United States Capitol to
honor the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who saved the United
States Capitol from possible destruction.
House Resolutions
(Summaries of Resolutions)
EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE NATION TO THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE
KATRINA, COMMENDING THE RESILIENCY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATES OF
LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, AND ALABAMA, AND COMMITTING TO STAND BY THEM IN
THE RELIEF AND RECOVERY EFFORT
H. RES. 425
House Resolution 425 declares that the House of
Representatives expresses the condolences of the Nation to the
victims of Hurricane Katrina, commends the resiliency and
courage of the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
and commits to provide the necessary resources and to stand by
the people of such states in the relief, recovery, and
rebuilding efforts.
RELATING TO THE TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
H. RES. 427
House Resolution 427 extends the deepest sympathies of the
House of Representatives to the thousands of innocent victims
of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, their families,
friends, and loved ones, to salute those who placed themselves
in harm's way, often at the risk of their lives, and to honor
those who are involved in the struggle against terror. The
resolution also vows that the House will continue to take
whatever actions necessary to identify, intercept, and disrupt
terrorists and their activities.
DESIGNATING ROOM H-139 OF THE CAPITOL AS THE ``HENRY J. HYDE ROOM''
H. RES. 1087
House Resolution 1087 designates room H-139 of the Capitol
as the ``Henry J. Hyde Room''. This resolution shall take
effect on January 3, 2007. In 1975, Congressman Henry Hyde was
elected to the House of Representatives. He was reelected to
each succeeding Congress until his retirement after the 109th
Congress. As Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and the
Committee on International Relations, he authored
groundbreaking and effective legislation and pushed for the
promotion of democracy around the world. The resolution passed
the House on December 5, 2006.
Bills Passed by the House Only
(Summaries of Bills)
TONY HALL FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 548
H.R. 548 designates the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as
the ``Tony Hall Federal Building and United States
Courthouse''. Congressman Hall was born in Dayton, Ohio, on
January 16, 1942. He graduated from Fairmont High School in
1960, and from Denison University in 1964. After graduation,
Congressman Hall served for two years in the United States
Peace Corps. From 1969 to 1972, Congressman Hall served in the
Ohio General Assembly. He was then elected to serve in the Ohio
Senate from 1973 until 1978, at which time he was elected to
the United States House of Representatives. During his time in
the House, Congressman Hall was an outspoken advocate for
combating world hunger, protecting human rights, and promoting
humanitarian causes--including basic education, adult literacy,
immunization and other child survival programs, and sustainable
agriculture in developing countries. Congressman Hall served as
Chairman of the House Select Committee on Hunger from 1989,
until it was abolished in 1993, then fasted for 22 days to draw
worldwide attention to the scourge of hunger. He served on the
Rules Committee in addition to numerous other committee
assignments. In 2002, Congressman Hall resigned his seat to
accept appointment as United States Ambassador to the United
Nations food and agriculture agencies. This bill passed the
House on February 8, 2005.
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FASTER AND SMARTER FUNDING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS ACT OF 2005
H.R. 1544
[PASSED BY THE HOUSE AS PART OF H.R. 1817]
The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It
requires the creation of a task force to set up standards for
first responders. H.R. 1544 clarifies appropriate uses for
first responder grant money and establishes a new distribution
formula for that money. This bill was originally reported by
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure during the
108th Congress on June 6, 2004, and was reintroduced and passed
the House during the 109th Congress. This bill passed the House
on May 18, 2005.
------
TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN BUILDINGS OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND
PREVENTION
H.R. 4500
H.R. 4500 designates the Headquarters and Emergency
Operations Center building (Building 21) and the Global
Communications Center building (Building 19) of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located at 1600 Clifton
Road in Atlanta, Georgia, as the ``Rosa Parks Headquarters and
Emergency Operations Center Building'' and the ``Mother Teresa
Global Communications Center Building,'' respectively.
Rosa Parks is most well known as the ``mother of the civil
rights movement.'' In 1955, she defiantly refused to give up
her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, inspiring
further civil disobedience. Rosa Parks' dedication to fight for
social and economic justice continued well beyond that
monumental day in 1955, as she spent the remainder of her life
fighting against all forms of discrimination. Rosa Parks
received numerous awards for her contributions to the civil
rights movement, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
and the Congressional Gold Medal. Rosa Parks passed away
October 24, 2005.
Mother Teresa spent her life assisting those in poverty in
Calcutta, India, and throughout Central Asia. Her inspiration
started a movement of volunteers who continue to spread her
message and ministry throughout the world. Today, over 100,000
volunteers in 123 countries participate in Mother Teresa's
Missionaries of Charity program, bringing hope and aid to the
sick and dying. Mother Teresa received numerous awards and
recognition for her humble acts of kindness, including the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa died in 1997. This
bill passed the House on December 13, 2005.
SCOTT REED FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE
H.R. 4530
H.R. 4530 designates the Federal building and United States
courthouse located at 101 Barr Street in Lexington, Kentucky,
as the ``Scott Reed Federal Building and United States
Courthouse''. Judge Scott Reed was born in Lexington, Kentucky,
on July 3, 1921. He graduated from Henry Clay High School, and
the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he received
many honors. During his years as a private attorney, he
distinguished himself as a trial lawyer of great integrity. His
career as a jurist began in 1964, when he became a Fayette
Circuit Court Judge. Five years later he was elected to the
Kentucky Court of Appeals, where he sat for more than seven
years. During the mid-1970s, Kentucky's judicial system
experienced a significant reorganization, with the creation of
the new Kentucky Supreme Court. Judge Reed played an
instrumental role in the reorganization and was elected to
serve as the first Chief Justice of Kentucky in 1976. He was
considered a strict interpreter of Kentucky's constitution and
a staunch advocate of the separation of the judiciary from the
other branches of government. In 1979, he was named United
States District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He
served as United States District Judge until he retired in
1990. Judge Scott Reed passed away in 1994. This bill passed
the House on May 22, 2006.
------
TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONDITIONAL CONVEYANCE OF ANY INTEREST RETAINED BY
THE UNITED STATES IN ST. JOSEPH MEMORIAL HALL IN ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
H.R. 4700
H.R. 4700 conveys an interest retained by the United States
in the St. Joseph Memorial Hall in St. Joseph, Michigan. The
St. Joseph Memorial Hall's use is limited by a deed restriction
placed on the property by the Federal government more then 60
years ago. While similar deed restrictions in the city have
been lifted, the restriction on Memorial Hall remains, making
it impossible for redevelopment of the neighborhood to
continue. This bill merely completes a land transfer between
the Federal government and the City of St. Joseph, Michigan,
which began back in May 1935. St. Joseph city officials have
requested this transfer as the city is finalizing redevelopment
plans for the downtown which would utilize the parcel of land
and the building. The city will pay $10,000 to the General
Services Administration for the transfer. H.R. 4700 passed the
House on May 3, 2006.
Bills Passed by the Committee
(Summaries of Bills)
GULF COAST RECOVERY ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4438
H.R. 4438 addresses the most time sensitive obstacles to
recovery in the areas of the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita and will provide the foundation for the long-
term successful recovery of the region. The bill allows the
President to provide assistance to financially distressed State
and local governments to cover expenses for some essential
response and recovery personnel in order to aid local
governments facing tax revenue shortfalls due to the disasters.
H.R. 4438 also extends the eligible period of disaster relief
unemployment to 52 weeks, sets the Federal cost share at a
minimum of 75 percent for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(HMGP), restores the HMGP funding to 15 percent, creates a new
grant program to improve interoperability and survivability of
emergency communications systems, and amends the Community
Disaster Loan Act to allow local governments to receive loans
of up to 50 percent of the local government's budget. H.R. 4438
was favorably reported to the House from the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure on December 7, 2005.
Hearings
During the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee held a number
of hearings and other meetings on topics within its
jurisdiction, oversight hearings on issues of concern to the
Subcommittee, and on legislation developed by the Subcommittee
and proposals made by Members of Congress not on the Committee.
On March 17, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ``The
Administration's Strengthening America's Communities Initiative
and Its Impact on Economic Development.'' In advance of the
release of the Fiscal Year 2006 budget, the Administration
announced a new initiative entitled ``Strengthening America's
Communities.'' This new initiative proposed to consolidate a
number of existing community and economic development grant
programs into one new grant program housed at the Department of
Commerce. The Subcommittee received testimony on the proposed
consolidation of programs from the Honorable David A. Sampson,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development; Ms.
Anne Habiby, Inner City Economic Forum; Mr. Ken Jones, First
Vice-President, National Association of Development
Organizations and Executive Director of the Lower Rio Grande
Valley Development Council; Mr. Charles Fluharty, Director,
University of Missouri's Rural Policy Research Institute; Mr.
Edward M. Silvetti, Executive Director, Southern Alleghenies
Planning and Development Commission; and Robert A. Anspach,
Mayor, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
On April 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ``The
National Preparedness System: What Are We Preparing For?''
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the
Department of Homeland Security was created and tasked with the
responsibility to develop a new and comprehensive National
Preparedness System. The Subcommittee held a hearing to examine
the progress and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
focus on terrorism at the expense of natural disaster
preparedness. The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr.
Corey D. Gruber, Associate Director, Office for Domestic
Preparedness, DHS; Mr. Gil Jamieson, Director, NIMS Integration
Center, DHS; Mr. David E. Liebersbach, President, National
Emergency Management Association and Director, Division of
Homeland Security and Emergency Management, State of Alaska;
Chief John Buckman, Past President, International Association
of Fire Chiefs and Fire Chief, German Township, Indiana;
Captain John P. Salle, International Association of Chiefs of
Police; Mr. Armond Mascelli, Vice President, Emergency
Response, American Red Cross; Mr. Dewayne West, Vice Chairman,
Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commission,
President, International Association of Emergency Managers and
Director, Emergency Management, Johnson County, North Carolina.
On June 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ``The
Judiciary's Ability to Pay for Current and Future Space
Needs.'' Over the past 20 years, the Judiciary's personnel,
office space, appropriation and caseload have increased
significantly. As a result, the Judiciary commits an ever-
increasing proportion of its budget to securing space needed to
accommodate its growth. To reverse this trend and commit a
larger proportion of funds to personnel, the Judiciary
requested that the Administrator of the General Services
Administration permanently waive roughly one-half of the
Judiciary's more than $900+ million annual rental obligation to
the Federal Buildings Fund. The purpose of this hearing was to
better understand how the current situation with the Judiciary
developed, to evaluate the potential repercussions of the
Judiciary's waiver request, and to explore alternative
solutions. The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Mark
Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, Government
Accountability Office; Honorable Jane R. Roth, Judge, United
States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Chairman,
Judicial Conference Committee on Security and Facilities; Mr.
F. Joseph Moravec, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service; and
Mr. Leonidas Ralph Mecham, Director, Administrative Office of
the United States Courts and Secretary, Judicial Conference of
the United States.
On July 26, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
``Honoring the Protectors of the Capitol: The Passengers and
Crew of Flight 93.'' On the morning of September 11, 2001,
United Airlines flight 93 departed from Newark, New Jersey,
bound for San Francisco, California. Just 46 minutes into the
flight, four terrorists hijacked Flight 93, took control of the
aircraft, and turned it 180 degrees to head east towards
Washington, DC. The passengers and crew members of Flight 93
phoned relatives from the sky, and learned of the attacks that
had already occurred, including the two planes that had struck
the World Trade Center towers in New York City. Based on this
knowledge and the belief that the terrorists aboard the flight
were involved in the same plot, the passengers and crew
attempted to retake the plane and in doing so, averted a
potential attack on the United States Capitol. The terrorists
crashed the plane into an empty field in Shanksville,
Pennsylvania, killing 40 innocent passengers and crew. The
purpose of this hearing was to both honor those that died in
possible defense of the United States Capitol, and also to
explore legislative and creative options for how to honor them
through a memorial. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. Alan Hantman, Architect of the Capitol; Mr. Hamilton
Peterson, President, Families of Flight 93; Dr. Brent Glass,
Member, Flight 93 Memorial Advisory Commission and Director,
Smithsonian Museum of American History; Mr. Ken Nacke, Family
Member of a Passenger on Flight 93; Mr. Clay Mankamyer and Mrs.
Mary Alice Mankamyer, Residents of Shanksville, Pennsylvania,
and Ambassadors at the Shanksville Memorial Site.
On October 6, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
``Recovering after Katrina: Ensuring that Federal Emergency
Management Agency is up to the task?'' On the morning of August
29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, a Category Four hurricane, made
landfall in Southeastern Louisiana. Damage directly from the
storm was felt in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, and Tennessee, though Louisiana and Mississippi
received the brunt of the storm. Recovery efforts were hampered
by a number of problems. The Subcommittee received testimony on
the concerns raised by state and local officials on recovery
and possible solutions from the Honorable Richard Baker, United
States Congressman (LA-06); Mr. Ken Burris, Chief Operating
Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency; Mr. Richard
Skinner, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security;
Mr. Henry ``Junior'' Rodriguez, President, St. Bernard Parish;
Mr. Kent Buckley, Director, Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Coordinator, Bolivar County, Mississippi; Ms. Janice
Kilgore, CEM Director, Escambia County Public Safety; Mr. Bob
Wise, President, Alliance for Excellent Education; and Mr.
Albert Ashwood, Vice President, National Emergency Management
Association.
On October 18, 2005, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on ``A
Vision and Strategy for Rebuilding New Orleans.'' Hurricane
Katrina devastated the nation's Gulf coast in August 2005,
destroying homes, businesses, highways, bridges, levees, and
other critical infrastructure. The purpose of this hearing was
to receive testimony on how to rebuild New Orleans in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina, and allow those directly impacted by
Hurricane Katrina the opportunity to inform Congress of how to
tailor assistance and hurricane protection projects to best
suit their needs. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Honorable Richard Baker; Honorable William J. Jefferson;
Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor, State of
Louisiana; Honorable C. Ray Nagin, Mayor, New Orleans,
Louisiana; Honorable Mitchell J. Landrieu, Lieutenant Governor,
State of Louisiana; Mr. Wynton Marsalis, Musician, New York,
New York; Mr. Mtumishi St. Julien, Executive Director, The
Finance Authority, New Orleans, Louisiana; Mr. Paul Farmer,
Executive Director, American Planning Association, Washington,
DC; Mr. J. Stephen Perry, President and CEO, New Orleans
Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Orleans,
Louisiana; Mr. Gary P. LaGrange, President and CEO, Port of New
Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana; Mr. John Felmy, Chief
Economist, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC; Mr.
Jerome Ringo, Chair, National Wildlife Federation, Lake
Charles, Louisiana; and Mr. Michael C. Voisin, Owner and
General Manager, Motivatit Seafoods, Inc., Houma, Louisiana.
On November 3, 2005, the Committee held a legislative
hearing on ``Legislative Proposals in Response to Hurricane
Katrina.'' The objective of this hearing was to examine how
legislation related to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's structure, the oversight of disaster relief and
recovery spending, public assistance and individual and
household assistance programs, flood insurance, recovery/
rebuilding proposals, and cash flow problems can improve and
expedite recovery from major catastrophic disasters. The
Subcommittee received testimony from several United States
Congressmen including the Honorable Patrick Kennedy, Honorable
Jim Kolbe, Honorable Todd Platts, Honorable Robert Menendez,
Honorable Earl Blumenauer, Honorable Jean Schmidt, Honorable
Mark Foley, Honorable Mark Udall, Honorable Tom Lantos,
Honorable Christopher Shays, Honorable Bobby Jindal, Honorable
Clay Shaw, and Honorable Chip Pickering.
On February 16, 2006, the Full Committee held a hearing
entitled ``Disasters and the Department of Homeland Security:
Where Do We Go From Here?'' At this hearing, the Committee
discussed the key findings of the Federal government's
inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina and Department of
Homeland Security's (DHS) perspective on improving emergency
management capabilities and readiness at the Federal, state,
and local levels. The Committee received testimony from DHS
Secretary Michael Chertoff.
On February 23, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Whittier, California, on ``The Big One: How Do We Ensure a
Robust Federal Response to a Catastrophic Earthquake in the Los
Angeles Region?'' The response to Hurricane Katrina revealed a
number of failures and shortcomings in the Federal, State, and
local response to a catastrophic disaster. The purpose of this
hearing was to solicit state and local government input for
improving the Federal government's capability and readiness in
responding to catastrophic disasters, as well as for enhancing
state and local response capabilities. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Dr. Lucy Jones, United States
Geological Survey; Mr. Ellis M. Stanley, Sr., CEM, City of Los
Angeles Emergency Preparedness Department; Ms. Ann-Marie
Hayashi, City of Whittier Emergency Services; and Mr. Henry
Renteria, Director, California Office of Emergency Services.
On February 24, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in St. Louis, Missouri, on ``How Do We Ensure a Robust Federal
Response to a Catastrophic Earthquake in the New Madrid
Region?'' The response to Hurricane Katrina revealed a number
of failures and shortcomings in the Federal, State, and local
response to a catastrophic disaster. The purpose of this
hearing was to solicit state and local government input for
improving the Federal government's capability and readiness in
responding to catastrophic disasters, as well as for enhancing
state and local response capabilities. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Jim Wilkinson, Central United
States Earthquake Consortium; Dr. Eugene ``Buddy'' Schweig,
United States Geological Survey; Mr. Michael S. Pawlowski,
Federal Emergency Management Agency; Mr. Ronald Reynolds,
Director, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency; Mr.
William C. Burke, Director, Illinois Emergency Management
Agency; and the Honorable James Talent, United States Senate.
On March 30, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
General Services Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 Capital
Investment and Leasing Program (CILP). The hearing covered all
aspects of the CILP including the alteration/modernization and
construction portions. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. David Winstead, Commissioner of the Public Buildings
Service of the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA
requested new authority totaling $489.8 million for design,
modernization, repair, and alteration of 18 Federal buildings.
This includes $465 million for Basic Repairs and Alterations
projects and $24.8 million for the design of future projects.
GSA requested $520.1 million in new authority for the
construction of new facilities. This includes $383.9 million to
support the consolidation of the Coast Guard in Washington, DC.
No money was requested in the Fiscal Year 2007 program for
construction of new judicial facilities. Additionally, 15 lease
prospectuses were considered.
On June 22, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on ``The Future of the Federal Courthouse Construction
Program: Results of a Government Accountability Office Study on
the Judiciary's Rental Obligations.'' After requests by the
Judiciary that the Administrator of the General Services
Administration (GSA) permanently waive roughly one-half of the
Judiciary's $940 million annual rental obligation to the
Federal Buildings Fund, the Subcommittee requested the
Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct an investigation
into the rent and space increases of the Judiciary. The purpose
of this hearing was to help the Committee better understand the
current problems with managing judicial facilities and the
results of the study as well as recommendations for the future
of the courthouse construction program. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Mr. Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Honorable Jane R. Roth, Judge,
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and
Chairman, Judicial Conference Committee on Security and
Facilities; and Mr. David L. Winstead, Commissioner, Public
Buildings Service, GSA.
On July 12, 2006, the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on ``The Reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional
Commission and Legislative Proposals to Create Additional
Regional Economic Development Authorities.'' Over the past 40
years, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has
significantly improved economic conditions in the Appalachian
region. The purpose of this hearing was to assess the progress
of the ARC's programs in preparation for reauthorization
beginning in Fiscal Year 2007, and examine legislative
proposals to create additional regional economic development
authorities, including the Northeast Regional Development
Commission, the Southeast Crescent Authority, and the Southwest
Regional Border Authority. The Subcommittee received testimony
from Ms. Anne B. Pope, Federal Co-Chair, ARC; Mr. Steve
Robertson, Commissioner, State of Kentucky Governor's Office
for Local Development, ARC; Mr. Edward Silvetti, Executive
Director, Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development
Commission and National Association of Development
Organizations; Mr. Jonathan Daniels, President and CEO, Eastern
Maine Development Corporation; Mr. Albert A. Delia, President
and CEO, North Carolina Eastern Region and Director, Federal
Relations, East Carolina University; Mr. Jake Brisbin, Jr.,
Executive Director, Rio Grande Council of Governments.
On July 26, 2006 the Subcommittee held a legislative
hearing on ``Proposed Amendments to and Reauthorization of the
National Dam Safety Program Act.'' In 1972, Congress directed
the Secretary of the Army to undertake a national program on
the inspection of dams (Public Law 92-367). The Water Resources
Development Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-303) amended that Act
to establish the National Dam Safety Program as a partnership
of the States, Federal agencies and other stakeholders to
encourage individual and community responsibility for dam
safety. Since its creation, the National Dam Safety Program has
helped to mitigate the risk of dam failure by providing
technical and financial assistance to state dam safety
officials. This hearing was held in order to receive testimony
on the benefits of the program, the need for reauthorization,
and proposed reforms. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. David Maurstad, Director, Mitigation Division and Federal
Insurance Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency;
Mr. Steven L. Stockton, Deputy Director, Civil Works, United
States Army Corps of Engineers; Mr. David P. Kelly, County
Legislator, District 23, Dutchess County, New York; Ms. Ruth A.
Moore, Deputy Commissioner, Natural Resources and Water
Quality, State of New York Department of Environmental
Conservation; Mr. Larry Roth, Deputy Executive Director,
American Society of Civil Engineers; and Mr. Kenneth Smith,
President, Association of State Dam Safety Officials and
Assistant Director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Water.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REQUESTS
In addition to requests for testimony at hearings held by
the Subcommittee and legislative mandates included in enacted
laws, the Subcommittee requested the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) conduct a study and publish a report on the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts' management
and financial controls over its rental accounts, recent trends
in the judiciary's rent payments and square footage occupied
and challenges the judiciary faces in managing its rent costs.
The subsequent report entitled ``Federal Courthouses: Rent
Increases Due to New Space and Growing Energy and Security
Costs Require Better Tracking and Management'' was published
June 2006.
Additionally, studies and reports requested during the
108th were completed during the 109th Congress. These included
a request to look at issues regarding the Smithsonian
Institution's facilities construction, repair, and alteration
projects and to report on the impact of the Smithsonian
Institution's facilities needs on its operating budgets. The
report, entitled ``Impact of Smithsonian Institution's
Facilities on Operations'', was released in April 2005. GAO was
also requested to examine how the Department of Homeland
Security is working with and assisting state and local first
responders, in particular, how the Department's efforts enhance
state and local first responders' all-hazards capacity. The
report, entitled ``DHS Efforts to Enhance State/Local First
Responders' All-Hazards Capacity'' was released in September
2005.
Site Visits
During the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee participated in
a number of site visits related to topics within its
jurisdiction, on legislation developed by the Subcommittee, and
proposals made by Members of Congress not on the Committee.
Site visits included a number of trips to hurricane ravaged
states along the Gulf Coast, trips to economically distressed
communities in the Appalachian and Delta regions, trips abroad
to assess foreign emergency management systems, and trips
around Washington, DC to view the federal facility requirements
of the region.
Emergency Management
On March 3 and 4, 2005, the Subcommittee participated in a
site visit related to Hurricane Ivan. The trip focused on areas
severely impacted by Hurricane Ivan in Escambia and Santa Rosa
Counties, Florida. During July 2005, the Subcommittee also
toured areas severely impacted by the 2004 Hurricanes in South
Carolina, Georgia, and other parts of Florida. These visit
contributed to the Subcommittee's assessment of Federal, state,
and local response and recovery efforts surrounding the 2004
Hurricane Season.
During January 2006, the Subcommittee traveled to South
Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi, to meet with state and
local officials regarding the handling of past disasters and
the future of emergency management.
From April 7 through 15, 2006, the Subcommittee traveled
throughout Europe to evaluate and study the emergency
management and flood control systems of Italy, the United
Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Information gathered during this
trip assisted in the drafting of legislation to reform our
country's emergency management system.
On May 30, 2006, the Subcommittee traveled to Lake Charles,
Louisiana, to assess the damage to Cameron Parish from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Subcommittee met with a number
of State and local officials, as well as victims of the storms.
The trip focused on the immediate and future needs of the
region as they prepared for the 2006 Hurricane season.
Economic Development
Subcommittee staff traveled with the Delta Regional
Authority (DRA) to inspect economic development projects
throughout the Delta region in August of 2005 and 2006. Staff
visited sites in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and
Mississippi.
Additionally, Subcommittee staff accompanied the Chairman
to Pennsylvania and West Virginia to host two town hall
meetings to hear concerns, opinions, and suggestions of the
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as the Committee
considered reauthorization. The Chairman was also accompanied
by ARC Federal Co-Chair Ann Pope.
Public Buildings
Subcommittee staff visited sites in and around the
Washington Metropolitan area to better understand issues within
the Subcommittee's public building jurisdiction. Staff visited
the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to view
prior capital improvements and the future needs of the Center.
Select Smithsonian facilities were toured to assess the backlog
of maintenance, repair and restoration needs of the museums.
Staff also toured St. Elizabeth's campus in Southwest
Washington, DC, to examine proposals for the future use of the
site. Additionally, staff routinely toured the progress of the
Capitol Visitors Center.
All third-party travel was approved in advance by the
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
Other Oversight Activities
During the 109th Congress the Subcommittee remained
extremely interested in the oversight of Federal emergency
management policies, which include the preparation, mitigation,
response and recovery aspects of national disasters, and
general interest in the National Capital Region.
Additionally, the Subcommittee continued its ongoing
oversight of activities within the National Capital Region of
the General Services Administration, including the new
headquarters for Department of Homeland Security, Department of
Transportation, development of the Southeast Federal Center,
development of St. Elizabeth's campus, and the Judiciary's
Courthouse Construction Program.
Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and
Response to Hurricane Katrina
On September 15, 2005, the House of Representatives
approved H. Res. 437, which created the Select Bipartisan
Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to
Hurricane Katrina. The Committee was charged with conducting an
investigation and report findings to the House by February 15,
2006, regarding the development, coordination, and execution by
local, State, and Federal authorities of emergency response
plans and other activities in preparation for Hurricane
Katrina, and the local, State, and Federal government response
to Hurricane Katrina. Subcommittee Chairman Shuster served on
the Katrina Committee.
The Select Committee held nine hearings over the course of
approximately three months. Select Committee Members and staff,
including the Subcommittee staff director who was detailed to
the Select Committee, conducted scores of interviews and
received dozens of briefings from local, State, and Federal
officials; non-governmental organizations; private companies
and individuals who provided or offered external support after
Katrina; and hurricane victims. The Committee Members and staff
traveled to the Gulf Coast numerous times. Subcommittee staff
assisted in the investigation and drafting of the final report
entitled, ``A Failure of Initiative: The Final Report of the
Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for
and Response to Hurricane Katrina.''
PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECT RESOLUTIONS APPROVED PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT OF 1959
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Referred Date Approved Location Project
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
design of a 1,000,000
gross square foot
facility, located at the
West Campus of St.
Elizabeths Hospital in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a design
and review cost of
$24,900,000.
October 26, 2005......... Calais, ME..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of two
United Sates border
stations and renovation
of one United States
border station totaling
116,245 gross square
feet and 12 inside and
121 outside parking
spaces located in
Calais, Maine, at an
additional site cost of
$1,096,000 (site
acquisition cost of
$332,000 was previously
authorized), a new and
additional design and
review cost of
$1,617,000 (design and
review cost of
$2,937,000 was
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$3,589,000, and
estimated construction
cost of $43,844,000 for
a combined estimated
total project cost of
$53,4l5,000.
October 26, 2005......... Jackman, ME.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a 61,581
gross square foot
facility including 12
inside and 28 outside
parking spaces located
in Jackman, Maine, at an
additional site cost of
$812,000 (site cost of
$500,000 was previously
authorized), additional
design and review cost
of $657,000 (design and
review cost of
$1,595,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
estimated construction
cost of $11,319,000
(management and
inspection cost of
$1,445,000 and
construction cost of
$14,234,000 were
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$30,562,000 a prospectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution. This
resolution amends.
Committee resolutions
dated June 21, 2000,
which authorized
$619,000 for design;
July 18, 2001, which
authorized $249,000 for
additional design; June
26, 2002, which
authorized $753,000 for
management and
inspection and
$8,441,000 for
construction; and July
23, 2003, which
authorized $6,267,000
for construction and
$1,445,000 for site and
design and management
and inspection.
October 26, 2005......... Champlain, NY.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a
108,500 gross square
foot facility including
381 outside parking
spaces located in
Champlain, New York, at
an additional site cost
of $241,000 (site cost
of $409,000 was
previously authorized),
additional design and
review cost of
$3,609,000 (design and
review cost of
$3,391,000 was
previously authorized),
additional management
and inspection cost of
$5,231,000 (management
and inspection cost of
$2,519,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
estimated construction
cost of $43,429,000
(construction cost cost
of $32,512,000 was
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$91,341,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends the
Committee resolution
dated July 23, 2003,
which authorized
$42,831,000 for
additional site, design
and review, management
and inspection, and
construction (including
$4,000,000 for site
acquisition and design
and review appropriated
pursuant to Public Law
108-7 and $3,800,000 for
site acquisition and
design and review
authorized by Committee
Resolution on November
7, 2001).
October 26, 2005......... Massena, NY.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a 66,075
gross square foot
facility including ten
inside and 162 outside
parking spaces located
in Massena, New York, at
an additional site cost
of $458,000 (site cost
of $532,000 was
previously authorized),
additional design and
review cost of
$1,450,000 (design and
review cost of
$4,378,000 was
previously authorized),
additional management
and inspection cost of
$1,881,000 (management
and inspection cost of
$3,500,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
estimated construction
cost of $45,994,000
(construction cost of
$8,236,000 was
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$66,429,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends
Committee resolutions
dated June 26, 2002,
which authorized
$100,000 for site
acquisition and
$1,546,000 for design
and review and July 21,
2004, which authorized
$432,000 for additional
site, $2,832,000 for
additional design and
review, $5,040,000 for
additional management
and inspection, and
$48,938,000 for
additional construction.
October 26, 2005......... Blaine, WA..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a 90,904
gross square foot
facility including 156
outside parking spaces
located in Blaine,
Washington, at an
additional design and
review cost of
$1,038,000 (design and
review cost of
$2,752,000 was
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$2,999,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $42,497,000 for
a combined estimated
total project cost of
$56,346,000 (site
acquisition cost of
$7,060,000 was
previously authorized),
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution is in
addition to a Committee
resolution dated July
23, 2003, which
authorized $7,060,000
for site acquisition and
$2,752,000 for design
and review.
October 26, 2005......... Multiple locations............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
material price increases
for the construction of
projects located in New
York City, New York;
Houston, Texas; and Cape
Girardeau, Missouri, at
an estimated additional
construction cost of
$48,634,000.
October 26, 2005......... Multiple locations............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
for the design of
projects scheduled for
the Peachtree Summit
Federal Building,
located in Atlanta,
Georgia at a design cost
of $5,941,000; Birch
Bayh Federal Building
and United States
Courthouse, located in
Indianapolis, Indiana at
a design cost of
$1,342,000; Minton-
Capehart Federal
Building, located in
Indianapolis, Indiana at
a design cost
$1,923,000; IRS Customer
Service Center, located
in Andover,
Massachsetts; Margaret
Chase Smith Federal
Building, Post Office
and United States
Courthouse, located in
Bangor, Maine at a
design cost of
$1,587,000; Dr. A.H.
McCoy Federal Building,
located in Jackson,
Mississippi at a design
cost of $3,529,000; G.T.
``Mickey'' Leland
Federal Building,
located in Houston,
Texas at a design cost
of $2,208,000; Post
Office and United States
Courthouse, located in
San Antonio, Texas at a
design cost of $500,000
for a total design cost
of $21,915,000.
October 26, 2005......... Tucson, AZ..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the James
A. Walsh United States
Courthouse located at 38
South Scott Avenue, in
Tucson, Arizona at an
estimated construction
cost of $14,029,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$2,107,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$17,724,000 (design and
review cost of
$1,588,000 was
previously authorized).
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of of the
17th Street portion of
the Eisenhower Executive
Office Building located
at Pennsylvania Avenue
and 17th Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at an
additional design and
review cost of $500,000
(design and review cost
of $5,718,000 was
previously authorized
and $515,000 was
provided through a
reprogramming), an
additional estimated
construction cost of
$14,650,000 (estimated
construction cost of
$63,531,000 was
previously authorized
and $5,718,000 was
provided through a
reprogramming), and an
additional management
and inspection cost of
$550,000 (management and
inspection cost of
$5,686,000 was
previously authorized
and $343,000 was
provided through a
reprogramming) for a
total additional cost of
$15,700,000 and an
estimated total one
project cost of
$97,211,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends
Committee resolutions
dated June 26, 2002,
authorizing $7,500,000
for design and
management and
inspection and July 23,
2003, authorizing
$65,757,000 for
management and
inspection and
construction.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of Federal
Office Building 8
located at 2nd and C
Streets, SW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at an
additional design and
review cost of $663,000
(design and review cost
of $10,062,000 was
previously authorized),
an additional estimated
construction cost of
$13,598,000 (estimated
construction cost of
$126,080,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
management and
inspection cost of
$429,000 (management and
inspection cost of
$6,491,000 was
previously authorized)
for an estimated total
project cost of
$157,323,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends
Committee resolutions
dated July 18, 2001,
authorizing $7,761,000
for design and July 23,
2003, authorizing
$134,872,000 for
additional design,
management and
inspection, and
construction.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the GSA
Heating, Operations and
Transmission District
Steam Heating System, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a design
and review cost of
$1,096,000, an estimated
construction cost of
$16,200,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$1,487,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$18,783,000.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Herbert C. Hoover
Building located at 1401
Constitution Avenue, NW,
in Washington, District
of Columbia, at an
additional design and
review cost of
$11,100,000 (design and
review cost of
$16,900,000 was
previously authorized),
an estimated
construction cost of
$422,901,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$32,100,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$483,001,000.
October 26, 2005......... Atlanta, GA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for Phase
II of the alteration of
the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Federal Building, in
Atlanta, Georgia at an
estimated construction
cost of $28,137,000 and
management and
inspection cost of
$1,992,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$47,280,000 (design and
review, estimated
construction and
management and
inspection cost for
Phase I totaling
$17,151,000 were
previously authorized).
October 26, 2005......... New York, NY................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the James
L. Watson United States
Court of Intenational
Trade Building at a
design and review cost
of $720,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $8,892,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$829,000 for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $10,441,000.
October 26, 2005......... Miami, FL...................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
the alteration of the
James L. King Federal
Building at a design and
review cost of $147,000,
an estimated
construction cost of
$2,064,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$64,000 for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $2,275,000.
October 26, 2005......... Kansas City, MO................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Winchester Center,
located in Kansas City,
Missouri, at a design
and review cost of
$140,000, an estimated
construction cost of
$2,278,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$148,000 for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $2,566,000.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Eisenhower Executive
Office Building, located
in Washington, District
of Columbia, at an
additional design and
review cost of
$3,118,000 (design and
review cost of
$4,788,000 was
previously authorized),
an estimated
construction cost of
$97,183,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$17,416,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$122,505,000.
October 26, 2005......... Atlanta, GA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Richard B. Russell
Federal Building,
located in Atlanta,
Georgia, at a design and
review cost of $375,000,
an estimated
construction cost of
$3,730,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$142,000 for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $4,247,000.
October 26, 2005......... Woodlawn, MD................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the Social
Security
Administration's
National Computer
Center, located in
Woodlawn, Maryland, at a
design and review cost
of $407,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $8,477,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$848,000 for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $9,732,000.
October 26, 2005......... St. Louis, MO.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of Federal
Center Buildings 104/
105, located in St.
Louis, Missouri, at an
additional design and
review cost of $374,000
(design and review cost
of $1,635,000 was
previously authorized),
an additional estimated
construction cost of
$3,377,000 (estimated
construction cost of
$17,991,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
management and
inspection cost of
$374,000 (management and
inspection cost of
$1,794,000 was
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$25,545,000. This
resolution amends
Committee Resolution
dated July 21, 2001,
which authorized
$19,785,000 for
additional design,
construction, and
management and
inspection.
October 26, 2005......... Tampa, FL...................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the Samuel
M. Gibbons United States
Courthouse located at
801 North Florida
Avenue, Tampa, Florida
at an estimated design
cost of $815,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $7,558,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$541,000, for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $8,914,000.
October 26, 2005......... St. Paul, MN................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the Warren
E. Burger Federal
Building and United
States Courthouse
located at 316 Robert
Street, St. Paul,
Minnesota, at an
additional estimated
design cost of
$1,908,000 (design and
review cost of
$2,591,000 was
previously authorized),
an additional estimated
construction cost of
$20,155,000 (estimated
construction cost of
$33,745,000 was
previously authorized),
and management and
inspection cost of
$3,971,000 (management
and inspection cost of
$2,899,000 was
previously authorized),
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$65,269,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee Resolution
dated July 21, 2004,
which authorized
$36,664,000 for
estimated construction
and management and
inspection.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 492,000 rentable
square feet of space for
the General Services
Administration currently
located in government-
owned space at 1800 F
Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia at a proposed
total annual cost of
$22,140,000 for a lease
term of five years, with
two additional one-year
extensions.
October 26, 2005......... San Francisco, CA.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 111,227 rentable
square feet and 24
parking spaces for the
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and other
agencies, currently
located in leased space
at 333 Market Street, in
San Francisco,
California, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $4,341,826 for a
lease term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
205,388 rentable square
feet of space for the
Department of
Agriculture currently
located in leased space
at 1800 M Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$9,447,848 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
311,000 rentable square
feet of space for the
Department of Commerce
currently located at the
Herbert C. Hoover
Building in Washington,
District of Columbia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $14,306,000 for
a lease term of ten
years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
115,870 rentable square
feet of space for the
Department of Homeland
Security currently
located in leased space
at 801 Eye Street, NW,
in Washington, District
of Columbia, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $5,330,020 for a
lease term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
577,000 rentable square
feet and 40 parking
spaces for the
Department of Homeland
Security, United States
Coast Guard, currently
located in leased space
at 2100 2nd Street, SW,
in Washington, District
of Columbia, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $17,310,000 for
a lease term of five
years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
84,000 rentable square
feet and 182 parking
spaces for the
Department of Justice,
Drug Enforcement
Administration,
currently located in
leased space at 801 Eye
Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$3,864,000 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
98,096 rentable square
feet and 55 inside
parking spaces for the
Department of Justice,
Office of Justice
Programs, currently
located in leased space
at 810 7th Street, NW,
in Washington, District
of Columbia, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $4,512,416 for a
lease term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
122,496 rentable square
feet and 17 parking
spaces for the
Department of State,
currently located in
leased space at 515 22nd
Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$5,634,816 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
165,302 rentable square
feet and 129 parking
spaces for the
Department of State,
currently located in
leased space at 2121
Virginia Avenue, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$7,603,892 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
98,096 rentable square
feet of space for the
Department of Veterans
Affairs, Administrative
Services Division,
currently located in
leased space at 801 Eye
Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$4,512,416 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
149,526 rentable square
feet and 34 parking
spaces for the Federal
Election Commission,
currently located in
leased space at 999 E
Street, NW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$6,878,196 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Rockville, MD.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
104,892 rentable square
feet for the Food and
Drug Administration,
currently located in
leased space at 1401
Rockville Pike, in
Rockville, Maryland, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $3,356,544 for a
lease term of five
years.
October 26, 2005......... Boston, MA..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
232,388 rentable square
feet and 398 parking
spaces for the
Environmental Protection
Agency, currently
located in leased space
at One Congress Street
in Boston,
Massachusetts, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $11,049,042 for
a lease term of five
years.
October 26, 2005......... Albuquerque, NM................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
306,949 rentable square
feet and 825 parking
spaces for the National
Nuclear Security
Administration,
currently located in
multiple locations in
Albuquerque, New Mexico,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$8,594,572 for a lease
term of 20 years.
October 26, 2005......... Alexandria, VA................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 186,599 rentable
square feet and 12
inside parking spaces
for the Department of
Agriculture, currently
located in leased space
at 3101 Park Center
Drive, in Alexandria,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$5,224,772 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
240,872 rentable square
feet and 471 inside
parking spaces for the
Department of Defense,
currently located in
leased space at 400 Army
Navy Drive, in
Arlington, Virginia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $8,830,520 for a
lease term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Northern Virginia.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 526,397 rentable
square feet and 73
inside parking spaces
for the Department of
Defense, currently
located in leased space
at 1500 Wilson Boulevard
and Rosslyn Plaza North,
in Northern Virginia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $18,423,895 for
a lease term of ten
years.
October 26, 2005......... Northern Virginia.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
593,100 rentable square
feet and 268 parking
spaces for the Drug
Enforcement
Administration,
currently located in
leased space at 600-700
Army Navy Drive, in
Arlington, Virginia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $21,401,700 for
a lease term of ten
years.
October 26, 2005......... Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
authorized to lease up
to approximately 135,282
rentable square feet and
no parking spaces for
the multiple agencies
currently located in
leased space at the
Ballston Metro Center,
901 North Stuart Street,
in Arlington, Virginia,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$4,734,870 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
168,468 rentable square
feet and no parking
spaces for the
Department of Commerce,
Patent and Trademark
Office, currently
located in leased space
at 2809 Jefferson Davis
Highway, in Arlington,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$5,896,380 for a lease
term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Jacksonville, FL............... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
129,672 rentable square
feet and 129 parking
spaces for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation,
currently located at
7820 Arlington
Expressway in
Jacksonville, Florida,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$4,668,192 for a lease
term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Indianapolis, IN............... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
110,531 rentable square
feet and 142 parking
spaces for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation,
currently located in
both government owned
and leased space, in
Indianapolis, Indiana,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$4,200,178 for a lease
term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Louisville, KY................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 120,197 rentable
square feet and 115
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in multiple
government owned and
leased locations in
Louisville, Kentucky, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $4,327,092 for a
lease term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Detroit, MI.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 266,200 rentable
square feet and 271
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in multiple
government owned and
leased locations in
Detroit, Michigan, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $10,914,200 for
a lease term of 15
years.
October 26, 2005......... Jackson, MS.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 109,819 rentable
square feet and 85
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in multiple
government owned and
leased locations in
Jackson, Mississippi, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $3,733,846 for a
lease term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Omaha, NE...................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 112,337 rentable
square feet and 85
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in multiple
leased locations in
Omaha, Nebraska, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $4,044,132 for a
lease term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Charlotte, NC.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 171,460 rentable
square feet and 175
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in multiple
leased locations in
Charlotte, North
Carolina, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$6,001,100 for a lease
term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Merrifield and Arlington, VA... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 165,000 rentable
square feet and 106
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in leased space
in Merrifield and
Arlington, Virginia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $5,775,000 for a
lease term of ten years.
October 26, 2005......... Philadelphia, PA............... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 862,692 rentable
square feet and 1,800
parking spaces for the
Department of the
Treasury, Internal
Revenue Service,
currently located in
multiple leased
locations in
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $29,202,124 for
a lease term of 20
years.
October 26, 2005......... Knoxville, TN.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 99,130 rentable
square feet and 95
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in government
owned space in
Knoxville, Tennessee, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $3,097,813 for a
lease term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Frederick County, VA........... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 947,000 rentable
square feet and 1,232
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, in
Frederick County,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$33,145,000 for a lease
term of 15 years.
October 26, 2005......... Seattle, WA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 172,322 rentable
square feet and 18
parking spaces for the
Environmental Protection
Agency and Centers for
Disease Control and
Prevention, currently
located at 1200 Sixth
Avenue, in Seattle,
Washington, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $6,548,236 for a
lease term of ten years.
February 16, 2006........ Miami/Miramar, FL.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
723,780 rentable square
feet of space and 1,155
outside parking spaces
for the Department of
Justice, currently
loacted in multiple
leased currently located
in leased space at
locations throughout
South Florida, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $25,332,300 for
a lease term of 15
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
February 16, 2006........ Brooklyn, NY................... Resolution authorizing
additional
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Emanuel Celler
Courthouse located at
225 Cadman Plaza East,
in Brooklyn, New York,
at an additional design
and review cost of
$3,511,000 (design and
review cost of
$3,791,000 was
previously authorized),
an additional estimated
construction cost of
$27,193,000 (estimated
construction cost of
$61,046,000 was
previously authorized),
and additional
management and
inspection cost of
$4,220,000 (management
and inspection cost of
$4,465,000 was
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$104,226,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends
Committee resolutions
dated July 23, 2003,
authorizing $65,511,000
for management and
inspection and
construction.
April 5, 2006............ Various Locations.............. Resolution authorizing
additional
appropriations for
material price increases
for the construction of
projects located in Las
Cruces, New Mexico; Del
Rio, Texas; and two
projects in El Paso,
Texas, at an estimated
additional construction
cost of $19,155,000.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Department of the
Interior's main
headquarters building
located at 1849 C
Street, NW, Washington,
District of Columbia, at
a design and review cost
of $11,213,000, a
management and
inspection cost of
$20,900,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $243,444,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee resolution
dated June 23, 2003,
which authorized an
estimated total project
cost of $220,265,000.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the Mary
E. Switzer Memorial
Federal Building located
at 330 C Street, SW, in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at an
estimated construction
cost of $120,600,000, a
design and review cost
of $10,256,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$9,080,000, for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$139,936,000 (design and
review, estimated
construction and
management and
inspection cost totaling
$116,325,000 were
previously authorized),
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Chicago, IL.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Everett M. Dirksen
United States Courthouse
located at 219 South
Dearborn Street,
Chicago, Illinois at an
estimated construction
cost of $89,629,000 and
management and
inspection cost of
$6,942,000 (design cost
of $8,152,000 was
previously authorized),
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$104,723,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Laurel, MD..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the Food
and Drug Administration
Center for Veterinary
Medicine located on
Muirkirk Road in Laurel,
Maryland at an estimated
design cost of $435,000,
an estimated
construction cost of
$5,057,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$536,000, for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $6,028,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, included
in, this resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Silver Spring, MD.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the White
Oak Building located at
130 Dahlgren Road in
Silver Spring, Maryland,
at an estimated design
cost of $296,000, as
estimated construction
cost of $5,265,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$232,000, for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $5,793,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Kansas City, MO................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Richard Bolling Federal
Building located at 601
East 12th Street, in
Kansas City, Missouri,
at an estimated
construction cost of
$225,760,000, design and
review cost of
$15,917,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$22,233,000 for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$263,910,000 (estimated
total project cost of
$199,583,000 was
previously authorized),
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Albuquerque, NM................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of three
Federal buildings, one
located at 517 Gold
Avenue, Albuquerque, New
Mexico; the Chavez
Federal Building and
Courthouse; and the
Albuquerque Courthouse,
at an estimated design
cost of $543,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $4,821,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$419,000, for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $5,783,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ New York, NY................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Thurgood Marshall United
States Courthouse in New
York, New York, at an
estimated design cost of
$16,393,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $201,640,000,
and management and
inspection cost of
$9,849,000, for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$227,882,000 (design and
review costs totaling
$13,500,000 were
previously authorized) a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Milwaukee, WI.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Federal Building and
United States Courthouse
located at 517 East
Wisconsin Avenue, in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at
an estimated design cost
of $458,000, an
estimated construction
cost of $4,796,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$345,000, for a combined
estimated total project
cost of $5,599,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Woodlawn, MD................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Security West Building,
located at 1500 Woodlawn
Drive, Woodlawn,
Maryland, at a design
and review cost of
$1,310,000, an estimated
construction cost of
$16,382,000, and
management and
inspection cost of
$2,123,000, for a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$19,815,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Nogales, AZ.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for site
acquisition and design
of a 217,924 gross
square foot facility and
400 outisde parking
spaces, located in
Nogales, Arizona, at a
site acquisition cost of
$2,450,000 and design
and review cost of
$7,386,000, a prospectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
April 5, 2006............ San Luis, AZ................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations the
construction of a 76,794
gross square foot
facility and 80 outisde
parking spaces, located
in San Luis, Arizona, at
a design and review cost
of $3,306,000,
management and
inspection cost of
$3,854,000, and
estimated construction
cost of $34,869,000 for
an estimated total
project cost of
$42,029,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Calexico, CA................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for site
acquisition and design
of a 233,943 gross
square foot facility and
197 new outisde parking
spaces, located in
Calexico, California, at
a site acquisition cost
of $2,000,000 and design
and review cost of
$12,350,000 a prospectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a mail
processing and screening
facility of 80,000 gross
square feet and 104
outside parking spaces
located in Washington,
District of Columbia, at
a design and review cost
of $1,025,000,
management and
inspection cost of
$2,358,000, and
estimated construction
cost of $36,229,000 for
a combined estimated
total project cost of
$39,612,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for
construction of a
1,338,000 gross square
foot facility and a
structured parking
garage containing 1,000
spaces, located in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a
management and
inspection cost of
$31,040,000, (design and
review cost cost of
$24,900,000 was
previously authorized),
and an estimated
construction cost of
$352,957,000 for an
estimated total project
cost of $408,897,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Columbus, NM................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a
114,202 gross square
foot facility and 33 new
outisde parking spaces
located in Columbus, New
Mexico, at a design and
review cost of
$2,629,000, a prospectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
April 5, 2006............ El Paso, TX.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a
190,300 gross square
foot facility including
100 new outisde parking
spaces, located in El
Paso, Texas, at a
management and
inspection cost of
$2,051,000 (design cost
of $2,491,000 was
previously authorized),
and estimated
construction cost of
$18,166,000 for an
estimated total project
cost of $22,708,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ McAllen, TX.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
construction of a 46,648
gross square foot
facility and 96 outside
parking spaces, located
in McAllen, Texas, at an
additional design and
review cost of $429,000
(design and review cost
of $2,375,000 was
previously authorized),
additional management
and inspection cost of
$134,000 (management and
inspection cost of
$1,691,000 was
previously authorized),
and an additional
estimated construction
cost of $6,915,000
(construction cost of
$13,872,000 was
previously authorized)
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$25,416,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee resolution
dated July 23, 2003,
which authoized
$2,375,000 for design
and review, $1,691,000
for management and
inspection, and
$13,872,000 for
construction.
April 5, 2006............ Various Locations.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
design of projects
scheduled for the
Eisenhower Executive
Office Building (Phase
III), located in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a design
cost of $8,447,000; the
Nebraska Avenue Complex,
located in Washington,
District of Columbia, at
a design cost of
$1,200,000; the David
Dyer Federal Building
and Courthouse, located
in Miami, Florida, at a
design cost of
$4,502,000; the George
C. Young Federal
Building-Courthouse,
located Orlando,
Florida, at a design
cost of $2,563,000; the
Dr. A.H. McCoy Federal
Building-Post Office,
located in Jackson,
Mississippi, at a design
cost of $1,043,000; the
United States Post
Office and Courthouse,
located in Brooklyn, New
York, at a design cost
of $4,723,000; the
United States Post
Office and Courthouse
located in New Bern,
North Carolina, at a
design cost of
$1,279,000; and the
Joseph P. Kinneary
United States
Courthouse, located in
Columbus, Ohio, at a
design cost of
$1,068,000 for a total
design cost of
$24,825,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Denver, CO..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 170,704 rental
square feet of space and
57 inside parking spaces
for the Internal Revenue
Service currently
located in leased space
at Dominion Plaza, 600
17th Street, Denver,
Colorado and government-
owned space at Building
53, Denver Federal
Center, Lakewood,
Colorado, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$5,974,640 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 144,000 rentable
square feet of space and
ten parking spaces for
the United States Equal
Employment Opportunity
Commission, currently
located in leased space
at 1801 L Street, NW,
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
annual cost of
$6,768,000 for a lease
term of up to ten years,
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 376,219 rentable
square feet of space for
the Department of
Justice currently
located in leased space
at 555 4th Street, NW in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
annual cost of
$17,682,293 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
330,000 rentable square
feet of space and 65
parking spaces for the
Department of
Agriculture currently
located in multiple
leased locations in the
Washington, District of
Columbia Metropolitan
Area, at a proposed
annual cost of
$15,510,000 for a lease
term of fifteen years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
325,000 rentable square
feet and 17 parking
spaces for the Federal
Emergency Management
Agency, currently
located in leased space
at 500 C Street, SW,
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
annual cost of
$15,275,000 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Metairie, LA................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for a
superseding lease of up
to approximately 197,084
rentable square feet and
650 parking spaces for
the Department of the
Interior--Minerals
Management Service,
currently located at
1201 Elmwood Park,
Metairie, Louisiana, at
a proposed annual cost
of $4,730,016 for a
lease term of fifteen
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Baltimore, MD.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
538,000 rentable square
feet of space and 1,076
parking spaces for the
Social Security
Administration,
currently located in
government-owned space
at 300 North Greene
Street, Baltimore,
Maryland, at a proposed
annual cost of
$18,830,000 for a lease
term of twenty years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Boston, MA..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
268,452 rentable square
feet of space and 228
secured inside and 20
outside parking spaces
for the Federal Bureau
of Investigation,
currently located in
multiple leased
locations in
Massachusetts, at a
proposed annual cost of
$12,348,792 for a lease
term of twenty years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Kansas City, MO................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
342,865 rentable square
feet of space and 1,628
outside parking spaces
for the Department of
Agriculture, currently
located in leased space
in the Winchester Center
at 6501 Beacon Drive,
Kansas City, Missouri,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$6,727,011 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Portland, OR................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
134,159 rentable square
feet of space and 200
inside secured parking
spaces for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation,
currently located in
multiple leased
locations in the
Portland area, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $4,695,565 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
347,947 rentable square
feet of space and two
inside parking spaces
for the Department of
Defense, currently
located in leased space
at Jefferson Plaza 1 and
2, Arlington, Virginia,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$10,438,410 for a lease
term of five years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
221,084 rentable square
feet of space and 16
inside parking spaces,
for the Department of
Defense, currently
located in leased space
at 3100 Clarendon
Boulevard, Arlington,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$7,737,940 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Arlington, VA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
143,572 rentable square
feet for the Department
of the Interior--Fish
and Wildlife Service,
currently located in
leased space at
Arlington Square, 4401
Fairfax Avenue,
Arlington, Virgina, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $5,024,985 for a
lease term of ten years,
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Northern VA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
325,000 rentable square
feet of space and two
parking spaces for the
Patent and Trademark
Office in Northern
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$11,375,000 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
April 5, 2006............ Northern VA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to 334,103 rentable
square feet and 24
parking spaces for the
Social Security
Administration,
currently located in
leased space at 5107 and
5111 Leesburg Pike,
Falls Church, Virginia,
at a proposed annual
cost of $11,693,605 for
a lease term of ten
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
May 17, 2006............. Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
180,000 Metropolitan
Area rentable square
feet of space and 30
outside parking spaces
for the Federal Bureau
of Investigation in the
Washington, District of
Columbia Metropolitan
Area, at a proposed
total annual cost in
Washington, District of
Columbia, of $8,460,000,
Northern Virginia of
$6,300,000, or Maryland
of $5,760,000 for a
lease term of ten years,
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
May 17, 2006............. Miami, FL...................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
708,597 rentable square
feet of space and 2,874
outside parking spaces
for the United States
Southern Command, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $22,675,104 for
a lease term of 20
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
May 17, 2006............. Northern VA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
136,800 rentable square
feet of space for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation--Informati
on Technology Facility,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$4,788,000 for a lease
term of ten years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
521,000 rentable square
feet for the Department
of Justice, currently
located at 1301 New York
Avenue, NW, 1331 F
Street, NW, and 1400 New
York Avenue, NW,
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$24,487,000 for a lease
term of up to fifteen
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ San Francisco, CA.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to extend
an existing lease of
151,716 rentable square
feet and 25 parking
spaces for the
Department of Labor,
located at 71 Stevenson
Street, San Francisco,
California, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $5,765,208 for a
lease term of two years,
a prospectus for which
is attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
320,000 rentable square
feet of space and 510
parking spaces for the
Presidential Transition
Team and Presidential
Inaugural Committee, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $15,040,000 for
a lease term of 15
months, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Suburban MD.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
574,614 rentable square
feet of space and five
parking spaces for the
National Institutes of
Health, currently
located in leased space
at 6116, 6120, and 6130
Executive Boulevard,
Rockville, Maryland, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $18,387,648 for
a lease term of ten
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Tucson, AZ..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
84,353 rentable square
feet of space and 120
inside and 18 surface
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located at One South
Church Street, 2551
North Dragoon and 3285
South Hemisphere Loop,
Tucson, Arizona, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $3,036,708 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Sacramento, CA................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
148,184 rentable square
feet of space and 215
inside parking and 15
outside parking spaces
for the Federal Bureau
of Investigation,
currently located in
multiple lease
facilities in
Sacramento, California,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$5,927,360 for a lease
term of twenty years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Denver, CO..................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
175,155 rentable square
feet of space and 175
inside and 45 outside
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in three
government owned
facilities in Denver and
Lakewood, Colorado, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $6,130,425 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Minneapolis, MN................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
162,530 rentable square
feet of space and 200
inside and 20 outside
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, currently
located in leased space
in Minneapolis and
Roseville, Minnesota, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $6,176,140 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Cincinnati, OH................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
108,874 rentable square
feet of space and 145
structured and 20
surface parking spaces
for the Federal Bureau
of Investigation,
currently located in
multiple locations in
Cincinnati, Ohio, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $3,810,590 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Martinsburg, WV................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
design of the alteration
of the Internal Revenue
Service Enterprise
Computing Center located
in Martinsburg, West
Virginia, at a design
and review cost of
$2,893,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Philadelphia, PA............... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of Internal
Revenue Service space in
the William J. Green
Federal Building located
at 601 Arch Street,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, at a
design and review cost
of $378,000, a
management and
inspection cost of
$283,000, and an
estimated constrution
cost of $4,065,000 for
an estimated total
project cost of
$4,726,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to and included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ San Diego, CA.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for
additional site,
additional design,
management and
inspection, and
construction of a
466,886 gross square
foot facility and 105
inside parking spaces
located in San Diego,
California, at an
additional site and
design cost of
$3,258,000 (site and
design cost of
$42,369,000 were
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$7,740,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $248,816,000 a
combined estimated total
project cost of
$302,183,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
Within one year of the
date of approval of this
resolution, the Judicial
Conference of the United
States shall amend the
United States Courts
Design Guide to require
that each United States
Courthouse construction
project provide one
courtroom for every two
senior judges. Beginning
on the date of approval
of this Resolution, the
Judicial Conference of
the United States shall
specifically approve
each departure from the
United States Court
Design Guide for each
United States Courthouse
construction project
which result in
additional estimated
costs of the project
(including additional
rent payment
obligations) and that
the Judicial Conference
provide a specific list
of each departure and
the justification and
estimated cost (as
supplied by the General
Services Administration)
of such departure for
each United States
Courthouse construction
project to the General
Services Administration.
Each United States
Courthouse construction
prospectus submitted by
the General Services
Administration shall
include a specific list
of each departure and
the justification and
estimated cost
(including additional
rent payment
obligations) of such
departure and the
General Services
Administration's
recommendation on
whether the Committee on
Transportation of the
United States House of
Representatives and the
Committee on Environment
and Public works of the
United States Senate
should approve such a
departure.
July 19, 2006............ Suffolk, VA.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to enter
into a superseding lease
up to 154,428 rentable
square feet of space and
288 surface parking
spaces for the
Department of Defense,
United States Joint
Forces Command, located
in leased space at 112
Lakeview Parkway,
Suffolk, Virginia, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $3,689,285 for a
lease term of twenty
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
Approval of this
prospectus constitutes
authority for the
General Services
Administration to use
funds made available by
the Department of
Defense and a portion of
the annual rent payment
authorized above for
space alterations in
this facility at a
design and review cost
of $1,375,000, a
management and
inspection cost of
$1,250,000, and an
estimated total project
cost of $15,958,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
July 19, 2006............ Frederick County, VA........... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
947,000 rentable square
feet of space and 1,232
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, in
Frederick County,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$33,145,000 for a lease
term of twenty years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends the
Committee resolution
dated October 26, 2005,
authorizing a lease up
to 947,000 rentable
square feet of and 1,232
parking spaces for the
Federal Bureau of
Investigation, in
Frederick County,
Virginia, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$33,145,000, for a lease
term of fifteen years.
July 19, 2006............ Miami/Miramar, FL.............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
723,780 rentable square
feet of space and 1,155
outside parking spaces
for the Department of
Justice, currently
located in multiple
leased locations
throughout South
Florida, at a proposed
total annual cost of
$25,332,300 for a lease
term of twenty years, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution. This
resolution amends the
Committee resolution
dated February 16, 2006,
authorizing a lease up
to approximately 723,780
rentable square feet of
space and 1,155 outside
parking spaces for the
Department of Justice,
at a proposed total
annual cost of
$25,332,300 for a lease
term of fifteen years.
September 20, 2006....... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
238,708 rentable square
feet of space for the
Peace Corps, currently
located at 1111 20th
Street, NW, Washington,
District of Columbia,
2001 L Street, NW,
Washington, District of
Columbia, and 1525
Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, Virginia, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $11,219,276 for
a lease term of ten
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Los Angeles, CA................ Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
167,754 rentable square
feet of space and 442
inside parking spaces
for the Drug Enforcement
Administration currently
located in leased space
at Roybal Federal
Building-Courthouse, 255
East Temple Street, Los
Angeles, California, at
a proposed annual cost
of $6,710,160 for a
lease term of up to 20
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Philadelphia, PA............... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to lease
up to approximately
862,692 rentable square
feet of space and up to
1,200 parking spaces
(and up to an additional
400 spaces for up to
five years) for the
Internal Revenue
Service, currently
located in multiple
locations in the
Philadelphia region, at
a proposed total annual
cost of $32,256,912 for
a lease term of 20
years, a prospectus for
which is attached to,
and included in, this
resolution.
This resolution amends
the Committee resolution
dated October 26, 2005,
authorizing a lease up
to 862,692 rentable
square feet and 1,800
parking spaces for the
Internal Revenue Service
in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, at a
proposed total annual
cost of $29,202,124 for
a lease term of 20
years.
Approval of this
resolution constitutes
authority to execute an
interim lease for all
tenants, if necessary,
prior to execution of
the new lease.
Approval of this
resolution constitutes
authority, in the event
the General Services
Administration is unable
to secure a lease
agreement with the
United States Postal
Service, to conduct a
competitive procurement
for an alternate
facility in the City of
Philadelphia for the
same maximum rentable
square footage, rental
rate, lease term, and
number of parking spaces
included in the
propectus.
Provided, that the
General Services
Administration shall not
delegate to any other
agency the authority
granted by this
resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Citrus Heights, CA............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of leased
space, located at 6501
Sylvan Road, Citrus
Heights, California, for
backfill by the Internal
Revenue Service, at a
design and reveiw cost
of $406,000, a
management and
inspections cost of
$339,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $4,455,000, for
an estimated total
project cost of
$5,200,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the United
States Post Office and
Courthouse Building in
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, at a
design and review cost
of $4,543,000, a
management and
inspection cost of
$4,482,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $80,466,000, for
an estimated total
project cost of
$89,491,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution. This
resolution amends
Committee resolutions
dated November 7, 2001,
June 21, 2000, and June
25, 1998.
September 20, 2006....... Washington, DC................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
alteration of the
Eisenhower Executive
Office Building in
Washington, District of
Columbia, at a design
and review cost of
$3,500,000, a management
and inspection cost of
$2,300,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $25,291,000, for
an estimated total
project cost of
$31,091,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Madawaska, ME.................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to meet
expanded scope
requirements including
additional site area,
site development and
design of the United
States Border Station
project in Madawaska,
Maine, a 39,211 gross
square foot facility on
a 13.32 acre site with
48 outside and five
inside parking spaces,
at an additional site
and design cost of
$17,160,000 (site and
design cost of
$1,760,000 were
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$4,186,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $36,411,000, for
a combined estimated
total project cost of
$59,517,000, a propectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee resolution
dated July 21, 2004.
September 20, 2006....... Alexandria Bay, NY............. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to meet
expanded scope
requirements including
additional site area,
site development and
design of the United
States Border Station
project in Alexandria
Bay, New York, a 138,517
gross square foot
facility on a 59.9 acre
site with 120 outside
parking spaces, at an
additional site and
design cost of
$11,676,000 (site and
design cost of
$8,884,000 were
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$17,050,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $136,396,000,
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$174,006,000, a
prospectus for which is
attached to, and
included in, this
resolution.
September 20, 2006....... Derby Line, VT................. Resolution authorizing
appropriations to meet
expanded scope
requirements including
additional site area,
site development and
design of the United
States Border Station
project in Derby Line,
Vermont, a 51,159 gross
square foot facility on
a 23.25 acre site with
eight inside and 100
outside parking spaces,
at an additional site
and design cost of
$2,880,000 (site and
design cost of
$4,270,000 were
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$3,740,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $26,519,000,
(estimated construction
cost of $6,120,000 were
previously authorized),
for a combined estimated
total project cost of
$43,529,000, a propectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee resolution
dated July 21, 2004.
September 20, 2006....... Warroad, MN.................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations to meet
expanded scope
requirements including
additional site area,
site development and
design of the United
States Border Station
project in Warroad,
Minnesota, a 50,120
gross square foot
facility on a 10.44 acre
site with five inside
and 22 outside parking
spaces, at an additional
site and design cost of
$2,496,000 (site and
design cost of
$1,837,000 were
previously authorized),
management and
inspection cost of
$3,798,000, and an
estimated construction
cost of $35,664,000, for
a combined estimated
total project cost of
$43,795,000, a propectus
for which is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution. This
resolution amends a
Committee resolution
dated July 21, 2004.
September 20, 2006....... Donna, TX...................... Resolution authorizing
appropriations for the
design of a border
station in Donna, Texas,
of 170,528 gross square
feet with 112 outside
parking spaces, at a
design cost of
$3,726,000, for which a
prospectus is attached
to, and included in,
this resolution.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC BUILDINGS 3314(b) RESOLUTIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Referred Date Approved Location Project
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 18, 2005............. Lancaster County, PA........... Pursuant to Title 40
U.S.C. Sec. 3314(b),
the Administrator of
General Services shall
investigate the
feasibility and need to
construct or acquire a
facility to house the
United States District
Court for the Eastern
District of
Pennsylvania, in
Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
May 18, 2005............. Vancouver, WA.................. Pursuant to Title 40
U.S.C. Sec. 3314(b),
the Administrator of
General Services shall
investigate the
feasibility and need to
construct or acquire a
facility to house the
United States District
Court for the Western
District of Washington,
in Vancouver,
Washington.
December 7, 2005......... Riverside, CA.................. Pursuant to Title 40
U.S.C. Sec. 3314(b),
the Administrator of
General Services shall
investigate the
feasibility and need to
construct or acquire a
facility to house a
Federal Building-
Courthouse, located in
Riverside, CA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS, TRANSIT, AND
PIPELINES
In the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit, and Pipelines was Chaired by the Honorable Thomas E.
Petri of Wisconsin. The Honorable Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon
served as the Subcommittee Ranking Democratic Member.
The Subcommittee developed and reported H.R. 3, the
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, (TEA: LU)
legislation reauthorizing the Federal highway, public
transportation, highway safety, motor carrier safety, research
and hazardous materials transportation safety programs for the
five years from Fiscal Year 2005 through Fiscal Year 2009. H.R.
3 passed the House on March 10, 2005, and the Senate on April
17, 2005. The conference report, titled the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA: LU), was agreed to by the House and the Senate
on July 29, 2005. To continue the funding of the aforementioned
Federal programs, six short-term extensions to the previous
reauthorization, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century, were signed into law in the first session of the 109th
Congress. These were Public Laws 109-14, 109-20, 109-35, 109-
37, 109-40, and 109-42.
In the second session of the 109th Congress, the
Subcommittee also developed two bills which made technical
corrections to SAFETEA: LU. H.R. 5689, which passed the House
on June 28, 2006, made technical corrections to SAFETEA: LU
that were identified by the Department of Transportation and
were mostly of a conforming nature. H.R. 6233 passed the House
on September 29, 2006, and included virtually all of the House-
passed language from H.R. 5689 and also incorporated provisions
requested by the Senate Committees of jurisdiction. The Senate
took no action on either bill.
H.R. 5782, the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006, was
also developed by the Subcommittee in the 109th Congress. H.R.
5782 reauthorizes the Federal pipeline safety programs and
amends title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety and
reliability of transporting the nation's energy products by
pipelines. The bill was reported favorably by the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on July 19, 2006.
The Subcommittee also held 16 hearings in the 109th
Congress.
------
Enacted Legislation
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 2566
(Public Law 109-14)
Public Law 109-14 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety and transit programs for one month, and
authorized appropriations through June 30, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART II
H.R. 3104
(Public Law 109-20)
Public Law 109-20 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety, and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 1 to July 19, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART III
H.R. 3332
(Public Law 109-35)
Public Law 109-35 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety, and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 20 to July 21, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART IV
H.R. 3377
(Public Law 109-37)
Public Law 109-37 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety, and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 22 to July 27, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART V
H.R. 3453
(Public Law 109-40)
Public Law 109-40 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety, and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 28 to July 30, 2005.
------
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2005, PART VI
H.R. 3512
(Public Law 109-42)
Public Law 109-42 extended Federal highway, highway safety,
motor carrier safety, and transit programs, and authorized
appropriations from July 30 to August 14, 2005.
------
SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A
LEGACY FOR USERS SAFETEA: LU
H.R. 3
(Public Law 109-59)
This legislation reauthorizes the Federal highway, public
transportation, highway safety, motor carrier safety, research,
and hazardous materials transportation safety programs for five
years, from Fiscal Year 2005 through Fiscal Year 2009. SAFETEA:
LU, together with the Surface Transportation Extension Acts
enacted in 2004 and 2005, provides $286.4 billion in new
funding over the life of the bill. This is an increase of 42
percent over the previous reauthorization, the Transportation
Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) from 1998-2003.
COMPARISON OF GUARANTEED FUNDING TOTALS BY AGENCY
[In millions]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY TEA 21 SAFETEA LU
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Highway Administration................................ $163,000 $227,560
Federal Transit Administration................................ $36,000 $52,579
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration................... $1,300 $2,888
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration................ $1,700 $3,430
TOTAL..................................................... $202,000 $286,457
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through increased investment in our nation's transportation
infrastructure, this bill will maintain and improve our roads,
bridges, and transit systems. H.R. 3 passed the House on March
10, 2005, and the Senate on May 17, 2005. The conference report
was agreed to by the House and the Senate on July 29, 2005, and
the bill was signed into law on August 10, 2005, (Public Law
109-59).
Congestion relief
Annually, congestion costs American drivers $67 billion in
lost productivity and wasted motor fuel and 3.6 billion hours
of delay. The average traveler who drives during peak periods
loses $1,160 a year due to congestion-related delays. And
congestion is not only a problem in America's big cities--33
percent of all travel on major roadways in the United States is
affected by congestion.
SAFETEA: LU provides federal funding and policy initiatives
to combat congestion. The bill provides more than $227 billion
between fiscal years 2004 and 2009 for the Federal highway
program (an almost 40 percent increase over TEA 21), and more
than $52 billion for federal public transportation programs.
Public transportation is an important component to solving the
nation's congestion problems.
SAFETEA: LU creates several new programs designed to bridge
current infrastructure gaps and to address congestion choke
points. These programs include a $1.9 billion National Corridor
Infrastructure Improvement program, a $1.8 billion Projects of
Regional and National Significance program, and $833 million
for a Coordinated Border Infrastructure program.
SAFETEA: LU ensures that States utilize congestion relief
technologies to make roadway travel safer and more reliable.
The Act also includes several provisions that encourage and
promote the recapturing of unused highway capacity. Provisions
in SAFETEA: LU related to HOV/HOT lanes, transportation system
management and operations, and value pricing will allow highway
managers to squeeze more capacity from our existing highway
investments.
Safety
In 2003, more than 42,000 Americans were killed and 2.9
million were seriously injured each year on the Nation's
highways. Substandard road conditions and roadside hazards are
a contributing factor in nearly 1/3 of all fatal crashes each
year. In total, motor vehicle crashes cost the United States
more than $231 billion annually.
SAFETEA: LU creates a new core program for highway safety
infrastructure improvements with its own dedicated funding
stream. The new program is funded at approximately $5 billion
from Fiscal Year 2006 through 2009. To address the problem of
substandard road conditions in rural areas, SAFETEA: LU
includes $360 million for a new High Risk Rural Road Safety
Improvement program that targets funding for safety
improvements on rural two-lane roads. About 61 percent of all
highway-related fatalities occur on rural roads.
SAFETEA: LU increases funding for National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) highway safety formula grants to
support a full range of State safety programs, including
impaired driving programs, occupant protection programs,
motorcycle safety, police traffic services and roadway safety.
A new Safe Routes to School program is authorized that provides
$612 million over five years to States to encourage communities
to adopt strategies and fund projects designed to allow
children to walk and bike to school safely.
SAFETEA: LU provides $1.7 billion in State motor carrier
safety grants, including the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance
Program (MCSAP), Border Enforcement Grants, Commercial Driver's
License Grants, Performance and Registration Information System
Management grants, and State Data Improvement Grants. These
grants will promote State enforcement of and compliance with
Federal Motor Carrier safety regulations.
Freight mobility
In 2002, 8.9 billion tons of freight--at a value of more
than $5 trillion--was transported by highway. From 1990 to
2000, United States truck travel increased by 38 percent. In
the next 20 years, truck travel is expected to increase 90
percent due to an expanding economy and the increased reliance
on just-in-time delivery.
SAFETEA: LU funds several programs that are specifically
designed to improve the movement of freight. $1.9 billion over
five years is authorized for a National Corridor Infrastructure
Improvement program. This program is designed to fund regional
and multi-state corridor projects that will improve mobility
and economic growth in areas underserved by existing highway
infrastructure. An additional $833 million is provided to the
Coordinated Border Infrastructure program, which apportions
funds to border States for highway projects that will improve
the safe and efficient movement of people and goods at or
across the border between the United States and Mexico and the
United States and Canada.
SAFETEA: LU provides $1.8 billion for a new program to fund
projects of regional and national significance. This program is
designed to fund projects that will have a significant impact
on the movement of goods and people beyond the immediate local
area of the project.
SAFETEA: LU provides $100 million to complete the core
deployment and encourage the expanded deployment of the
Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN)
program, which will improve commercial motor vehicle efficiency
by allowing trucks to by-pass safety inspections and weigh
stations, based on their safety records.
Public transportation
From 1996 to 2005, public transit ridership grew 25
percent, and now carries 9.8 billion passenger trips a year.
But in many United States cities, public transportation
infrastructure is not keeping up with demand. Public
transportation provides vital mobility to seniors, individuals
with disabilities, and families with only one car or no car--
but in 40 percent of United States counties, there is no public
transportation system.
SAFETEA: LU increases funding to meet public transportation
infrastructure needs. The Act provides $52.58 billion for
transit programs, all guaranteed. This is a 46 percent increase
in guaranteed funding over TEA 21 levels. To address the
problem of so many U.S. counties having no public
transportation system at all, SAFETEA: LU increases the
percentage of formula funding for public transportation in
rural areas (towns of less than 50,000 in population). Total
six-year funding for rural public transportation increases by
95 percent, going from $1.25 billion to $2.44 billion.
SAFETEA: LU strengthens public transportation services for
individuals with disabilities by increasing the elderly and
disabled formula program and authorizes President Bush's New
Freedom Initiative, providing funds for disabled transportation
activities in areas where these services are not available, or
that go beyond the requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act. These two initiatives total $1 billion over
the six-year authorization period, more than double the amount
provided for the elderly and disabled formula grants program
under TEA 21.
National infrastructure needs
The Federal highway, transit, and highway safety program
authorizations would have expired on September 30, 2003,
without the 12 extension bills. During the almost two-year
period that was required to pass the SAFETEA: LU legislation,
the critical needs of America's transportation infrastructure
became even more severe. In June 2006, the Interstate System
turned 50 years old. The Department of Transportation's 2002
Conditions and Performance Report shows that 32 percent of our
major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, 29 percent of
our bridges are structurally deficient or functionally
obsolete, 36 percent of the nation's urban rail vehicles and
maintenance facilities are in substandard or poor condition,
and 29 percent of the nation's bus fleet and maintenance
facilities are in substandard or poor condition. According to
the United States Department of Transportation, the combined
spending of all levels of government for the existing
infrastructure should be $106 billion annually for highways and
$20.6 billion for transit.
To reach that investment level by 2009, the federal share
of highway investments over the next six years should be
roughly $40 billion in 2004 growing to $60 billion in 2009. To
reach that investment level by 2009, capital public
transportation grants should reach $12.8 billion, with an
additional $1 billion for operating grants, research, planning,
and administrative costs.
SAFETEA: LU significantly increases investment in
transportation infrastructure. The highway obligation authority
grows from $34.4 billion in 2004 to $41 billion in 2009; public
transportation funding grows from $7.3 billion in 2004 to $10.3
billion in 2009.
------
TO ENSURE FUNDING FOR SPORTFISHING AND BOATING SAFETY PROGRAMS FUNDED
OUT OF THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND THROUGH THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 2005
H.R. 3649
(Public Law 109-74)
H.R. 3649 extends programs funded from the Boat Safety
Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund through the end of
Fiscal Year 2005. The programs that were extended in this Act
include recreational boating safety, the sport fish restoration
national outreach and communications program, and Clean Vessel
Act programs. The bill passed the House on September 13, 2006
and was passed with an amendment by the Senate on September 15,
2006. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed
the bill, as amended, on September 20, 2006.
------
TO DESIGNATE THE STATE ROUTE 1 BRIDGE IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AS THE
``SENATOR WILLIAM V. ROTH, JR. BRIDGE''
S. 1140
(Public Law 109-381)
S. 1140 designates the State Route 1 Bridge over the
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Delaware as the ``Senator
William V. Roth, Jr. Bridge.'' The bill was passed in the
Senate by Unanimous Consent on June 15, 2005, and was agreed to
in the House on November 13, 2006.
------
PIPELINE INSPECTION, PROTECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5782
(Public Law 109-XXX)
H.R. 5782 reauthorizes the Federal pipeline safety programs
and amends title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety
and reliability of transporting the Nation's energy products by
pipelines. This Act addresses enforcement of one-call laws,
provides guidance to states on underground damage programs,
requires a rule to be issued establishing a distribution
integrity management program, and requires that standards be
developed to reduce the risks in pipeline control rooms
associated with human factors. The Act also directs the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to
develop regulations on the operation of low-stress hazardous
liquid pipelines. H.R. 5782 also authorizes funding levels for
the pipeline safety programs for Fiscal Year 2007 through
Fiscal Year 2010. H.R. 5782 was reported favorably by the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on July 19, 2006,
and the House Energy and Commerce Committee on September 27,
2006. H.R. 5782 was agreed to by the House on December 6, 2006,
and the Senate on December 7, 2006.
------
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT STATES SHOULD REQUIRE
CANDIDATES FOR DRIVER'S LICENSES TO DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO EXERCISE
GREATLY INCREASED CAUTION WHEN DRIVING IN THE PROXIMITY OF A
POTENTIALLY VISUALLY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUAL
H. CON. RES. 235
House Concurrent Resolution 235 finds that many visually
impaired people travel about their communities without personal
assistance and that many of these people and their guide dogs
suffer injury and death each year as a result of being struck
by motor vehicles. This legislation expresses the sense of
Congress that States should require candidates for drivers
licenses to demonstrate an ability to exercise greatly
increased caution when driving in the proximity of potentially
visually impaired individuals. The bill encourages States to
teach candidates for drivers licenses to associate guide dogs
and white canes with visually impaired pedestrians. The
Concurrent Resolution passed the House on July 25, 2006, and
passed the Senate on September 25, 2006.
------
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
H. CON. RES. 372
The purpose of House Concurrent Resolution 372 is to
recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Dwight D. Eisenhower
National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and its
importance to American economic development and daily life. The
concurrent resolution passed the House on June 13, 2006, and
passed the Senate on June 19, 2006.
------
Other Legislation
TO AMEND THE SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION
EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR USERS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
H.R. 5689 and H.R. 6233
H.R. 5689 makes various technical corrections to the major
highways and transit reauthorization bill, the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A
Legacy for Users (Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144). The
technical corrections included in this bill have been
identified by the Department of Transportation and are mostly
of a conforming nature, and also corrects drafting errors. The
principal correction is to strengthen the Federal Highway
research program by ensuring the viable continuation of the
legacy research programs carried out by the Department of
Transportation. The bill passed the House on June 28, 2006.
H.R. 6233 was introduced September 28, 2006. This technical
corrections bill includes almost all of the House-passed
language from H.R. 5689 and also incorporates provisions
requested by the Senate Committees on Environment and Public
Works and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 6233 passed
by the House on September 29, 2006. There was no subsequent
Senate action on either H.R. 5689 or H.R 6233.
------
TO REPEAL A PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS FOR TUNNELING IN
CERTAIN AREAS WITH RESPECT TO THE LOS ANGELES TO SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
METRO RAIL PROJECT, CALIFORNIA
H.R. 4653
This legislation repeals a 20 year-old prohibition on the
use of Federal transit funds associated with the Los Angeles
Metro Rail project for tunneling in areas that had been
identified as methane risk zones. The bill passed the House on
September 20, 2006, and was received in the Senate and referred
to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. There
was no subsequent Senate action.
------
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF A NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
H. CON. RES. 145
This Resolution states that it is the sense of Congress
that Americans should observe the month of May as National Bike
Month to promote bike safety, and the health, transportation,
recreational, and environmental benefits derived from cycling.
The Resolution was agreed to by the House on July 25, 2006. No
further action was taken by the Senate.
------
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5808
This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Transportation
to award grants to public transportation systems and intercity
bus operators to improve security. Throughout the world, public
transportation systems have been primary targets of terrorist
attacks, causing thousands of deaths and injuries. Transit
systems have open access and frequent stops and transfer
points, and are thus difficult to protect. They also serve high
concentrations of people in crowded quarters, an environment
with a high probability of death or injury. H.R. 5808
authorizes a total of $3.4 billion in grant funds for Fiscal
Years 2007 through 2009: $2.4 billion is authorized for capital
grants to transit agencies; $900 million is authorized for
operating grants to transit agencies; and $150 million is
authorized for security grants to intercity and charter bus
operators. Grants are prioritized on the basis of risk,
consequences, vulnerability, and threat, and allocations are
based on the transit agency security assessments conducted by
the Department of Homeland Security. The bill was reported
favorably to the House by the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee on September 15, 2006. No further action was taken.
Hearings and Member Briefings
The Subcommittee on Highways, Transit, and Pipelines held a
total of 16 hearings and one Member Briefing in the 109th
Congress.
On February 10, 2005, the Subcommittee held an
organizational meeting to discuss the legislative objectives in
the 109th Congress.
On May 11, 2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
on the Hazardous Material Endorsement Background Check. The
hearing reviewed the background check process for truck drivers
who apply for a hazardous material endorsement. Officials from
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of
Transportation Office of Inspector General, Transportation
Security Administration, and representatives from the American
Trucking Associations, Teamsters, and the American Association
of Motor Vehicle Administrators testified on the current status
and challenges of the background check process.
On October 20, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing
updating the Members on the progress of the repair,
restoration, and replacement of highway and transit
infrastructure and services along the Gulf Coast necessitated
as a result of the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
On October 27, 2005, the Subcommittee held another hearing
on the effects of Hurricane Katrina. In this hearing State and
local officials from the Gulf Coast updated the Members on the
progress that States and localities were making in repairing,
restoring, and replacing highway and transit infrastructure and
services.
On February 15, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
discuss the status of the Highway Trust Fund and on how the new
revenue estimates related in the President's Fiscal Year 2007
Budget Request will impact the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA: LU).
On March 2, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Curbside Operators. The hearing provided Members with
information regarding the Curbside Operator segment of the
passenger bus industry and the extent to which these operators
comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
On March 16, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on Pipeline Safety. The Subcommittee heard testimony
from Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on
the pipeline safety regulation since the passage of H.R. 3609,
the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
355).
On March 29, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Transit and Over-the-Road Bus Security. The hearing examined
current issues of transit and over-the-road bus security,
including: the roles and responsibilities of the Federal
Transit Administration and Department of Homeland Security; the
state of preparedness in the transit industry; and Federal
programs and activities that help meet the security needs and
funding priorities for mitigation of security threats against
the Nation's public transportation systems.
On April 4, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
provide Members with information on the reliability of the
revenue estimates for the Highway Trust Fund. Since Highway
Account balances are projected by the Treasury Department to
drop below zero in the last year of the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users authorization period, it is imperative that Congress
understand the revenue estimating procedures used at both
Treasury and Congressional Budget Office and whether or not the
recent changes in revenue projections are cause for concern.
On May 10, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Highway
Capacity and Freight Mobility. The hearing, the first in a
series of three hearings on freight, presented the Members with
information regarding the current state of freight mobility on
the United States highway system and the challenges posed by a
freight capacity shortage in the near future.
On May 24, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Understanding Contemporary Public Private Transactions. Members
heard testimony from the Governors of Indiana and Virginia on
public private transportation transactions in their States as
well as testimony from experts who put these transactions
together.
On June 7, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
implementation of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The hearing
focused on the progress of the Administration's efforts to
implement the recently enacted surface transportation program
reauthorization and provided the Members opportunity to ask
questions on the process of the implementation of new programs
and regulatory action.
On June 15, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Intermodalism. The Members discussed the concept of
Intermodalism and how it can be used in transportation planning
to solve transportation problems, such as congestion and
freight delay.
On June 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway
System. The testimony focused on the interstate's history,
impact, and future outlook.
On July 19, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on Rail Transit Safety. The hearing examined the
effectiveness and management of the Federal Transit
Administration's State Safety Oversight program, which governs
the safety of rail transit systems other than commuter rail.
On July 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a Member's Briefing
on the status of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
sponsored Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel emission reduction rule. The
briefing provided Members with the background of EPA's 2007
Heavy-Duty Highway Rule and how the implementation will affect
the different stakeholders in the diesel fuel industry.
On September 7, 2006, the Subcommittee held the second
hearing in the freight series. The hearing focused on freight
logistics. Witnesses explained how businesses rely on an
efficient and reliable transportation system making supply
chain management decisions and how important freight logistics
is to those decisions.
On September 13, 2006, the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee held a hearing regarding the low-
pressure liquid pipeline in the North Slope, Greater Prudhoe
Bay, Alaska.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS
Bills Enacted
SAFE, ACCOUNTABLE, FLEXIBLE, EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A
LEGACY FOR USERS
H.R. 3
(Became Public Law 109-59)
This legislation expanded the authorization under the Swift
Act for high speed rail corridor development to $100 million
per year for seven years. The existing law was also broadened
to permit Swift Act funds to be used for the acquisition of
high speed trains, signal systems and infrastructure. This
legislation also expanded the existing $3.5 billion Railroad
Infrastructure Finance loan program (RRIF) to $35 billion.
These funds may be used by State and local governments,
railroads, entities in a joint venture with a railroad,
interstate compacts, and certain shippers to provide funding
for railroad lines, cars and facilities.
The Alaska Railroad is authorized to receive fund for
technology and rolling stock.
The following railroad related provisions were also
included in this Act:
Rehabilitation and improvement financing expanded the
existing $3.5 billion Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement
Financing loan program (RRIF) to $35 billion. These funds may
be used by State and local governments, railroads, entities in
a joint venture with a railroad, interstate compacts and
certain shippers to provide funding for railroad lines, cars
and facilities. The Alaska Railroad is eligible for these
funds.
H.R. 3 enacted a new authorization to provide Federal
assistance for the relocation of rail lines to enhance motor
vehicle and pedestrian traffic, safety, community quality of
life, and area commerce. The authorization provides
$350,000,000 for each of the Fiscal Years 2006 through 2009.
The Act also authorizes the Secretary of Department of
Transportation to make general fund grants to the Alaska
Railroad for capital rehabilitation and improvements benefiting
its passenger operations.
The Act orders the Department of Transportation to conduct
a study of the safety and security impacts of blocked highway
grade crossings.
The Act orders the improvement of safety standards for
welded rail tracks and requires the Department of
Transportation to conduct further studies on railroad tank car
safety.
The Act provides $1.8 million for the Transportation
Research Board (TRB) to conduct a comprehensive study of our
nation's rail transportation system. The TRB is required to
complete the study within one year of enactment and submit a
report to Congress.
------
ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
H.R. 6
(Public Law 109-58)
Included in the provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
were $65 million in new funding to increase locomotive fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions, and $45 million in new funding
for the installation of devices to reduce diesel locomotive
idling.
------
RAILROAD RETIREMENT TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5074
REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON JULY 17, 2006
PASSED BY THE HOUSE ON JULY 25, 2006
PASSED BY THE SENATE ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2006
(Became Public Law 109-305)
Current law (enacted in 2001) mandates that the Railroad
Retirement Board utilize a private disbursing agent to send
Tier II checks to retirees. Implementation of this requirement
has been delayed in appropriations measures each year, because
using a private disbursing agent would result in increased cost
to the Railroad Retirement Board.
H.R. 5074 permanently amends the Railroad Retirement Act to
use the United States Treasury as the disbursing agent. This
Act results in a savings of $2 million per year.
------
THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT DISABILITY EARNINGS ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5483
(Public Law 109-XXX)
Under current law, the Railroad Retirement Board pays
disabled railroad workers a stipend averaging $1,911 per month.
Disabled workers may earn additional outside income, but not
more than $400 per month.
H.R. 5483 permanently amends the Railroad Retirement Act to
increase the amount of permissible outside earnings. The Act
raises the earnings limit from $400 to $700 per month effective
January 1, 2007, and enacts an indexing formula to provide for
automatic increases in the future. The cost estimate from the
Congressional Budget Office is less than $500,000 per year.
Other Legislation
AMTRAK REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 1630
REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005
The Amtrak Reauthorization Act of 2005 amends Federal
transportation law to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for
Fiscal Year 2006 through 2008 for: (1) capital expenditures;
(2) certain mandatory payments; and (3) Amtrak's contractual
obligations for commuter and state-supported passenger rail
service.
The bill's mandatory Amtrak payments to the Treasury
include: (1) an amount equal to the tax Amtrak must pay as an
employer under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act that is more
than the amount needed for anticipated benefits for retirees
and their beneficiaries; (2) amounts necessary to pay the
contribution for employee unemployment benefits under the
Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act that are more than its
obligations calculated on an experience-related basis; and (3)
amounts necessary to pay railroad unemployment repayment taxes.
The bill requires Amtrak to transmit to the Secretary of
Transportation annually a comprehensive business plan,
including targets for ridership and for each intercity train
route (including Autotrain), revenues, and capital and
operating expenses, and supplemental reports describing the
work completed to date, any changes to the business plan, and
the reasons for such changes.
It also prohibits the use of amounts appropriated under
this Act to subsidize operating losses of commuter rail
passenger or rail freight transportation.
------
RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
H.R. 1631
REPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005
H.R. 1631 permits the Secretary of Transportation to
designate tax-exempt bonds and tax-credited bonds for funding
the development of high-speed rail in the United States. The
amount of bonds the Secretary of Transportation may designate
to be issued in each year is limited to $1.2 billion per year
from 2006--2015 of private activity tax-exempt bonds and $1.2
billion per year from 2006-2015 of tax-credit bonds. Any amount
that the Secretary of Transportation does not designate in a
year may be carried over and designated in subsequent years
(through Fiscal Year 2019).
H.R. 1631 would also authorize approximately $60 billion in
infrastructure funding for high-speed rail corridors and other
rail infrastructure. This would be divided principally between
authority for States participating in high-speed rail to issue
tax-exempt and/or tax-credit bonds, and an expansion of the
existing Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
(RRIF) loan program established in TEA-21 (Public Law 105-178)
from $3.5 billion in authorized principal to #35 billion. H.R.
1631 would also reauthorize and expand the existing Swift Rail
Development Act program of general fund grants for planning and
technology development related to high-speed rail cooridors.
Expansion of the RRIF program and the Swift Rail
Development Act program was included in SAFETEA: LU.
Hearings
On April 28, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on new
technologies for rail safety. Witnesses testified about new
rail inspection technologies, positive train control, and
vehicle crash protection.
On May 11, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled
``Getting Acela Back on Track.'' The hearing focused on the
discovery of cracks on the Acela's brake discs, which had
recently sidelined the entire fleet.
On June 9, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
Amtrak Food and Beverage Department and uncovered losses in
excess of $100 million per year. Along with several other
witnesses, the Amtrak Inspector General and Government
Accountability Office presented testimony that Amtrak was
spending two dollars for every dollar of Food and Beverage
Revenue.
On July 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Grade
Crossing Safety. Witnesses included the National Transportation
Safety Board, Operation Lifesaver, the Federal Railroad
Administration, and others. Testimony included an examination
of current injury rates and new technologies to reduce
injuries.
On September 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Amtrak Reform Proposals. The Subcommittee received testimony
from the Department of Transportation General Counsel,
Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and
several private experts regarding the restructuring of Amtrak.
On November 15, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Current Governance Issues at Amtrak. In the wake of the
departure of Amtrak CEO David Gunn, the Subcommittee held this
hearing to examine whether Amtrak had a legally constituted
Board of Directors and a quorum to conduct business.
On March 15, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement
Financing (RRIF) loan program, which was expanded by Public Law
109-59, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users Act. The
Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
appeared as the sole witness and explained FRA's handling of
the expanded RRIF program.
On April 26, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on rail
capacity. Witnesses included the Federal Railroad
Administration, representatives of the rail industry and
shippers, and industry expert Carl Martland of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
On May 10, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing
on Railroad Retirement reform. Testimony was elicited from
representatives of rail labor and management, the Chairman of
the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Trustees of the National
Railroad Retirement Investment Trust.
On May 23, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
railroad waste facilities. The main question of the hearing
involved the applicability of Federal preemption under Section
10501(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, to waste transload
facilities operated by railroads.
On June 13, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
transportation of Hazardous Materials. The focus of the hearing
was current regulatory requirements, routing, liability
exposure and common carrier obligations.
On June 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Federal Railroad Administration Safety Initiatives. The
Subcommittee examined issues and problems relating to recent
safety initiatives at the Federal Railroad Administration,
including Department of Transportation Secretary Norman
Mineta's Action Plan Addressing Critical Railroad Safety
Issues.
On July 25, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Human
Factors, including the impact of the Hours of Service Act on
employee fatigue.
On September 28, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing
entitled ``New Hands on the Amtrak Throttle,'' which served to
introduce new Amtrak CEO Alexander Kummant to the Subcommittee.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND
ENVIRONMENT
During the 109th Congress the Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment was chaired by Congressman John J.
Duncan, Jr. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson served as
Ranking Democratic Member. Over the course of this Congress the
Subcommittee had referred to it or took action on four bills
that became public laws, three bills that were approved by the
House but did not become public law, and five bills that were
approved by the Committee but were not considered by the House.
The Committee also approved 33 Committee Resolutions
authorizing studies by the Corps of Engineers of potential
water resources projects and one Committee Resolution
authorizing a small flood control project to be carried out by
the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Subcommittee
held 18 hearings during the 109th Congress.
Enacted Legislation
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH MARCH 31, 2006, THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-FEDERAL
PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS
H.R. 3765
(Public Law 109-99)
H.R. 3765 provided a short-term extension through March 31,
2006, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act, H.R. 2864. H.R. 3765 became Public
Law 109-99.
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2006, THE AUTHORITY OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-
FEDERAL PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS
H.R. 4826
(Public Law 109-209)
H.R. 4826 provides a short-term extension through December
31, 2006, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act, H.R. 2864. H.R. 4826 became Public
Law 109-209.
A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO EXTEND THE
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND
H.R. 3963
(Public Law 109-137)
H.R. 3963 reauthorizes the Long Island Sound program within
the Environmental Protection Agency to provide $40 million a
year for the protection and restoration of the Long Island
Sound. On December 22, 2005, this bill became Public Law 109-
137.
LONG ISLAND SOUND STEWARDSHIP ACT OF 2006
H.R. 5160
(Public Law 109-359)
H.R. 5160 establishes the Long Island Sound Stewardship
Initiative and Advisory Committee to identify, protect, and
enhance sites in Connecticut and New York that are within the
Long Island Sound region and which have significant ecological,
educational, open space, public access, or recreational values.
The bill requires the Advisory Committee to identify areas with
significant value as potential stewardship sites and to report
on recommended sites and recommended grants for securing and
improving those sites. The bill directs the Environmental
Protection Agency to review the Advisory Committee's
recommendations, approve stewardship sites, award grants, and
report annually on the Initiative.
TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO REAUTHORIZE A
PROGRAM RELATING TO THE LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN BASIN, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
H.R. 6121
(Public Law 109-392)
H.R. 6121 amends section 121 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act to reauthorize appropriations for the Environmental
Protection Agency's Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration
Program in Louisiana and Mississippi. The purpose of the
program is to restore the ecological health of the Basin by
developing and funding restoration projects and related
scientific and public education projects. On November 13, 2006,
the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6121 by voice vote,
and the Senate passed H.R. 6121 by unanimous consent on
November 16, 2006. The bill was presented to the President on
December 4, 2006.
AN ACT TO EXTEND THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008, THE AUTHORITY OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY NON-
FEDERAL PUBLIC ENTITIES AND TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF PERMITS.
H.R. 6316
(Public Law 109-434)
H.R. 6316 provides a short-term extension through December
31, 2008, of the authority of the Corps of Engineers to accept
funds from public entities to expedite the processing of Corps
of Engineers permits. This issue is also addressed in the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 2864. H.R. 6316 was
presented to the President on December 11, 2006.
Other Legislation
THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WATER COMMISSION ACT OF 2005
H.R. 135
H.R. 135 establishes the Twenty-First Century Water
Commission to provide a report to Congress with recommendations
to address future water supply and demand. The report would
include recommendations relating to management of water,
incentives to ensure an adequate and dependable water supply,
capturing excess water and flood water for conservation and use
in the event of a drought, financing for comprehensive water
management projects, appropriate public works projects, and
finally the conservation of existing water supplies, including
recommendations for repairing aging infrastructure. The House
passed H.R. 135 by a vote of 402-22 on April 12, 2005.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2005
H.R. 2864
H.R. 2864 authorizes over $10 billion for critical flood
control, hurricane protection, navigation, and ecosystem
restoration projects around the United States. The bill
includes funding for several major projects including the
expansion of seven navigation locks on the Upper Mississippi
River and Illinois Waterway ($1.795 billion Federal cost); the
restoration of the Upper Mississippi River ecosystem ($2.7
billion Federal cost); the first two Everglades restoration
projects ($780 million Federal cost); the Morganza to the Gulf
hurricane protection project for Louisiana ($512 million
Federal cost); and restoration of the Louisiana Coastal Area
($718 million Federal cost). Studies of these projects have
been completed and will bring significant economic and
environmental benefits to the Nation. On June 16, 2005, the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment approved the
Water Resources Development Act of 2005 for Full Committee
action, with an amendment, by voice vote. On June 22, 2005, the
Full Committee ordered H.R. 2864 reported, with an amendment,
by voice vote. The Committee filed its report on June 24, 2005,
(House Report 109-154). On July 14, 2005, the House of
Representatives considered H.R. 2864 under H. Res. 346, and
passed the bill by a vote of 406-14.
A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO REAUTHORIZE
PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF COASTAL RECREATION WATERS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
H.R. 1721
H.R. 1721 reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency
program to improve the quality of coastal recreation waters to
ensure safe beaches for swimming and other recreation
activities. The bill includes $30 million annually for States
to monitor water quality. H.R. 1721 passed the House of
Representatives by voice vote on December 7, 2005.
THE NATIONAL LEVEE SAFETY PROGRAM ACT OF 2006
H.R. 4650
H.R. 4650, requires the United States Army Corps of
Engineers to produce an inventory of levees in the United
States, provides incentives for States to develop their own
levee safety programs, and establishes an Interagency Committee
on Levee Safety to create standards for Federal levees. H.R.
4650 authorizes $90 million over six years of the program. On
June 28, 2006, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure ordered H.R. 4650 reported, with an amendment,
by voice vote. The Committee filed its report on July 28, 2006
(House Report 109-609).
A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO AUTHORIZE
APPROPRIATIONS FOR SEWER OVERFLOW CONTROL GRANTS.
H.R. 624
H.R. 624 reauthorizes Environmental Protection Agency
grants to municipalities and States to control overflows of
untreated waste that can occur during episodes of wet weather
and can pose a health and safety risk. H.R. 624 would authorize
appropriations of $250 million annually over the 2006-2011
period for this purpose. On May 18, 2005, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure ordered H.R. 624 reported by
voice vote. The Committee filed its report on July 13, 2005
(House Report 109-166).
A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT TO EXTEND THE
PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE PROJECTS
H.R. 1359
H.R. 1359 reauthorizes appropriations for Environmental
Protection Agency grants for alternative water source projects
to meet critical water supply needs. These grants can be used
by communities to create alternative water supplies through
reclamation, reuse, and conservation. H.R. 1359 authorizes a
total of $125 million for this purpose through 2010. On May 18,
2005, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
ordered H.R. 1359 reported by voice vote. The Committee filed
its report on July 13, 2005 (House Report 109-167).
THE CHESAPEAKE BAY RESTORATION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005
H.R. 4126
H.R. 4126 reauthorizes appropriations for the Chesapeake
Bay Program through 2011. It requires the Environmental
Protection Agency to report biannually on the progress being
made toward meeting tributary goals. The bill establishes an
Implementation Assistance Program for local governments, and
Targeted Watershed Grants to address nonpoint sources of
nutrient and sediment pollution. It increases the overall
authorization for the program from $40 million to $50 million.
On September 20, 2006, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure ordered H.R. 4126 reported, with an amendment,
by voice vote.
A BILL TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION,
AND LIABILITY ACT
H.R. 5810
H.R. 5810 authorizes appropriations for the Environmental
Protection Agency's brownfields program through 2012 and
requires reports Congress every four years providing a
description of the management of the brownfields program and
the allocation of funds. It eliminates the requirement that 25
percent of available funding be devoted to petroleum-specific
site cleanup, though petroleum sites are still eligible. On
June 28, 2006, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure ordered H.R. 5810 reported by voice vote. The
Committee filed its report on July 28, 2006 (House Report 109-
608).
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN
ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT FOR HURRICANE AND STORM DAMAGE REDUCTION,
MORGANZA TO THE GULF OF MEXICO, LOUISIANA
H.R. 6428
H.R. 6428, authorizes two smaller flood damage reduction
components of a larger flood damage reduction project to
protect south-central Louisiana. On December 9, 2006, this bill
passed the House of Representatives by voice vote.
Hearings
The Subcommittee met on February 16, 2005, to receive
testimony from the Environmental Protection Agency and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on their
proposed budgets and program priorities for Fiscal Year 2006.
The purpose this hearing was to provide Members with an
opportunity to review both the Fiscal Year 2006 budget request
and Administration priorities for consideration in the
Subcommittee's legislative and oversight agenda for the first
session of the 109th Congress.
The Subcommittee met on March 10, 2005, to receive
testimony from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the
Tennessee Valley Authority, the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
on their proposed budgets and program priorities for Fiscal
Year 2006. This hearing was intended to provide Members with an
opportunity to review the agencies' Fiscal Year 2006 budget
requests, as well as Administration priorities for
consideration in the Subcommittee's legislative and oversight
agenda for the first session of the 109th Congress.
The Subcommittee met on March 16, 2005, to receive
testimony from Members of Congress regarding their requests for
authorizations for United States Army Corps of Engineers water
resources projects to be included in the Water Resources
Development Act of 2005.
The Subcommittee met on April 13, 2005, to receive
testimony on wastewater blending at wastewater treatment plants
during peak wet weather flow conditions. Testimony was provided
by State and local government officials, as well as
environmental health science experts and advocates for
environmental groups and municipalities.
The Subcommittee held a two-part hearing on Financing Water
Infrastructure Projects on June 8 and 14, 2005. The hearing
explored questions of how our Nation can bridge the large
funding gap that now exists between water infrastructure needs,
current levels of spending, how to fund water infrastructure
projects in the future, and who should pay for it. Testimony
was received from several State and local governments, national
associations including the National Association of Clean Water
Agencies, the Associated General Contractors of America, and
the American Water Works Association, the project finance
community, and advocates for alternative wastewater treatment.
The Subcommittee met on September 29, 2005, to receive
testimony on H.R. 1749, the ``Pest Management and Fire
Suppression Flexibility Act.'' Witnesses included
Representatives Otter and Cardoza, and representatives of the
Environmental Protection Agency, a State forestry agency, the
agricultural community, the irrigation community, and the
environmental health and safety community.
The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management held a joint hearing on October 18, 2005,
to receive testimony on how to rebuild New Orleans in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. The Subcommittees heard from State and
local elected officials, a representative of the cultural
community, an urban planner, a community representative, a
representative of the business community, a representative from
the Port of New Orleans, a representative from the oil and gas
industry, a representative from the environmental community,
and a representative of the commercial fishing industry. The
focus of this hearing was to provide an opportunity for State
and local leaders to describe their vision for the future of
New Orleans and to outline a strategy for achieving that goal.
The Subcommittee met on October 20, 2005, to receive
testimony from public and private witnesses on how to integrate
hurricane and storm damage reduction and flood damage
reduction, navigation, coastal ecosystem restoration, and other
water resources needs, while meeting local objectives for
rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The Subcommittee
received testimony from the Department of the Army (Civil
Works), the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the
Environmental Protection Agency, a representative of the
Governor of Louisiana, and a representative of the Governor of
Mississippi, as well as United States and Dutch civil
engineering experts, a coastal restoration expert, a navigation
expert, and a geologist.
On October 27, 2005, the Subcommittee received testimony
from national flood damage reduction and floodplain management
experts regarding flood risks throughout the Nation and the
policy implications of any decisions to provide hurricane and
storm damage protection for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Dr. Gerald E. Galloway
(Brigadier General, United States Army, Retired), a
representative of the National Association of Flood and
Stormwater Management Agencies, and a representative of the
Association of State Floodplain Managers.
The Subcommittee met on March 1, 2006, to receive testimony
from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation on their proposed budgets and program
priorities for Fiscal Year 2007. This hearing was intended to
provide Members with an opportunity to review the agencies'
Fiscal Year 2007 budget requests, as well as Administration
priorities for consideration in the Subcommittee's legislative
and oversight agenda for the second session of the 109th
Congress.
The Subcommittee met on March 8, 2006, to receive testimony
from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, and the Tennessee Valley
Authority on their proposed budgets and program priorities for
Fiscal Year 2007. This hearing was intended to provide Members
with an opportunity to review the President's Fiscal Year 2007
Budget Request for these agencies, as well as Administration
priorities for consideration in the Subcommittee's legislative
and oversight agenda for the second session of the 109th
Congress.
The Subcommittee met on March 30, 2006, to receive
testimony on barriers to the cleanup of abandoned mine sites
and potential means for encouraging volunteers (or so-called
``Good Samaritans'') to clean up abandoned mines. Witnesses
included representatives of the Environmental Protection
Agency, the Western Governors Association, the Interstate
Mining Compact Commission, a municipal utilities district,
environmental and conservation organizations, and the academic
community.
The Subcommittee met on April 6, 2006, to receive testimony
on H.R. 4650, the ``National Levee Safety Program Act.''
Witnesses included a representative from the Army Corps of
Engineers, a representative from the American Society of Civil
Engineers, a representative from National Association of Flood
and Stormwater Management Agencies, and a representative from
the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
The Subcommittee met on May 4, 2006, to receive testimony
on H.R. 4126, the ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Enhancement
Act.'' Witnesses included representatives from the
Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay Executive
Council, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Chesapeake Bay
Local Government Advisory Committee, and the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation.
The Subcommittee met on May 18, 2006, to receive testimony
concerning ``Environmental Protection Agency Grants Management
2003-2006: Progress and Challenge.'' Witnesses included the
Government Accountability Office, the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Office of the Inspector General, the EPA
Assistant Administrator for the Office of Administration and
Resources Management, and an EPA Regional Administrator.
The Subcommittee met on June 8, 2006, to receive testimony
on the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program
and reauthorization of the ``Brownfields Revitalization and
Environmental Restoration Act of 2001.'' Witnesses included
representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, a
State brownfields agency, a local brownfields agency, a private
developer, and a non-profit entity.
The Subcommittee met on September 13, 2006, to receive
testimony on the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy
and how it is serving as a framework for restoring and
protecting the Great Lakes. Witnesses included representatives
of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of
Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the Great Lakes
region's governors and mayors, and the academic community.
SUMMARY OF OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES
Water Resources and Environment
1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)--Clean Water Act and Water
Infrastructure Programs
The Subcommittee examined EPA Clean Water Act and water
infrastructure program issues as part of a hearing the
Subcommittee held on February 16, 2005, on agencies' proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The
Subcommittee also received testimony on EPA Clean Water Act and
water infrastructure program issues in a hearing held on March
8, 2006 on the agency's proposed program priorities and budgets
for Fiscal Year 2007.
The Subcommittee met on April 13, 2005, to receive
testimony wastewater blending at wastewater treatment plants
during peak wet weather flow conditions. On June 8, 2005, and
June 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held hearings on meeting the
Nation's wastewater infrastructure needs. The hearing led to
the development of H.R. 4560, the ``Clean Water Trust Act of
2005'', introduced on December 15, 2005. The Subcommittee met
on September 29, 2005, to receive testimony on H.R. 1749, the
``Pest Management and Fire Suppression Flexibility Act.'' The
Subcommittee met on March 30, 2006, to receive testimony on
barriers to the cleanup of abandoned mine sites and potential
means for encouraging volunteers (or so called ``Good
Samaritans'') to clean up abandoned mines. The Subcommittee met
on May 4, 2006, to receive testimony on H.R. 4126, the
``Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Enhancement Act.'' This
hearing led to the Committee markup of H.R. 4126 on September
20, 2006. The Subcommittee met on May 18, 2006, to receive
testimony concerning ``EPA Grants Management 2003-2006:
Progress and Challenge.'' The Subcommittee met on September 13,
2006, to receive testimony on the Great Lakes Regional
Collaboration Strategy and how it is serving as a framework for
restoring and protecting the Great Lakes.
The Subcommittee conducted oversight of wastewater
treatment and water pollution control funding issues, including
levels and sources of funding and management of grant and loan
programs, and wastewater infrastructure and security needs. The
Subcommittee conducted oversight of regulatory and non-
regulatory approaches to water pollution control, including
watershed, market, and performance-based approaches to
regulation; issues involving water quality standards; total
maximum daily loads; effluent limitations; and permitting. A
major ongoing goal of the 109th Congress for the Transportation
Committee Oversight staff was work concerning the EPA's Grants
Management Process. In the last year, major progress has been
seen in the areas of identifying qualified grantees, ensuring
environmental results from grant projects, monitoring grantee
follow-through, and developing a system of direct
accountability for EPA project managers. The results are
greater environmental benefits as well as savings of millions
of dollars.
Working closely with the EPA Inspector General, the
Government Accountability Office, and the Water Resources and
Environment Subcommittee, EPA has implemented a series of new
policy guidelines and procedural changes within the agency as a
result of the Committee's oversight efforts. These changes
focused on employee training; development of an effective
performance review process for the agency personnel overseeing
the grants process; more competition in the awarding of EPA
grants; and greater tracking and monitoring of grants.
2. Army Corps of Engineers Water Resources Program
The Subcommittee examined the Army Corps of Engineers water
resources program issues as part of a hearing the Subcommittee
held on March 10, 2005, on agencies' proposed program
priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The Subcommittee
also received testimony on the Army Corps of Engineers water
resources program in a hearing held on March 1, 2006, on the
agency's proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2007.
The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management held a joint hearing on October 18, 2005,
to receive testimony on how to rebuild New Orleans in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. The Subcommittee met on October 20, 2005,
to receive testimony from public and private witnesses on how
to integrate hurricane and storm damage reduction, and flood
damage reduction, navigation, coastal ecosystem restoration,
and other water resources needs, while meeting local objectives
for rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. On October 27,
2005, the Subcommittee received testimony from national flood
damage reduction and floodplain management experts regarding
flood risks throughout the Nation and the policy implications
of any decisions to provide hurricane and storm damage
protection for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The Subcommittee
met on April 6, 2006, to receive testimony on H.R. 4650, the
``National Levee Safety Program Act.'' This hearing led to the
Committee favorably reporting the bill on July 28, 2006.
The Subcommittee reviewed efforts to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of the organization and the management and
mission of the civil works program of the Army Corps of
Engineers, including the selection, planning, and
implementation of water resources projects. The Subcommittee
also reviewed the agency's regulatory programs, including those
pertaining to wetlands and dredging activities.
3. Environmental Protection Agency--Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)/Superfund and
Brownfields
The Subcommittee examined Environmental Protection Agency
CERCLA and Brownfields program issues as part of a hearing the
Subcommittee held on February 16, 2005, on agencies' proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The
Subcommittee also received testimony on Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) CERCLA and Brownfields program issues
in a hearing held on March 8, 2006, on the agency's proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
The Subcommittee met on May 18, 2006, to receive testimony
concerning ``EPA Grants Management 2003-2006: Progress and
Challenge.'' The Subcommittee met on June 8, 2006, to receive
testimony on the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields
Program and reauthorization of the ``Brownfields Revitalization
and Environmental Restoration Act of 2001.'' This led to the
introduction of H.R. 5810, a bill to reauthorize the
Brownfields program.
The Subcommittee reviewed the liability, financing, funding
levels, and settlement mechanisms and procedures of the current
Superfund program, including implementation of the Small
Business Liability Protection Act; a review of the role of the
States in conducting and financing cleanups; a review of the
relationships among the States, EPA, and other Federal entities
in implementing the Superfund program; and a review of ongoing
Federal, State, and local efforts to revitalize
``brownfields,'' including implementation of the Brownfields
Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act.
In addition to formal hearings, the Subcommittee Chairman
requested the Inspector General (IG) of the EPA to review the
agency's Brownfields program. This led to the IG issuing a
report on June 7, 2005, showing how the agency can better
manage administrative resources to more effectively manage the
Brownfields Program.
4. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, and Other
Regional Water and Ecosystem Restoration Issues
Oversight by the Subcommittee included a review of regional
and local projects, issues, and controversies involving water
quality; water supply; water resources conservation,
development, management, and policy; environmental protection;
and flood control. A hearing on the Great Lakes Regional
Collaboration Strategy was held on September 13, 2006.
5. Coast Guard/Environmental Protection Agency/Army Corps of Engineers
National Invasive Species Act.
In cooperation with the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation, the Subcommittee reviewed 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, the effectiveness of
those efforts, and the need for further action to control
invasions of nonindigenous aquatic species through ballast
water.
6. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Subcommittee examined TVA's programs as part of a
hearing the Subcommittee held on March 10, 2005, on the
agency's proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received testimony on TVA's
programs in a hearing held on March 8, 2006, on agencies'
proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
Oversight included a review of TVA programs, including its
energy program and operations in the current and in a less
regulated marketplace, TVA's management structure, and the
impact of TVA debt. During the 109th Congress, additional
efforts have been undertaken by the Committee to work with TVA
and validate its efforts to reduce its financial obligations.
The goal is to ensure that TVA can remain competitive in the
emerging energy markets as well as serve the people of the
Tennessee Valley. To accomplish this objective, the Committee
has worked with TVA, the local delegation, GAO, and the Office
of Management and Budget. The principle challenge for TVA has
been to reduce the amount of debt it is carrying. Based largely
on its investments in nuclear power plants, TVA debt load in
the late 1990's reached a high of $27.7 billion. Currently, TVA
carries $25.6 billion in total financial obligations.
The Committee has continued to work with TVA since it
adopted its new strategic plan in January 2004. In that plan,
TVA management acknowledged that reducing debt and associated
fixed costs were critical to improving TVA's financial
condition and competitive prospects. At that time they adopted
a goal of reducing statutory debt by $3 to $5 billion over ten
to 12 years. In the last year, the Committee has worked with
the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the
assumptions in that plan to make sure that TVA has a realistic
strategy and the necessary commitments in place to reach its
debt reduction goals.
Following a request from the Subcommittee, the Government
Accountability Office released in August 2006 a report titled
``Tennessee Valley Authority Plans to Reduce Debt While Meeting
Demand for Power''. The report describes how TVA plans to meet
its goals for reducing debt, assesses the reasonableness of
TVA's approach in developing its plan, identifies key factors
that could impact TVA's ability to successfully carry out its
plan, and identifies how TVA's plans for meeting the growing
demand for power in the Tennessee Valley may impact its ability
to reduce debt.
7. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)
The Subcommittee examined the SLSDC's program as part of a
hearing the Subcommittee held on March 10, 2005, on agencies'
proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006.
The Subcommittee also received testimony on the SLSDC's program
in a hearing held on March 1, 2006, on the agency's proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
Oversight included a review of the efficiency and
effectiveness of the SLSDC's current operations and structure,
possible improvements in the operation of the Seaway, SLSDC
impacts on national security and the economy, and the relation
of the SLSDC to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation,
its Canadian counterpart.
8. EPA and Coast Guard Oil Pollution Act (OPA)
Oversight included a review, in cooperation with the
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, of the
oil spill response, planning, and liability provisions under
the Oil Pollution Act and the Clean Water Act, and enforcement
activities and effectiveness under the oil spill prevention and
response laws. No formal oversight was conducted on this issue.
9. Army Corps of Engineers/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean
and Coastal Programs and Policies
The Subcommittee examined NOAA's program issues as part of
a hearing the Subcommittee held on February 16, 2005, on
agencies' proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received testimony on NOAA's
program issues in a hearing held on March 8, 2006, on the
agency's proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2007.
Oversight efforts included a review of dredged material
management and disposal under the Ocean Dumping Act, Water
Resources Development Acts, and the Clean Water Act. Oversight
efforts also included various ocean and coastal water quality
and shoreline protection issues under the Clean Water Act,
Coastal Zone Management Act, Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization
Amendments, and Water Resources Development Acts.
10. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Small Watershed
Program
The Subcommittee examined the NRCS small watershed programs
as part of a hearing the Subcommittee held on March 10, 2005,
on agencies' proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received testimony on the NRCS
small watershed programs in a hearing held on March 1, 2006, on
the agency's proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2007.
Oversight included a review of the Small Watershed Program,
authorized under P.L. 83-566, and conducted by the United
States Department of Agriculture's NRCS, including its relation
to other conservation, environmental restoration, and flood
control efforts.
11. Agency Performance and Results, Agency Innovation, and Ensuring
Against Duplicative Programs
The Subcommittee's oversight effort included a review of
agency programs, performance, and results, including agency
efforts to implement the Government Performance and Results
Act. Oversight efforts also includes efforts of agencies, such
as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of
Engineers, to improve environmental results by encouraging
regulatory innovation, such as market-based, watershed-based,
and performance-based approaches undertaken by State and local
governments; and a review of agency programs with a view toward
ensuring against duplication of such programs. No formal
oversight was conducted on this issue.
Water Resources Survey Resolutions Approved by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure
------
Mr. Smith (NJ): Wreck Pond, Monmouth County, NJ, Docket
number: 2737, Date filed: March 1, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Baker (LA): West Feliciana Parish, LA, Docket number:
2738, Date filed: March 2, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Dent: North Hampton and Lehigh County Streams, PA,
Docket number: 2739, Date filed: March 2, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Boustany: Vermilion River, LA, Docket number: 2740,
Date filed: March 2, 2005 (navigation).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Menendez: Elizabeth River, Elizabeth, NJ, Docket
number: 2741, Date filed: March 2, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Peterson: North Central, PA, Docket number: 2742, Date
filed: March 2, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Crowley: Eastchester Bay, Turtle Cove, NY, Docket
number: 2743, Date filed: March 3, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Gutknecht: Cedar River Watershed, Austin, MN, Docket
number: 2744, Date filed: March 23, 2005 (comprehensive).
October 26, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Doyle: Pittsburgh Pool Corridor Improvements, PA,
Docket number: 2745, Date filed: September 20, 2005
(comprehensive).
December 7, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Taylor of NC: Tennessee River Tributaries, NC, Docket
number: 2746, Date filed: September 20, 2005 (comprehensive).
December 7, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Boustany: Southwest West Central Louisiana, LA, Docket
number: 2747, Date filed: December 6, 2005 (hurricane
protection and storm damage reduction).
December 7, 2005. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Nunes: Lower Kaweah Distributary System, CA, Docket
number: 2748, Date filed: December 8, 2005 (flood damage
reduction).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Leach: Cedar River, Time Creek Area, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Docket number: 2749, Date filed: February 2, 2006
(comprehensive).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Ms. Schwartz: Navigational Safety, Delaware River, PA,
Docket number: 2750, Date filed: February 15, 2006
(navigation).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. DeFazio: Coos Bay, OR, Docket number: 2751, Date filed:
March 1, 2006 (navigation).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Baird: Vancouver Lake, Clark County, WA, Docket number:
2752, Date filed: March 24, 2006 (erosion control and ecosystem
restoration).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mrs. Kelly: Tenmile River, CT and NY, Docket number: 2753,
Date filed: April 3, 2006 (comprehensive).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. King: Long Beach, Back Bay Shore, NY, Docket number:
2754, Date filed: April 3, 2006 (comprehensive).
April 25, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. McIntyre: Wilmington Harbor, NC, Docket number: 2755,
Date filed: April 6, 2006 (navigation).
June 28, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. McCrery and Mr. Alexander: J. Bennett Johnson Waterway,
MS River to Shreveport, LA, Docket number: 2756, Date filed:
April 26, 2006 (comprehensive).
June 28, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Michaud: Penobscot River, ME, Docket number: 2757, Date
filed: April 26, 2006 (ecosystem restoration).
June 28, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Boyd: Okaloosa County, FL, Docket number: 2758, Date
filed: June 15, 2006 (shoreline protection and environmental
restoration).
June 28, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Bishop: Forge River Watershed, Long Island, NY, Docket
number: 2759, Date filed: June 22, 2006 (ecosystem restoration
and flood control).
June 28, 2006. Resolution adopted by the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. McIntyre: Bald Head Island, NC, Docket number: 2760,
Date filed: June 22, 2006 (hurricane storm damage reduction and
flood damage reduction).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Boehlert: Utica Marsh, NY, Docket number: 2761, Date
filed: July 10, 2006 (ecosystem restoration).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Kucinich: Cuyahoga River and Ohio Canal, OH, Docket
number: 2762, Date filed: September 15, 2006 (flood damage
reduction and ecosystem restoration).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Holt: Manalaplan Brook Watershed, NJ, Docket number:
2763, Date filed: September 11, 2006 (flood control and
environmental protection).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Fortuno: San Juan Harbor, PR, Docket number: 2764, Date
filed: February 23, 2006 (navigation project).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Paul: San Bernard River, TX, Docket number: 2765, Date
filed: September 7, 2006 (flood control, navigation, and
ecosystem restoration).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Boehlert: Mohawk River Watershed, NY, Docket number:
2766, Date filed: September 8, 2006 (navigation, flood
reduction, stream bank stabilization).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Mr. Melancon: Southeast LA, Docket number: 2767, Date
filed: May 26, 2006 (comprehensive).
September 20, 2006. Resolution adopted by the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
WATERSHED PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND
INFRASTRUCTURE
------
Name of Project: Caldwell County, Missouri
Adopted: October 26, 2005
Resolved by the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the United States House of Representatives,
that pursuant to provisions of Public Law 83-566, the Natural
Resources Conservation Service conducted a study and produced
the Little Otter Creek Watershed and Environmental Impact
Statement, approved by the Caldwell County commission and the
Caldwell County Soil and Water Conservation District on May 23,
2003.
The National Economic Development (NED) plan is the
recommended plan. It was selected by the Sponsors for
implementation. The plan includes one multi-purpose reservoir
for agricultural water management (rural water supply); fish,
wildlife, and recreational development; and flood prevention in
Caldwell County, Missouri. Proper recreational maintenance and
replacement is planned for all measures for the 100-year life
of the project. The total cost of the project is $6,229,500 of
which $3,358,000 is Federal and $2,871,500 is the non-Federal
share. The benefit-cost ratio of the project is 1.40.
SUMMARY OF THE OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The oversight and investigation functions of the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure are vested at the Full
Committee level. Oversight and investigation activities are
coordinated between the Full Committee and the Subcommittees.
The following listed activities outline the Full Committee's
activities.
1. Satellite Utilization. The Committee continued its
strategic evaluation of the role satellites will play in the
future of the transportation industry. The evaluation included
research, reports, fact finding trips, and meetings with the
White House office in charge of positioning, navigation, and
timing (PNT); the Government Accountability Office (GAO); the
Department of Defense (DOD); the private sector; and Coast
Guard Navigation office. A number of meetings were also held
with the DOT offices responsible for developing PNT policy,
because DOT is the lead agency for all Federal civil Global
Positioning System (GPS) issues.
Although the GPS was originally launched for military
purposes, it has been expanded to civilian use. While there are
many ways to measure GPS utilization, it would be safe to say
that today the vast majority of individuals using GPS are
civilian. Military needs for GPS no longer address some of the
growing civilian uses. In future years, civilian priorities may
become a factor in critical decisions such as when GPS
satellites are upgraded and how GPS constellations are
oriented.
Currently, funding for GPS remains solely with military
budgets. The result is that GPS upgrades compete with other
military programs for priority. The cost-benefit analysis
concerning opportunities for greater efficiency in the civilian
sector from upgraded GPS satellites does not really factor into
the equation. Another issue of whether and when to upgrade the
GPS constellation is that a consortium of countries, led by the
European Union, is developing an alternative GPS system which
provides both opportunities and challenges for the domestic
United States transportation sector.
Other areas of responsibility within the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure that are uniquely affected by
satellite utilization continue to be evaluated. They include:
tracking cargo on an intermodal basis for security and safety;
providing communications for the traveling public, freight
operations, and real-time air carrier maintenance; management
of the national airspace; and navigation infrastructure.
2. Aviation Security. Oversight assessments were made in
conjunction with the Aviation Subcommittee concerning: Federal
Aviation Administration/Transportation Security Administration
development of the Common Strategy to address threats posed by
terrorists and disruptive passengers; the use of Personal
Electronic Devices (PEDs) onboard airplanes; Department of
Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration's
(TSA) continuing attempt to develop the computer assisted
profiling of passengers using the ``Secure Flight'' system; the
effectiveness of security and biometric measures that TSA may
use to identify and screen passengers; and the list of items
prohibited on flights along with the treatment of passengers
that arrive at screening locations with prohibited items.
3. Federal Aviation Administration operations and
Department of Transportation aviation issues. Other oversight
activities concerning Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and
Department of Transportation (DOT) operations were conducted in
cooperation with the Aviation Subcommittee. They included
looking into the ways that the FAA uses internal documentation
and electronic communications to manage information. In
addition, meetings were held on the revisions that the FAA
website underwent to organize information and provide greater
service to the general aviation public and the public at large.
4. Amtrak Operation. The Chairman of the Committee
continued ongoing work with the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) and the Amtrak Inspector General to evaluate a
broad range of management and operational issues at Amtrak. A
primary objective is to determine whether Amtrak is using its
federal and non-federal resources in an efficient manner while
acknowledging that those resources may not be sufficient to
carry out all of the objectives of the national passenger rail
system.
a. GAO, DOT Office of Inspector General, and Amtrak
Inspector General Reports: During the 109th Congress
the Committee was active in initiating and reviewing
five major reports concerning Amtrak operations. These
included: two GAO reports on Amtrak Management and the
Future of Inter-city Passenger Rail; two Amtrak
Inspector General (IG) reports covering the Mechanical
operations and the Food and Beverage system; and a
joint report with the Department of Transportation
Office of the Inspector General and the Amtrak Office
of IG dealing with the Amtrak Law Department. All
reports showed a strong need to address operations
shortfalls at the railroad and highlighted areas where
Amtrak could make improvement.
b. Amtrak Working Group. A bipartisan working group
of Committee members was created to examine both
Amtrak's role and performance as the major provider of
intercity passenger rail service. The working group
sought to assess the ongoing work being performed by
the GAO and the Amtrak IG. Majority views were issued
highlighting problems that need to be addressed at
Amtrak. Minority views examined Amtrak's ongoing
challenges and reviewed areas where Amtrak has shown
improvement.
c. The Chairman of the Committee initiated a review
of Amtrak Law Department documents to determine if the
Department is following basic management practices and
its own internal rules for managing outside counsel.
5. Amtrak Safety. In April 2005, Amtrak's flagship
operation, the Acela fleet was grounded because of a failure of
its brake systems. A hearing was conducted on May 11, 2005, to
access the cause of the failure, the impact on the system, and
to determine the steps needed to restore the trains to full
service. Committee oversight staff in cooperation with the
Railroad Subcommittee staff held ongoing meetings to stay
abreast of developments as Amtrak and the consortium
responsible for maintaining the Acela trains looked for
alternative brake solutions.
6. Amtrak Security. The importance of passenger rail
security was underscored by the Madrid and London terrorist
bombings in 2004 and 2005. The Committee has worked closely
with the Amtrak IG's office on the steps being taken to make
America's passenger rail service as secure as possible. Staff
attended onsite briefings in New York City where Amtrak is
upgrading the tunnels and access ways to make it easier to
respond to terrorist attacks and manage events as they develop.
Committee staff also participated in briefings and meetings
concerning measures taken to better secure Union Station in
Washington, DC, as well as access points to the metropolitan
passenger rail system. The Committee reviewed the training
facilities that are used to ensure that not only Amtrak but
also first responders know how to address the unique challenges
presented by underground containment and rescue operations.
7. Environmental Protection Agency Grants. A major focus of
the Committee's oversight efforts for the 109th Congress
continued to be the grants management activities at the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In May 2006, the
Committee held the fourth in a series of hearings conducted
since 2003. Its purpose was to assess the progress EPA has made
over the last three years in addressing the agency's long
record of poor management in making and overseeing grants--
particularly discretionary grants to non-profit organizations.
In addition the Committee has continued to work closely with
the EPA Inspector General (IG), EPA Office of Administration
and Resources Management, the GAO, and the Water Resources and
Environment Subcommittee on a bipartisan basis to highlight the
need for reforms. The EPA IG and GAO conducted two new unique
reports that got to the heart of the implementation problems in
the field. The reports dealt with the steps undertaken by EPA
to hold frontline project managers, EPA supervisors, and EPA
management responsible for carrying out the reforms implemented
at the request of the Congress.
As a result of the oversight, EPA has focused on developing
and implementing new grant-making policy guidelines, better
training and personnel systems which will make grant making a
factor in the annual performance reviews of employees. The
Committee continued to work with EPA to develop the grants
databases which allow grant managers to track grantee
compliance and make grant information available to the public.
EPA also responded to the Committee by updating the
competition policy for the second time in three years and began
to focus on ensuring environmental results and undertaking a
peer review process that will upgrade the quality of the grants
awarded.
8. Fuel Tax. The Committee continued its examination of
industry practices, regulations, and fuel tax enforcement
resources at the Federal and State level. Conservative
estimates are that motor fuel tax evasion is costing average
Americans nearly $1 billion annually in lost revenue. If that
money can be recovered it could be used to improve the nation's
highway and transit. Staff continues to work with the DOT IG,
the Internal Revenue Service Fuel Task Force, and private
sector innovators that are developing more robust methods of
monitoring and detecting fuel-tax evasion.
9. Committee Oversight Enhancement. During the 109th
Congress, the Committee concluded a comprehensive effort to
enhance oversight of the agencies within its jurisdiction. By
focusing on the FAA as a pilot analysis, the Committee and GAO
were able to identify additional ways in which the agencies can
make additional information readily available on a more real-
time basis. Using the tools of the Internet, custom search
engines, and subscription information sources, the Agency was
able to develop better methods of communications.
During the prior Congress, the Committee selected the FAA
as a case study with the intent to develop a sustainable
mechanism for ensuring timely and constructive oversight that
can be extended to other programs under the Committee's
jurisdiction. The Committee requested that the GAO review the
FAA and identify what information the Agency relies on for
internal management purposes, to what extent that information
could be used for Congressional oversight, and how that
information can be effectively communicated to the Committee.
Committee staff continued to meet with private industry leaders
and solicit feedback on improving comprehensive Congressional
oversight of Federal Agencies. The Committee worked with
officials from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), DOT,
and the FAA to develop new tools for information sharing.
10. Debt Reduction at the Tennessee Valley Authority. The
Committee continues to work closely with the members of the
Board and executive management at the Tennessee Valley
Authority (TVA) in addressing the need to reduce TVA's sizeable
debt.
During the 109th Congress, Committee staff made several
trips to TVA Headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, to meet with
Members of the Board and executive management team. The purpose
of these meetings was to discuss the steps that were being
undertaken by TVA to implement the new long-term Strategic Plan
it had adopted. This Plan outlined how TVA would respond to its
future business landscape. An important part of the Plan
remains a goal to reduce TVA's debt by $3-$5 billion over the
next ten to 12 years (measured in 2004). In the course of this
Congress, TVA announced steps to increase its commitment to
debt reduction. To provide an important baseline for future
assessment of TVA's progress, the Committee asked the GAO to
review the strategic plan and report back to Congress on the
reasonableness of the goals and the achievability of the steps
TVA was proposing to undertake to meet those goals. Finally,
GAO was asked to assess the impact that could be expected from
the continued growth in the TVA service territory.
11. Department of Homeland Security. The Committee staff
met regularly with the DHS Office of the Inspector General to
coordinate on reviews of the Department. Bimonthly briefings
were held covering efforts to oversee the Coast Guard, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the TSA and related
agencies. The meetings served as an opportunity to coordinate
and review reports being undertaken by the DHS IG, GAO, and the
Committee.
12. Railroad Retirement Board. The Committee staff
conducted a series of meetings with the Inspector General of
the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) with an emphasis on the
Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) claims work that his
office conducted. In addition he provided briefings on medical
fraud issues facing the RRB.
13. Federal Emergency Management Agency Response. Following
damage to Florida the previous week, Hurricane Katrina came
ashore on August 29, 2005, near New Orleans, Louisiana. The
result was one of the worst natural disasters in the United
States. Oversight staff worked with the staff of the
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and
Emergency Management in reviewing the lessons learned, the
logistics shortfalls, and the review of the National Response
Plan. In addition, the Committee staff participated in the
ongoing briefings held by the DHS IG as the Chair of the
President's interagency IG council overseeing Katrina relief
funding.
SUBCOMMITTEE OVERSIGHT SUMMARIES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION
In the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee on Aviation
remained actively engaged on a wide-range of issues affecting
civil aviation in the United States, including aviation safety
and security, the financial condition of the United States
airline industry, the long-term financial requirements of the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airline competition,
airport development and capacity, and air traffic control
modernization.
The Subcommittee continued its vigorous oversight of FAA
safety programs and the investigative activities of the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Subcommittee
held oversight hearings on FAA's safety programs, including the
adequacy of FAA's air traffic controller training and staffing
levels, the status of FAA's efforts to reduce runway
incursions, and the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles,
commercial space aircraft, and very light jets (VLJs) on the
National Airspace System (NAS). The Subcommittee also held an
oversight hearing and passed legislation (H.R. 5076) that would
authorize funding for the NTSB for fiscal years 2007-2009.
The United States airline industry has lost more than $40
billion since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Although domestic air traffic recently surpassed pre-9/11
levels, the economic recovery of the airline industry has been
stymied over the last two years by the rising cost of jet fuel.
The Subcommittee held oversight hearings on the financial state
of the United States airline industry, and on the impact and
cost of commercial jet fuel. During these hearings, the
Subcommittee considered what steps, if any, the Federal
Government can take to help the airline industry cope with
rising fuel costs. The Subcommittee also held a hearing on the
status of airline pension plans.
The existing excise taxes that fund a significant portion
of FAA programs expire on September 30, 2007. One of the most
significant issues that the Subcommittee will address in the
FAA reauthorization bill that will be considered in the 110th
Congress is how to finance the future needs of the aviation
system. The Subcommittee held a series of oversight hearings on
the financial condition of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund
and possible alternative mechanisms for financing the FAA.
The Subcommittee held a series of hearings and passed
legislation on a broad range of aviation competition and
consumer affairs issues. In the area of aviation competition,
the Subcommittee held oversight and field hearings on market
factors affecting United States manufacturers of commercial and
general aviation aircraft. The Subcommittee also held a hearing
and passed legislation (H.R. 5830) that would lift all domestic
flight restrictions on scheduled commercial service at Love
Field in Dallas, Texas. In the area of consumer affairs, the
Subcommittee held hearings on the public safety, national
security and social implications of cellular telephone and
other wireless technologies onboard aircraft during flight, and
possible solutions to address lost, delayed, damaged or
pilfered baggage on commercial flights.
According to FAA, domestic air traffic will double over the
next decade and triple over the next 15 years. At the same
time, our nation's air traffic control system is still based on
expensive, ground-based radar technology developed during the
Second World War. The Subcommittee held two oversight hearings
to review the progress and challenges facing the FAA and the
Joint Program Development Office in modernizing the NAS to meet
future air traffic growth, as well as a hearing on the impact
of new types of aircraft, including unmanned aerial systems and
VLJs, on the NAS.
In 2004, Congress passed the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act that included several key aviation
security-related recommendations of the 9/11 Commission,
including provisions on pilot licensing, biometrics technology
for airport access control, screening technology at airport
passenger check points and checked baggage systems, and missile
defense systems for civil aircraft. Accordingly, the
Subcommittee continued its oversight responsibility of programs
administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on matters that
directly affect the civil aviation system. The Subcommittee
held oversight hearings on the potential safety and security
implications of visible lasers to civil aircraft, the status of
TSA's efforts to deploy the latest security screening
technology in our nation's airports, and the status of
government programs to prevent the spread of disease by air
travel. The Subcommittee passed a resolution (H. Con. Res. 196)
that honors the pilots of United States commercial air carriers
who volunteer to participate in the highly successful Federal
Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
The Subcommittee's oversight plan focused on reviewing and
examining the Federal government's efforts to enhance maritime
security, including the Coast Guard's ongoing implementation of
port and vessel security measures under the Maritime
Transportation Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295) and the Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-
293) and the establishment of an enhanced maritime domain
awareness system, the Coast Guard's multi-year asset
recapitalization program, the Integrated Deepwater System, the
continued deterioration of Coast Guard legacy vessels, aircraft
and communication and support systems, and the effects of the
transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) on Coast Guard missions. The plan also called
for oversight over the Coast Guard's drug interdiction
activities in United States waters and on the high seas and
Coast Guard activities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(Public Law 101-380). The plan also included continued review
and monitoring over measures to prevent or minimize
introductions of aquatic invasive species via ships' ballast
waters and measures to enhance recreational boating safety in
United States waters.
The Subcommittee held several hearings to review efforts of
the Coast Guard and the DHS to enhance maritime security. On
June 29, 2005, the Subcommittee continued its oversight of the
ongoing implementation of maritime transportation security
measures required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act
(MTSA) of 2002 (Public Law 107-295) and the Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-293). On
January 24, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight hearing to
review the National Strategy for Maritime Security, including
the eight supporting implementation plans that were
subsequently released. On March 9, 2006, the Subcommittee held
a hearing to review the impacts of foreign operations at United
States ports, including current requirements regarding port
security facility plans and issues related to cargo security
and the ongoing delays in the development of Transportation
Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). The Subcommittee
analyzed how the operation of terminals at United States ports
by foreign entities, such as would have occurred under the
purchase by Dubai Ports World (DP World) of the Peninsular and
Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O), could affect the
implementation of MTSA and the safety and security at these
ports.
The Subcommittee also was active in overseeing the
implementation of the Coast Guard's fleet recapitalization
program, the Integrated Deepwater System, and the Coast Guard's
proposed changes to the Deepwater program. Subcommittee members
expressed their concerns over the Coast Guard's failure to
provide a program update reflecting post-September 11
requirements and changes to the platforms that will be procured
under the program.
On April 20, 2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to review the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System
program (Deepwater) and Revised Deepwater Implementation Plan.
On March 25, 2005, the Coast Guard submitted a Revised
Deepwater Implementation Plan that proposed an amended baseline
and a modified acquisition schedule for the Deepwater program.
Under the revised plan, the total cost of the Deepwater program
would increase to an estimated total of $19-24 billion (in 2002
dollars) from the previous funding level of $15 billion. The
revised plan also included a modified acquisition schedule that
would require funding over a 20-25 year period (completion in
2021-2026), up from the original 20-year schedule.
On June 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing to
continue oversight over the Coast Guard's integrated Deepwater
System program (Deepwater) and reviewed the revised
implementation program that was submitted with the Service's
Capital Investment Plan, Fiscal Year 2006. As a result of a
Congressional mandate, the Coast Guard submitted a Capital
Investment Plan that included a complete funding projection and
acquisition schedule for the Deepwater program beyond the first
five fiscal years that were submitted as part of the Revised
Deepwater Implementation Plan in March. The Capital Investment
Plan retained the range of project costs (between $19-24
billion) and completion dates (between Fiscal Years 2021-2026)
that were originally outlined in the revised plan. However, the
Capital Investment Plan also provided detailed information on
the delivery schedule of individual assets under two
alternative funding streams: a Capital Investment Plan funding
stream (CIP) and a CIP Plus funding stream.
The Subcommittee held another hearing on June 14, 2006, to
continue the panel's review of Deepwater and the Revised
Deepwater Implementation Plan. After the revised plan was
finalized, however, changes occurred concerning the Fast
Response Cutter (FRC), which was to replace the 110-foot (some
of which were converted to 123-feet) cutter fleet. The FRC's
design included a composite hull that was supposed to double
the operational life of the vessel. Deepwater's revised plan
called for the acquisition of 58 FRC's by 2027. However,
various concerns with the hull form, potential speed, and
propulsion systems exist. On February 28, 2005, the Coast
Guard's Deepwater Program Office temporarily suspended work on
the design because of high technical risks. On April 6, 2006,
the Coast Guard issued a request for information to obtain data
about the state of the market for a proven patrol boat design.
The Coast Guard will likely purchase an ``off-the-shelf ''
patrol boat design to serve as the new FRC. Members of the
Subcommittee expressed their concerns on how any delay in the
delivery of these replacement assets would affect the Coast
Guard's mission capabilities.
The Subcommittee also held several hearings to review the
Coast Guard's capabilities to carry out all of its traditional
and homeland security missions. The Coast Guard's aging
inventory of patrol boats, aircraft, helicopters, cutters, and
systems in combination with increased homeland security
responsibilities has generated growing concerns over the
service's ability to effectively and safely perform all of its
assigned missions. On May 11, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing to oversee Coast Guard mission capabilities, including
the effects of increased maritime homeland security
responsibilities on the Coast Guard's traditional missions, and
to review the implementation of programs to enhance Maritime
Domain Awareness. The Subcommittee held another hearing on
September 14, 2006, to review the Inspector General's annual
review of Coast Guard mission performance and to oversee the
Coast Guard's efforts to balance its assets and personnel to
carry out each of its many traditional and homeland security
missions. The Inspector General's report determined that there
are barriers to improving or sustaining the Coast Guard's
performance and that the Coast Guard is within 4 percent of its
statistically projected maximum level of resource hours.
The Subcommittee held multiple hearings to examine major
oil spills in Alaska and in the Delaware River. On January 18,
2005, the Subcommittee held an oversight field hearing on the
Delaware River oil spill to review the circumstances that led
to a discharge of oil from the M/V ATHOS I into waters of the
Delaware River on November 26, 2004, and the response to the
discharge by the vessel owner, and the Federal agencies. The
Subcommittee examined the response of Federal and State
agencies to the spill and whether these agencies had all assets
necessary to minimize the environmental and economic damages
from this incident. On April 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing to review the implementation of the Oil Pollution Act
of 1990 (Public Law 101-380) and the financial status of the
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
The Subcommittee also held hearings to review issues and
legislation related to removing and preventing the creation of
marine debris, ballast water management and fisheries law
enforcement and illegal drug and migrant interdiction efforts.
Additional Oversight
On July 20, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on the Coast Guard's merchant mariner licensing and
documentation program.
On September 26, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing to review the recent National Academy of Sciences
report on the Coast Guard's polar icebreakers.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO DISASTERS
The Subcommittee continued an ongoing comprehensive review
and assessment of the Nation's ability to prevent, prepare for,
mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters and
emergencies of all types including terrorism. The Subcommittee
also closely examined how the Federal government has responded
to recent disasters, including the hurricanes that struck the
Gulf Coast during 2004 and 2005. Included in this review was an
examination of how assistance is provided and to whom, what
measures were taken in advance of the hurricanes, and how the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) is continuing to help the affected
areas with their long-term recovery.
On March 3 and 4, 2005, the Subcommittee participated in a
site visit related to Hurricane Ivan. The trip focused on areas
severely impacted by Hurricane Ivan in Escambia and Santa Rosa
Counties, Florida.
On April 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ``The
National Preparedness System: What Are We Preparing For?''
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, DHS was
created and tasked with the responsibility to develop a new and
comprehensive National Preparedness System. The Subcommittee
held a hearing to examine the progress and DHS's focus on
terrorism at the expense of natural disaster preparedness. The
Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Corey D. Gruber,
Associate Director, Office for Domestic Preparedness, DHS; Mr.
Gil Jamieson, Director, NIMS Integration Center, DHS; Mr. David
E. Liebersbach, President, National Emergency Management
Association and Director, Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management, State of Alaska; Chief John Buckman, Past
President, International Association of Fire Chiefs, German
Township, Indiana; Captain John P. Salle, International
Association of Chiefs of Police; Mr. Armond Mascelli, Vice
President, Emergency Response, American Red Cross; Mr. Dewayne
West, Vice Chairman, Emergency Management Accreditation Program
Commission, President, International Association of Emergency
Managers and Director, Emergency Management, Johnson County,
North Carolina.
During July 2005, the Subcommittee also toured areas
severely impacted by the 2004 Hurricanes in South Carolina,
Georgia, and other parts of Florida. These visits contributed
to the Subcommittee's assessment of Federal, State, and local
response and recovery efforts surrounding the 2004 Hurricane
Season.
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Nation's Gulf Coast in
August 2005, destroying homes, businesses, highways, bridges,
levees, and other critical infrastructure. The response to
Hurricane Katrina revealed a number of failures and
shortcomings in the Federal, State, and local response to a
catastrophic disaster.
On September 15, 2005, the House of Representatives
approved H. Res. 437, which created the Select Bipartisan
Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to
Hurricane Katrina. The Committee was charged with conducting an
investigation and reporting findings to the House by February
15, 2006, regarding the development, coordination, and
execution by local, State, and Federal authorities of emergency
response plans and other activities in preparation for
Hurricane Katrina, and the local, State, and Federal government
response to Hurricane Katrina. Subcommittee Chairman Shuster
served on the Select Committee. The Select Committee held nine
hearings over the course of approximately three months. Select
Committee Members and staff, including the Subcommittee staff
director who was detailed to the Select Committee, conducted
scores of interviews and received dozens of briefings from
local, State, and Federal officials; non-governmental
organizations; private companies and individuals who provided
or offered external support after Katrina; and hurricane
victims. The Committee Members and staff traveled to the Gulf
Coast numerous times. Subcommittee staff assisted in the
investigation and drafting of the final report entitled, ``A
Failure of Initiative: The Final Report of the Select
Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and
Response to Hurricane Katrina.''
On October 6, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
``Recovering after Katrina: Ensuring that FEMA is up to the
task.'' On the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, a
Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Southeastern Louisiana.
Damage directly from the storm was felt in Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, though
Louisiana and Mississippi received the brunt of the storm.
Recovery efforts were hampered by a number of problems. The
Subcommittee received testimony on the concerns raised by State
and local officials on recovery and possible solutions from the
Honorable Richard Baker, United States Congressman (LA); Mr.
Ken Burris, Chief Operating Officer, FEMA; Mr. Richard Skinner,
Inspector General, DHS; Mr. Henry ``Junior'' Rodriguez,
President, St. Bernard Parish; Mr. Kent Buckley, Director,
Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinator, Bolivar
County, Mississippi; Ms. Janice Kilgore, CEM Director, Escambia
County Public Safety; Mr. Bob Wise, President, Alliance for
Excellent Education; and Mr. Albert Ashwood, Vice President,
National Emergency Management Association.
On October 18, 2005, the Subcommittee held a joint hearing
with the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on ``A
Vision and Strategy for Rebuilding New Orleans.'' The purpose
of this hearing was to receive testimony on how to rebuild New
Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and allow those
directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina the opportunity to
inform Congress of how to tailor assistance and hurricane
protection projects to best suit their needs. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Honorable Richard Baker, United States
Congressman (LA); Honorable William J. Jefferson, United States
Congressman (LA); Honorable Kathleen Babineaux Blanco,
Governor, State of Louisiana; Honorable C. Ray Nagin, Mayor,
New Orleans, Louisiana; Honorable Mitchell J. Landrieu,
Lieutenant Governor, State of Louisiana; Mr. Wynton Marsalis,
Musician, New York, New York; Mr. Mtumishi St. Julien,
Executive Director, The Finance Authority, New Orleans,
Louisiana; Mr. Paul Farmer, Executive Director, American
Planning Association, Washington, DC; Mr. J. Stephen Perry,
President and CEO, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and
Visitors Bureau, New Orleans, Louisiana; Mr. Gary P. LaGrange,
President and CEO, Port of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana;
Mr. John Felmy, Chief Economist, American Petroleum Institute,
Washington, DC; Mr. Jerome Ringo, Chair, National Wildlife
Federation, Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Mr. Michael C. Voisin,
Owner and General Manager, Motivatit Seafoods, Inc., Houma,
Louisiana.
During January 2006, the Subcommittee traveled to South
Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi to meet with
State and local officials regarding the handling of past
disasters and the future of emergency management.
On February 16, 2006, the Full Committee held a hearing
entitled ``Disasters and the Department of Homeland Security:
Where Do We Go From Here?'' At this hearing, the Full Committee
discussed the key findings of the Federal government's
inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina and DHS's perspective
on improving emergency management capabilities and readiness at
the Federal, State, and local levels. The Committee received
testimony from DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.
On February 23, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in Whittier, California, on ``The Big One: How Do We Ensure a
Robust Federal Response to a Catastrophic Earthquake in the Los
Angeles Region?'' The purpose of this hearing was to solicit
State and local government input for improving the Federal
government's capability and readiness in responding to
catastrophic disasters, as well as for enhancing State and
local response capabilities. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Dr. Lucy Jones, United States Geological Survey;
Mr. Ellis M. Stanley, Sr., CEM, City of Los Angeles Emergency
Preparedness Department; Ms. Ann-Marie Hayashi, City of
Whittier Emergency Services; and Mr. Henry Renteria, Director,
California Office of Emergency Services.
On February 24, 2006, the Subcommittee held a field hearing
in St. Louis, Missouri, on ``How Do We Ensure a Robust Federal
Response to a Catastrophic Earthquake in the New Madrid
Region?'' The purpose of this hearing was to solicit State and
local government input for improving the Federal government's
capability and readiness in responding to catastrophic
disasters, as well as for enhancing State and local response
capabilities. The Subcommittee received testimony from Mr. Jim
Wilkinson, Central United States Earthquake Consortium; Dr.
Eugene ``Buddy'' Schweig, United States Geological Survey; Mr.
Michael S. Pawlowski, FEMA; Mr. Ronald Reynolds, Director,
Missouri State Emergency Management Agency; Mr. William C.
Burke, Director, Illinois Emergency Management Agency; and the
Honorable James Talent, United States Senate.
From April 7 through 15, 2006, the Subcommittee traveled
throughout Europe to evaluate and study the emergency
management and flood control systems of Italy, the United
Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Information gathered during this
trip assisted in the drafting of legislation to reform our
country's emergency management system.
On May 30, 2006, the Subcommittee traveled to Lake Charles,
Louisiana, to assess the damage to Cameron Parish from
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Subcommittee met with a number
of State and local officials, as well as victims of the storms.
The trip focused on the immediate and future needs of the
region as they recovered from the 2005 Hurricane season and
prepared for the 2006 season.
As a result of this ongoing oversight, the Subcommittee
took the lead in drafting H.R. 5316--Restoring Emergency
Services to Protect our Nation from Disasters Act of 2006 or
the ``RESPOND Act of 2006.'' The legislation was approved by
the Committee on May 17, 2006, and includes a number of the
provisions that became law through the Fiscal Year 2007
Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The bill puts FEMA back
together again and gives FEMA the tools and authority to do its
job. With the leadership, authority, and resources necessary to
respond effectively to the next disaster, FEMA can once again
be a model agency within the Federal Government.
GSA BROKER CONTRACTS
In 2004, the General Services Administration (GSA) awarded
four contracts as a part of its national brokerage program.
Under this program, the four contractors are responsible for
providing 50 percent of GSA's lease acquisition activities
nationwide and on a regional basis. The Subcommittee continued
to closely examine the program's implementation, including how
GSA will address some of the systemic weaknesses in the program
identified by the Subcommittee, GSA Inspector General, and the
Government Accountability Office (GAO). The Subcommittee
continued the ongoing review of how GSA provides leasing
services to its clients.
GSA LEASE AUTHORITY DELEGATION
Under Title 40, United States Code, the Administrator of
General Services may delegate to other Federal agencies the
authority to lease space. This delegation authority is
discretionary and has been limited by the Committee in previous
years' authorizations of lease prospectuses through the
prohibition of its use. The Subcommittee closely reviewed the
Administrator's use of this authority for over 100 outstanding
delegations.
REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Over the past several years, GSA has become increasingly
interested in improving the management of its real property
assets across the country through the use of enhanced property
management tools. These include outleasing, public-private
partnerships, and the sale or disposal of under-performing
properties. The Subcommittee held hearings on this issue in
1999 and in 2002 and continued to closely monitor this issue.
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
The Subcommittee met regularly with representatives of the
GSA National Capital Region to discuss a variety of ongoing
projects and issues. Among these are: the development of the
Southeast Federal Center, the construction of the new
headquarters for the Department of Transportation, the
potential development of the St. Elizabeth's Campus, renovation
of Federal Office Building 8, and other smaller development and
construction projects.
HOMELAND SECURITY HEADQUARTERS
During the 108th Congress, Congress passed legislation that
transferred the Department of the Navy's Nebraska Avenue
Complex (NAC) to the GSA for use as a headquarters for DHS. To
make this space suitable for use, GSA undertook a significant
modernization program of the existing facilities. Recognizing
the need for a long-term plan for DHS, the Subcommittee also
coordinated briefings with DHS and GSA on the housing needs of
the Department, including the use of the St. Elizabeth's Campus
as a future home of the United States Coast Guard and other DHS
components.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND LEASING PROGRAM
As part of the Subcommittee's annual work to review and
authorize GSA's requests for authority to repair, alter,
construct, and lease property for use by Federal agencies, the
Subcommittee reviewed each prospectus presented to the
Committee and recommend approval only after the Subcommittee
was satisfied that the requests were cost-effective and in the
best interest of the government.
On March 30, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the
``General Services Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 Capital
Investment and Leasing Program (CILP). The hearing covered all
aspects of the CILP including the alteration/modernization and
construction portions. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. David Winstead, Commissioner of the Public Buildings
Service of the GSA. GSA requested new authority totaling $489.8
million for design, modernization, repair, and alteration of 18
Federal buildings. This request includes $465 million for basic
repairs and alterations projects and $24.8 million for the
design of future projects. GSA requested $520.1 million in new
authority for the construction of new facilities. This request
includes $383.9 million to support the consolidation of the
Coast Guard in Washington, DC. No money was requested in the
Fiscal Year 2007 program for construction of new judicial
facilities. Additionally, 15 lease prospectuses were
considered.
The Subcommittee also held two oversight hearings on the
Judiciary's space needs. On June 21, 2005, the Subcommittee
held a hearing on ``The Judiciary's Ability to Pay for Current
and Future Space Needs.'' On June 22, 2006, the Subcommittee
held an oversight hearing on ``The Future of the Federal
Courthouse Construction Program: Results of a GAO Study on the
Judiciary's Rental Obligations.'' (These hearings are discussed
further below).
FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE
As a part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Federal
Protective Service (FPS) was transferred from the Public
Buildings Service of GSA to DHS. However, responsibility for
the protection of federal buildings generally remains with the
GSA. The Subcommittee held briefings to monitor and review the
policies, procedures and requirements of security at public
buildings, including a review of the implementation of these
policies, procedures and requirements by the FPS.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS
The Subcommittee continued its ongoing review of courthouse
construction, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC's)
review of its Design Guide and the five-year plan as proposed
by the AOC. Recently, the Courts have requested that GSA waive
rent amounting to $483 million in the first year alone due to
budget problems. The Subcommittee carefully monitored this
situation by continuing to review the Courts' budget. The
effort was in conjunction with the Courts' ongoing internal
review of the comprehensive plan and Design Guide being
undertaken to find efficiencies and lower annual and projected
future costs.
The Subcommittee requested the GAO conduct a study and
publish a report on the Administrative Office of the U.S.
Courts' management and financial controls over its rental
accounts, recent trends in the Judiciary's rent payments and
square footage occupied and challenges the Judiciary faces in
managing its rent costs. The subsequent report entitled
``Federal Courthouses: Rent Increases Due to New Space and
Growing Energy and Security Costs Require Better Tracking and
Management'' was published June 2006.
The Subcommittee also held two hearings on the courthouse
construction program. On June 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on ``The Judiciary's Ability to Pay for Current and
Future Space Needs.'' Over the past 20 years, the Judiciary's
personnel, office space, appropriation and caseload have
increased significantly. As a result, the Judiciary commits an
ever-increasing proportion of its budget to securing space
needed to accommodate its growth. To reverse this trend and
commit a larger proportion of funds to personnel, the Judiciary
requested that the Administrator of GSA permanently waive
roughly half of the Judiciary's $940 million annual rental
obligation to the Federal Buildings Fund. The purpose of this
hearing was to better understand how the current situation with
the Judiciary developed, to evaluate the potential
repercussions of the Judiciary's waiver request, and to explore
alternative solutions. The Subcommittee received testimony from
Mr. Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues,
GAO; Honorable Jane R. Roth, Judge, United States Court of
Appeals for the Third Circuit and Chairman, Judicial Conference
Committee on Security and Facilities; Mr. F. Joseph Moravec,
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service; and Mr. Leonidas Ralph
Mecham, Director, AOC and Secretary, Judicial Conference of the
United States.
On June 22, 2006, the Subcommittee held an oversight
hearing on ``The Future of the Federal Courthouse Construction
Program: Results of a GAO Study on the Judiciary's Rental
Obligations.'' After requests by the Judiciary that the
Administrator of GSA permanently waive the Judiciary's rental
obligation to the Federal Buildings Fund, the Subcommittee
requested the GAO to conduct an investigation into the rent and
space increases of the Judiciary. The purpose of this hearing
was to help the Subcommittee better understand the current
problems with managing judicial facilities and the results of
the study as well as recommendations for the future of the
courthouse construction program. The Subcommittee received
testimony from Mr. Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical
Infrastructure Issues, GAO; Honorable Jane R. Roth, Judge,
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and
Chairman, Judicial Conference Committee on Security and
Facilities; and Mr. David L. Winstead, Commissioner, Public
Buildings Service, GSA.
CAPITOL GROUNDS
The Subcommittee continued ongoing oversight of projects
undertaken by the Architect of the Capitol, redevelopment of
the O'Neill House Office Building site, new mail processing
facilities, and acquisition and construction of a command and
control center. Oversight also included discussions regarding
the redevelopment of the Southeast Waterfront and progress of a
master plan for the Capitol Complex.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FACILITIES
The Subcommittee conducted oversight into the acquisition,
construction and use of local and remote museum, research and
storage facilities of the Institution. As a part of this
activity, the Subcommittee initiated a GAO audit of the use of
Federal funds regarding the Smithsonian Institution's
facilities construction, repair and alteration projects and to
report on the impact of the Smithsonian Institution's
facilities needs on its operating budgets. The report, entitled
``Impact of Smithsonian Institution's Facilities on
Operations'' was released in April 2005.
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was
reauthorized during the 108th Congress for an additional four
years. As a part of its ongoing oversight of the Kennedy
Center's programs, the Subcommittee regularly participated in
site visits and reviewed the construction, alteration and
modernization activities of the Kennedy Center conducted using
Federal funds, including the renovation of the theaters and
upgrades to systems and parking facilities.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was
reauthorized during the 108th Congress for an additional four
years. As part of its ongoing oversight of EDA's programs, the
Subcommittee reviewed how the EDA is using its new authorities,
including how funding decisions are made and how recent
budgetary decisions are impacting the efficacy of the Agency.
On March 17, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on ``The
Administration's Strengthening America's Communities Initiative
and Its Impact on Economic Development.'' In advance of the
release of the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget, the Administration
announced a new initiative entitled ``Strengthening America's
Communities.'' This new initiative proposed to consolidate a
number of existing community and economic development grant
programs into one new grant program housed at the Department of
Commerce. The Subcommittee received testimony on the proposed
consolidation of programs from the Honorable David A. Sampson,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development; Ms.
Anne Habiby, Inner City Economic Forum; Mr. Ken Jones, First
Vice-President, National Association of Development
Organizations and Executive Director of the Lower Rio Grande
Valley Development Council; Mr. Charles Fluharty, Director,
University of Missouri's Rural Policy Research Institute; Mr.
Edward M. Silvetti, Executive Director, Southern Alleghenies
Planning and Development Commission; and Robert A. Anspach,
Mayor, Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
In preparation for the reauthorization process, the
Subcommittee closely examined the activities of the Appalachian
Regional Commission (ARC) including how it is meeting the needs
of distressed counties, how it uses new and innovative ways to
promote economic development, and its track record of success
since its last reauthorization.
The Subcommittee held a hearing July 12, 2006, on ``The
Reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission and
Legislative Proposals to Create Additional Regional Economic
Development Authorities.'' The purpose of this hearing was to
assess the progress of the ARC's programs in preparation for
reauthorization beginning in Fiscal Year 2007, and examine
legislative proposals to create additional regional economic
development authorities, including the Northeast Regional
Development Commission, the Southeast Crescent Authority, and
the Southwest Regional Border Authority. The Subcommittee
received testimony from Ms. Anne B. Pope, Federal Co- Chair,
ARC; Mr. Steve Robertson, Commissioner, State of Kentucky
Governor's Office for Local Development, ARC.
The Subcommittee also held town hall meetings in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia to hear concerns, opinions, and
suggestions for ARC. The Chairman was also accompanied by ARC
Federal Co-Chair Ann Pope.
OTHER REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES
The Subcommittee continued to closely examine the
activities of the other established development authorities,
the Denali Commission, Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and
Northern Great Plains Regional Authority and other proposed
authorities. On July 12, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
legislative hearing on ``The Reauthorization of the Appalachian
Regional Commission and Legislative Proposals to Create
Additional Regional Economic Development Authorities.'' In
addition to assessing the progress of the ARC's programs in
preparation for reauthorization beginning in Fiscal Year 2007,
the purpose of this hearing was to examine legislative
proposals to create additional regional economic development
authorities, including the Northeast Regional Development
Commission, the Southeast Crescent Authority and the Southwest
Regional Border Authority. Additionally, Subcommittee staff met
with representatives from the DRA to discuss post-Katrina
assistance by the authority and traveled to inspect projects
throughout the Delta region in August of 2005 and 2006.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS, TRANSIT AND PIPELINES
HIGHWAY TRUST FUND VIABILITY
Treasury and Congressional Budget Office projections show
cash balances in the Highway Trust Fund falling below zero
between 2009 and 2011. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(SAFETEA: LU) created the National Surface Transportation
Policy and Revenue Study Commission which is tasked with coming
up with long and short term revenue solutions for the Highway
Trust Fund. The Subcommittee worked with the Department of
Transportation (DOT) during the establishment of the Commission
and has closely monitored its progress. In addition, the
Subcommittee held two hearings on this topic. On February 15,
2005, a hearing was held to discuss the status of the Highway
Trust Fund and on how the new revenue estimates for the Highway
Trust Fund would impact SAFETEA: LU. On April 4, 2006, the
Subcommittee held a hearing on the Highway Trust Fund revenue
estimating procedures used at both Treasury and the
Congressional Budget Office.
INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
In recent years, the private sector has played a larger
role in financing transportation projects. On May 24, 2006, the
Subcommittee held a hearing on Understanding Contemporary
Public Private Transactions. Members heard testimony from the
Governors of Indiana and Virginia on public private
transportation transactions in their states as well as
testimony from experts who put these transactions together. In
addition, National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue
Study Commission, which was created in SAFETEA: LU, will
evaluate the future role of innovative finance and public
private-partnerships in funding surface transportation
infrastructure.
PIPELINE SAFETY
The Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which
authorizes interstate pipeline safety programs, expired on
September 30, 2006. On March 16, 2006, the Subcommittee held an
oversight hearing on pipeline safety. The Subcommittee heard
testimony from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA) on the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act
of 2002 and PHMSA activities since enactment of the Act.
Chairman Young introduced H.R. 5782, the Pipeline Safety
Improvement Act of 2006, and the bill was reported favorably by
the Committee on July 19, 2006. H.R. 5782 reauthorizes the
Federal pipeline safety programs through Fiscal Year 2010 and
amends title 49, United States Code, to enhance the safety and
reliability of transporting the nation's energy products by
pipelines.
In early March and early August, two separate low-pressure
oil pipelines operated by British Petroleum (BP) on Alaska's
North Slope experienced leaks. In response to these incidents
the Committee held a hearing on September 13, 2006, on the low-
pressure liquid pipelines in the North Slope, Greater Prudhoe
Bay, Alaska. Witnesses from BP, the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration, and the Pipeline Safety Trust
testified on low-pressure liquid pipelines in general and
specifically on the two incidents in Alaska.
RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES--HURRICANE KATRINA
In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina in August 2005, the Subcommittee worked closely with
DOT, State, and local officials from the affected region to
ensure timely assistance and thorough oversight. Initially, the
Subcommittee reached out to each of the modal agencies at DOT
to ensure that any legal impediments to the Department to
provide relief were removed. On October 20 and 27, 2005, the
Subcommittee held oversight hearings on the Federal and State
response to the hurricane, and more importantly, on the
planning for recovery. As emergency supplemental appropriations
legislation was being developed, the Subcommittee worked in
consultation with the Appropriations Committees to provide
flexible funding and operating assistance for area transit
agencies through the Federal Transit Administration, plus $70
million in special mission assignments from the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In addition, the
Subcommittee worked with the Appropriations Committees to
ensure that, in addition to the $100 million annual
authorization for Emergency Relief Program funding, the
emergency supplemental appropriations act provided $17,577,720
for Alabama, $1,013,000,000 for Mississippi, and $1,189,553,647
for Louisiana as authorized by section 1112 of SAFETEA: LU to
rebuild destroyed bridges and roads.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY
In the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee continued to
oversee the security of all surface transportation modes.
Throughout the world, public transportation systems have been
primary targets of terrorist attacks, causing thousands of
deaths and injuries. Transit systems have open access and
frequent stops and transfer points, and are thus difficult to
protect. They also serve high concentrations of people in
crowded quarters, an environment with a high probability of
death or injury. On March 29, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on Transit and Over-the-Road Bus Security. The hearing
examined current issues of transit and over-the-road bus
security, including: the roles and responsibilities of the
Federal Transit Administration and Department of Homeland
Security; the state of preparedness in the transit industry;
and Federal programs and activities that help meet the security
needs and funding priorities for mitigation of security threats
against the Nation's public transportation systems.
On July 19, 2006, the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee favorably reported H.R. 5808, the Public
Transportation Security Assistance Act of 2006 (House Report
109-662). This legislation authorizes the Secretary of
Transportation to award a total of $3.4 billion in grants over
three fiscal years to public transportation systems and
intercity bus operators to improve security. The legislation
requires that grants be prioritized on the basis of risk,
consequences, vulnerability, and threat, and that funding
allocations be based on the transit agency security assessments
conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. No further
action was taken on the bill, although it was considered in the
context of the House-Senate conference on the Safe Ports Act of
2006 (Public Law 109-347). Ultimately, transit, rail, and motor
carrier security programs were not included in the final
legislation.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
In the 109th Congress, the Subcommittee continued to
oversee the safety of the nation's highways and transit
systems. Low-cost intercity bus companies called ``curbside
operators'' that pick up and drop off passengers on the street,
rather than in a terminal, have seen increased ridership and
popularity in recent years. (These are sometimes referred to as
``Chinatown Buses'', because they originally served Asian
communities in the Northeast, transporting restaurant workers
from one city's Chinatown to another.) The Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has stepped up its
inspections of curbside operator companies in the Washington-
to-Boston corridor, prompted by media, industry, and government
concerns that curbside operators are unsafe and under-
regulated. On March 2, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
curbside operators to determine the extent to which these
operators comply with FMCSA regulations and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). No new legislative initiatives resulted
from this oversight hearing, although the Subcommittee
continued to monitor the progress of the FMCSA's enforcement
efforts and also monitored ongoing investigations by the
Department of Justice of two curbside operator companies
against whom claims of ADA violations have been filed.
The safety of the nation's subways, heavy rail systems,
light rail systems, cable cars and trolleys are managed under
the Federal Transit Administration's State Safety Oversight
(SSO) program. On July 19, 2006, the Subcommittee held an
oversight hearing on Rail Transit Safety to examine the
effectiveness and management of the SSO program. The findings
of the hearing were generally positive: rail transit is a very
safe mode of transportation, with a total of 82 fatalities in
2004 for more than 3.25 billion passenger trips. (Of these
deaths, 27 were suicides.) However, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the State Safety Oversight
program and found that there are opportunities for improvement,
including the development of performance goals to better
measure the program's benefits. Additionally, GAO found that
staffing levels for some SSO programs are inadequate, with as
few as 0.1 or 0.2 full-time equivalent positions for dedicated
safety oversight at some rail transit systems.
NEW REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING REAUTHORIZATION
Since enactment of SAFETEA: LU in August 2005, the
Subcommittee has closely monitored the Department of
Transportation's promulgation of new and amended rules and
guidance to implement policy changes made in the Act. On June
7, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the implementation
of SAFETEA: LU. The administrators of all five modal agencies
authorized in SAFETEA: LU appeared before the Subcommittee,
providing the Members the opportunity to ask questions on any
aspect of DOT's actions to carry out newly authorized programs
and to implement changes to existing highway, transit, highway
safety, and transportation research programs.
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
In December 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency
issued regulations requiring the installation of advanced
emissions control devices on model year 2007, and later diesel
engines. To enable these devises to operate efficiently, the
Agency required a 97 percent reduction in the sulfur content of
on-road diesel fuel. By June 1, 2006, refiners were required to
convert 80 percent of their diesel production to the new lower
sulfur standard of 15 parts per million (ppm) and 100 percent
diesel fuel production must meet this standard by June 1, 2010.
By October 15, 2006, any retailer selling Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel had to ensure the sulfur content did not exceed 15 ppm.
On July 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a Member's Briefing on
the status of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
sponsored Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel emission reduction rule. The
briefing provided Members with the background of the Rule and
how the implementation affected the different stakeholders in
the diesel fuel industry, including the trucking industry and
the pipeline and tank car companies that transport this fuel.
The Members learned that the rulemaking is being implemented by
EPA and the diesel fuel industry on time, if not before
schedule, and that the rulemaking is being well received.
TRANSPORTATION'S ROLE IN THE ECONOMY
The Subcommittee explored the role of transportation in the
national and global economy. To accomplish this oversight
responsibility, the Subcommittee planned a series of hearings
focusing on Freight Mobility. On May 10, 2006, the Subcommittee
held the first hearing in the Freight Mobility series on
Highway Capacity and Freight Mobility. The hearing presented
the Members with information regarding the current state of
freight mobility on the United States highway system and the
challenges posed by a freight capacity shortage in the near
future. Members heard from DOT, as well as freight research
professionals that the projected amount of freight that will
need transporting in the near future will exceed the available
transportation capacity for that freight. On September 7, 2006,
the Subcommittee held the second hearing in the freight series.
The hearing focused on freight logistics. Witnesses explained
how businesses rely on an efficient and reliable transportation
system when making supply chain management decisions and how
important freight logistics is to those decisions.
On June 15, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on
Intermodalism which also emphasized transportation's role in
the economy. The Members discussed the concept of Intermodalism
and how Intermodal planning can solve transportation problems,
such as congestion and freight delay. The Members heard from a
variety of private and public sector intermodal professionals
on how creative intermodal planning is imperative to meeting
the growing demand of freight movement. The hearings provided
Members with a broad landscape of Freight Mobility and the
challenges facing the freight movement industry.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (CDL)
DOT requires all employers of commercial motor vehicle
drivers to conduct background employment and driving record
checks on each employee they intend to hire. In addition, the
USA PATRIOT Act requires the DOT to conduct criminal background
checks of all individuals who are applying for a hazardous
materials endorsement for their CDL. On May 11, 2005, the
Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the Hazardous
Material Endorsement Background Check. The hearing reviewed the
background check process for truck drivers who apply for a
hazardous material endorsement, in compliance with the USA
PATRIOT Act. Officials from the FMCSA, DOT Office of Inspector
General, Transportation Security Administration, and
representatives from the American Trucking Associations,
Teamsters, and the American Association of Motor Vehicle
Administrators testified on the current status and challenges
of the background check process. The witnesses described the
difficulty in checking all the motor carrier operators, but the
process has improved significantly since its inception due to
increased cooperation between Federal agencies and the
operators. Since the hearing, the Subcommittee has learned the
process has further improved more with more background checking
service centers and faster threat assessment times. The
Subcommittee does not have any legislative activities for CDL
issues.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS
The oversight plan contemplated an examination of the
Department of Transportation (DOT) Fiscal Year 2006 and 2007
Budgets. The Subcommittee reviewed and evaluated the budget
proposals for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA),
Amtrak, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the Railroad
Retirement Board (RRB), and the National Mediation Board within
the context of the hearings previously mentioned.
The oversight plan contemplated hearings on functioning of
the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and its relationship to
DOT (including DOT's obligation to provide administrative
support to the STB). On April 26, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on rail capacity. Witnesses included the Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA), representatives of the rail
industry and shippers, and industry expert Carl Martland of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The oversight plan contemplated hearings on FRA safety
programs, enforcement and rulemaking activities, as well as the
various safety laws that govern railroad operations. On April
28, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on New Technologies
for Rail Safety. Witnesses testified about new rail inspection
technologies, positive train control, and vehicle crash
protection. On July 21, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing
on Grade Crossing Safety. Witnesses included the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Operation Lifesaver, the
FRA and others. On June 13, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on Rail Transportation of Hazardous Materials. The
focus of the hearing was current regulatory requirements,
routing, liability exposure and common carrier obligations. On
June 27, 2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing on FRA's Safety
Initiatives. The Subcommittee examined issues and problems
relating to recent safety initiatives at the FRA, including DOT
Secretary Mineta's Action Plan Addressing Critical Railroad
Safety Issues. On July 25, 2006, the Subcommittee held a
hearing on Human Factors, including the impact of the Hours of
Service Act on employee fatigue.
The oversight plan contemplated hearings on various aspects
of Amtrak with a view to reauthorization. On May 11, 2005, the
Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``Getting Acela Back on
Track.'' The hearing centered on cracks in the Acela's brake
discs, which had recently sidelined the entire fleet. On June
9, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the Amtrak Food and
Beverage Department and uncovered losses in excess of $100
million per year. Along with several other witnesses, the
Amtrak Inspector General and the Government Accountability
Office presented testimony that Amtrak was spending two dollars
for every dollar of Food and Beverage Revenue. On September 21,
2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Amtrak Reform
Proposals. The Subcommittee received testimony from the DOT
General Counsel, DOT Inspector General and several private
experts regarding proposed ways of restructuring Amtrak. On
November 15, 2005, the Subcommittee held a hearing on Current
Governance Issues at Amtrak. In the wake of the departure of
Amtrak CEO David Gunn, the Subcommittee held this hearing to
examine whether Amtrak had a legally constituted Board of
Directors and a quorum to conduct business. On September 28,
2006, the Subcommittee held a hearing entitled ``New Hands on
the Amtrak Throttle,'' which served to introduce new Amtrak CEO
Alexander Kummant to the Subcommittee.
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)--CLEAN WATER ACT AND WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS
The oversight plan included a review of wastewater
treatment and water pollution control funding issues; a review
of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to water pollution
control; and a review of water quality regulatory issues under
the Clean Water Act. The Subcommittee examined Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act and water
infrastructure program issues as part of a hearing the
Subcommittee held on February 16, 2005, on agencies' proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The
Subcommittee also received testimony on EPA Clean Water Act and
water infrastructure program issues in a hearing held on March
8, 2006, on the agency's proposed program priorities and
budgets for Fiscal Year 2007. The Subcommittee met on April 13,
2005, to receive testimony on wastewater blending at wastewater
treatment plants during peak wet weather flow conditions. On
June 8, 2005, and June 14, 2005, the Subcommittee held hearings
on meeting the nation's wastewater infrastructure needs. The
hearing led to the development of H.R. 4560, ``Clean Water
Trust Act of 2005'', introduced on December 15, 2005. The
Subcommittee met on September 29, 2005, to receive testimony on
H.R. 1749, the ``Pest Management and Fire Suppression
Flexibility Act.'' The Subcommittee met on March 30, 2006, to
receive testimony on barriers to the cleanup of abandoned mine
sites and potential means for encouraging volunteers (or so-
called ``Good Samaritans'') to clean up abandoned mines. The
Subcommittee met on May 4, 2006 to receive testimony on H.R.
4126, the ``Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Enhancement Act.''
This hearing led to the Committee markup of H.R. 4126 on
September 20, 2006. The Subcommittee met on May 18, 2006 to
receive testimony concerning ``EPA Grants Management 2003-2006:
Progress and Challenge.'' The Subcommittee met on September 13,
2006, to receive testimony on the Great Lakes Regional
Collaboration Strategy and how it is serving as a framework for
restoring and protecting the Great Lakes. The Subcommittee
conducted oversight of wastewater treatment and water pollution
control funding issues, including levels and sources of funding
and management of grant and loan programs, and wastewater
infrastructure and security needs. The Subcommittee also
conducted oversight of regulatory and nonregulatory approaches
to water pollution control, including watershed, market, and
performance-based approaches to regulation; issues involving
water quality standards; total maximum daily loads; effluent
limitations; permitting; monitoring and data; and efforts to
improve the management of combined and sanitary sewer
overflows, stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution. A major
ongoing goal of the 109th Congress for the Transportation
Committee Oversight staff was work concerning the EPA's Grants
Management Process. In the past year, major progress has been
seen in the areas of identifying qualified grantees, ensuring
environmental results from grant projects, monitoring grantee
follow-through, and developing a system of direct
accountability for EPA project managers. The result is greater
environmental benefits as well as savings of millions of
dollars that were previously wasted. Working closely with the
EPA Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office
(GAO), and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee,
EPA has implemented a series of new policy guidelines and
procedural changes within the agency as a result of the
Committee's oversight efforts. These changes focused on
employee training; development of an effective performance
review process for the agency personnel overseeing the grants
process; more competition in the awarding of EPA grants; and
greater tracking and monitoring of grants.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WATER RESOURCES PROGRAM
The oversight plan included a review of efforts to improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization and the
management and mission of the civil works program of the Army
Corps of Engineers, of the financing of harbor and inland
waterways infrastructure, and of the agency's regulatory
programs. The Subcommittee examined the Army Corps of Engineers
water resources program issues as part of a hearing the
Subcommittee held on March 10, 2005, on agencies' proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The
Subcommittee also received testimony on the Army Corps of
Engineers water resources program in a hearing held on March 1,
2006, on the agency's proposed program priorities and budgets
for Fiscal Year 2007. The Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment and the Subcommittee on Economic Development,
Public Buildings, and Emergency Management held a joint hearing
on October 18, 2005, to receive testimony on how to rebuild New
Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Subcommittee met
on October 20, 2005, to receive testimony from public and
private witnesses on how to integrate hurricane, storm and
flood protection, navigation, coastal ecosystem restoration,
and other water resources needs, while meeting local objectives
for rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. On October 27,
2005, the Subcommittee received testimony from national flood
damage reduction and floodplain management experts regarding
flood risks throughout the nation and the policy implications
of any decisions to provide hurricane and storm damage
protection for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The Subcommittee
met on April 6, 2006 to receive testimony on H.R. 4650, the
``National Levee Safety Program Act.'' This hearing led to the
Committee favorably reporting the bill on July 28, 2006. The
Subcommittee reviewed efforts to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the organization and the management and
mission of the civil works program of the Army Corps of
Engineers, including the selection, planning, and
implementation of water resources projects. The Subcommittee
also reviewed the agency's regulatory programs, including those
pertaining to wetlands and dredging activities.
EPA--THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND
LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA)/SUPERFUND AND BROWNFIELDS
The oversight plan included a review of efforts to improve
the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the contaminated
site cleanup process and the process of assessing natural
resources damages. The Subcommittee examined Environmental
Protection Agency CERCLA and Brownfields program issues as part
of a hearing the Subcommittee held on February 16, 2005, on
agencies' proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received testimony on EPA
Clean Water Act and water infrastructure program issues in a
hearing held on March 8, 2006, on the agency's proposed program
priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007. The Subcommittee
met on May 18, 2006, to receive testimony concerning ``EPA
Grants Management 2003-2006: Progress and Challenge.'' The
Subcommittee met on June 8, 2006, to receive testimony on the
Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program and
reauthorization of the ``Brownfields Revitalization and
Environmental Restoration Act of 2001.'' This led to the
introduction of H.R. 5810, a bill to reauthorize the
Brownfields program. The Subcommittee reviewed efforts to
improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the
contaminated site cleanup process and the process of assessing
natural resources damages. Oversight included a review of the
liability, financing, funding levels, and settlement mechanisms
and procedures of the current Superfund program, including
implementation of the Small Business Liability Protection Act;
a review of the role of the States in conducting and financing
cleanups; a review of the relationships among the States, EPA,
and other Federal entities in implementing the Superfund
program; and a review of ongoing Federal, State, and local
efforts to revitalize ``brownfields,'' including implementation
of the Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration
Act. In addition to formal hearings, the Subcommittee Chairman
requested the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection
Agency to review the agency's Brownfields program. This led to
the IG issuing a report on June 7, 2005, showing how the agency
can better manage administrative resources to more effectively
manage the Brownfields Program.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, EPA, AND OTHER REGIONAL WATER AND ECOSYSTEM
RESTORATION ISSUES
The oversight plan included a review of regional and local
projects, issues, and controversies involving water quality;
water supply; water resources conservation, development,
management, and policy; environmental protection; and flood
control. The Subcommittee met on March 16, 2005, to receive
testimony from Members of Congress regarding their requests for
authorizations for Corps of Engineer water resources projects
to be included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2005.
In addition, the Subcommittee met on October 20, 2005, to
receive testimony from public and private witnesses on how to
integrate hurricane, storm and flood protection, navigation,
coastal ecosystem restoration, and other water resources needs,
while meeting local objectives for rebuilding New Orleans and
the Gulf Coast. On September 13, 2006, the Subcommittee met to
receive testimony on the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration
Strategy and how it is serving as a framework for restoring and
protecting the Great Lakes.
COAST GUARD/EPA/ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES ACT
The oversight plan included a review of efforts to
implement the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and
Control Act of 1990, as amended by the National Invasive
Species Act of 1996, and the need to further control invasions
of nonindigenous aquatic species through ballast water. In
cooperation with the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime
Transportation, the Subcommittee reviewed efforts by various
agencies to implement existing Federal law governing the
prevention and control of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance
species, the effectiveness of those efforts, and the need for
further action to control invasions of nonindigenous aquatic
species through ballast water.
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY (TVA)
The oversight plan included a review of TVA programs,
including its energy program and operations, in the current and
in a less regulated marketplace, TVA's management structure,
and the impact of TVA debt. The Subcommittee examined TVA's
programs as part of a hearing the Subcommittee held on March
10, 2005, on the agency's proposed program priorities and
budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received
testimony on TVA's programs in a hearing held on March 8, 2006,
on agencies' proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2007. During the 109th Congress, additional efforts have
been undertaken by the Committee to work with TVA and validate
its efforts to reduce its financial obligations. The goal is to
ensure that TVA can remain competitive in the emerging energy
markets as well as serve the people of the Tennessee Valley.
The principal challenge for TVA has been to reduce the amount
of debt it is carrying. To accomplish this objective, the
Committee has worked with TVA, the local delegation, Government
Accountability Office, and the Office of Management and Budget.
The Committee has continued to work with TVA since it adopted
its new strategic plan in 2004. In the past year, the Committee
has worked with the GAO to evaluate the assumptions in that
plan to make sure that TVA has a realistic strategy and the
necessary commitments in place to reach its debt reduction
goals. Following a request from the Subcommittee, the GAO
released, in August, 2006, a report titled ``Tennessee Valley
Authority Plans to Reduce Debt While Meeting Demand for
Power''. The report describes how TVA plans to meet its goals
for reducing debt, assesses the reasonableness of TVA's
approach in developing its plan, identify key factors that
could impact TVA's ability to successfully carry out its plan,
and identify how TVA's plans for meeting the growing demand for
power in the Tennessee Valley may impact its ability to reduce
debt.
SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SLSDC)
The oversight plan included a review of the efficiency and
effectiveness of the SLSDC's current operations and structure,
possible improvements in the operation of the Seaway,
addressing national security and the economy, and the relation
of the SLSDC to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation,
its Canadian counterpart. The Subcommittee examined the SLSDC's
program as part of a hearing the Subcommittee held on March 10,
2005, on agencies' proposed program priorities and budgets for
Fiscal Year 2006. The Subcommittee also received testimony on
the SLSDC's program in a hearing held on March 1, 2006, on the
agency's proposed program priorities and budgets for Fiscal
Year 2007.
EPA AND COAST GUARD OIL POLLUTION ACT (OPA)
The oversight plan included include a review of the oil
spill response, planning, and liability provisions under OPA
and the Clean Water Act, and enforcement activities and
effectiveness under the oil spill prevention and response laws.
Oversight included an evaluation, in cooperation with the
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, of the
United States Coast Guard's implementation of the Oil Pollution
Act and the Clean Water Act, and enforcement activities under
those laws. No other formal oversight was conducted on this
issue.
ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS/EPA/NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
(NOAA) OCEAN AND COASTAL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
The oversight plan included a review of dredged material
management and disposal under the Ocean Dumping Act, Water
Resources Development Acts, and the Clean Water Act, and of
various ocean and coastal water quality and shoreline
protection issues under the Clean Water Act, Coastal Zone
Management Act, Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments,
and Water Resources Development Acts. The Subcommittee examined
NOAA's program issues as part of a hearing the Subcommittee
held on February 16, 2005, on agencies' proposed program
priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The Subcommittee
also received testimony on NOAA's program issues in a hearing
held on March 8, 2006 on the agency's proposed program
priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) SMALL WATERSHED PROGRAM
The oversight plan included a review of the Small Watershed
Program, authorized under Public Law 83-566, and conducted by
the United States Department of Agriculture's NRCS, including
its relation to other conservation, environmental restoration,
and flood control efforts. The Subcommittee examined the NRCS
small watershed programs as part of a hearing the Subcommittee
held on March 10, 2005, on agencies' proposed program
priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2006. The Subcommittee
also received testimony on the NRCS small watershed programs in
a hearing held on March 1, 2006, on the agency's proposed
program priorities and budgets for Fiscal Year 2007.
AGENCY PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS, AGENCY INNOVATION, AND ENSURING AGAINST
DUPLICATIVE PROGRAMS
The oversight plan included a review of agency programs,
performance, and results, including efforts to implement the
Government Performance and Results Act, and efforts of
agencies, such as EPA and the Corps, to improve environmental
results by encouraging regulatory innovation, such as market-
based approaches and other approaches undertaken by State and
local governments. Agency performance and results were reviewed
at the Subcommittee's hearings on February 16, 2005, March 10,
2005, March 1, 2006, and March 8, 2006 on agency budget
requests and program priorities for Fiscal Year 2006 and Fiscal
Year 2007. In addition, on May 18, 2006, the Subcommittee held
a hearing on the progress of, and challenges remaining with,
EPA's management of grants over the period 2003-2006.
Publications
109-1--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard
and Maritime Transportation on Field Hearing on the Delaware
River Oil Spill. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 18, 2005.
109-2--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Commercial Space Transportation: Beyond the X Prize, February
9, 2005.
109-3--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Agency Budgets and Priorities for Fiscal
Year 2006, February 16, 2005.
109-4--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on The Fiscal Year 2006 Budget for
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Programs, and H.R. 889,
the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005, March
3, 2005.
109-5--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Agency Budgets and Priorities for Fiscal
Year 2006, March 10, 2005.
109-6--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Lasers: A Hazard to Aviation Safety and Security? March 15,
2005.
109-7--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Member Project Requests for the Water
Resources Development Act of 2005, March 16, 2005.
109-8--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
Administration's Strengthening America's Communities Initiative
and Its Impact on Economic Development, March 17, 2005.
109-9--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Efforts to Prevent Pandemics by Air Travel, April 6, 2005.
109-10--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Wastewater Blending, April 13, 2005.
109-11--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Transforming the Federal Aviation Administration: A Review of
the Air Traffic Organization and the Joint Planning and
Development Office, April 14, 2005.
109-12--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
National Preparedness System: What Are We Preparing For? April
14, 2005.
109-13--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on Air
Traffic Management in Foreign Countries, April 20, 2005.
109-14--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Deepwater Implementation, April 20,
2005.
109-15--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on New
Technologies in Railroad Safety and Security, April 28, 2005.
109-16--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on The
Financial Condition of the Aviation Trust Fund: Are Reforms
Needed? May 4, 2005.
109-17--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Getting ACELA Back on Track, May 11, 2005.
109-18--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Background Checks, May 11, 2005.
109-19--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Coast Guard Amendments of 2005, May
12, 2005.
109-20--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on The
U.S. Jet Transport Industry: Global Market Factors Affecting
U.S. Producers, May 25, 2005.
109-21--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Financing Water Infrastructure Projects,
June 8 and 14, 2005.
109-22--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Amtrak Food and Beverage Operations, June 9, 2005.
109-23--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Coast Guard Law Enforcement, June
15, 2005.
109-24--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Deepwater Implementation, June 21,
2005.
109-25--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
Judiciary's Ability to Pay for Current and Future Space Needs,
June 21, 2005.
109-26--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Airline Pensions: Avoiding Further Collapse, June 22, 2005.
109-27--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Implementation of the Maritime
Transportation Security Act, June 29, 2005.
109-28--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on Cell
Phones on Aircraft: Nuisance or Necessity? July 14, 2005.
109-29--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Issues, July 21, 2005.
109-30--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Honoring the Protectors of the Capitol: The Passengers of
Flight 93, July 26, 2005.
109-31--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Amtrak Reform Proposals, September 21, 2005.
109-32--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on the
Current Situation and Future Outlook of U.S. Commercial Airline
Industry, September 28, 2005.
109-33--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on H.R. 1749, Pest Management and Fire
Suppression Flexibility Act, September 29, 2005.
109-34--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on
Recovering After Hurricane Katrina: Ensuring that Federal
Emergency Management Agency is Up to the Task, October 6, 2005.
109-35--Joint Hearing between the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management and the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment on A Vision and
Strategy for Rebuilding New Orleans, October 18, 2005.
109-36--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Expert Views on Hurricane and Flood
Protection and Water Resources Planning for a Rebuilt Gulf
Coast, October 20, 2005.
109-37--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Rebuilding Highway and Transit
Infrastructure on the Gulf Coast, October 20, 2005.
109-38--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Reducing Hurricane and Flood Risk in the
Nation, October 27, 2005.
109-39--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Rebuilding Highway and Transit
Infrastructure on the Gulf Coast Following Hurricane Katrina--
State and Local Officials, October 27, 2005.
109-40--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on
Legislative Proposals in Response to Hurricane Katrina,
November 3, 2005.
109-41--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Current Governance Issues at Amtrak, November 15, 2005.
109-42--Highway Compilation Volume II, Not Printed.
109-43--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast
Guard and Maritime Transportation on The National Strategy for
Maritime Security, Camden, New Jersey, January 24, 2006.
109-44--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on the
United States--European Union Open Skies Agreement: With a
Focus on the Department of Transportation's Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Regarding Actual Control of the United States Air
Carriers, February 8, 2006.
109-45--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on the
Commercial Jet Fuel Supply: Impact and Cost on the United
States Airline Industry, February 15, 2006.
109-46--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit on the Status of the Highway Trust Fund: How the Fiscal
Year 2007 Budget Impacts Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, February 15,
2006.
109-47--Hearing before the Full Committee on Disasters and
the Department of Homeland Security: Where Do We Go From Here?
February 16, 2006.
109-48--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
Big One: How Do We Ensure a Robust Federal Response to a
Catastrophic Earthquake in the Los Angeles Region? Whittier,
California, February 23, 2006.
109-49--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on How
Do We Ensure a Robust Federal Response to a Catastrophic
Earthquake? St. Louis, Missouri, February 24, 2006.
109-50--Hearings before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on The United States Coast Guard and
the Federal Maritime Commission Fiscal Year 2007 Budget
Request, March 1, 2006.
109-51--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Agency Budgets and Priorities for Fiscal
Year 2007, March 1, 2006.
109-52--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Curbside Operators: Bus Safety and
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance, March 2, 2006.
109-53--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on the
Reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board,
March 8, 2006.
109-54--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Agency Budgets and Priorities for Fiscal
Year 2007, March 8, 2006.
109-55--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on the Foreign Operation of United
States Port Facilities, March 9, 2006.
109-56--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroad on the
Implementation of the Recently Expanded Rail Infrastructure
Loan Program, March 15, 2006.
109-57--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Pipeline Safety, March 16, 2006.
109-58--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation
on Meeting Future Aviation Capacity Needs in Southern
California. Corona, California, March 20, 2006.
109-59--Field Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation
on Keeping United States Manufacturing Competitive. Wichita,
Kansas, March 22, 2006.
109-60--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and the National Airspace System,
March 29, 2006.
109-61--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Transit and Over the Road Bus
Security, March 29, 2006.
109-62--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Barriers on the Cleanup of Abandoned Mine
Sites, March 30, 2006.
109-63--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
General Services Administration's Fiscal Year 2007 Capital
Investment and Leasing Program, March 30, 2006.
109-64--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on the Reliability of Highway Trust Fund
Revenue Estimates, April 4, 2006.
109-65--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on H.R. 4650, The National Levee Safety Program
Act, April 6, 2006.
109-66--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on the
United States Rail Capacity Crunch, April 26, 2006.
109-67--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on the Implementation of the Oil
Pollution Act, April 27, 2006.
109-68--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Mishandled Baggage: Problems and Solutions, May 3, 2006.
109-69--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on The Reauthorization of the Chesapeake Bay
Program, May 4, 2006.
109-70--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Highway Capacity and Freight Mobility:
The Current Status and Future Challenges, May 10, 2006.
109-71--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on the
Operational Experience Under the 2001 Railroad Retirement
Reform Law, May 10, 2006.
109-72--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Coast Guard Mission Capabilities,
May 11, 2006.
109-73--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Environmental Protection Agency Grants
Management 2003-2006: Progress and Challenges, May 18, 2006.
109-74--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on the
Impacts of Railroad-Owned Waste Facilities, May 23, 2006.
109-75--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Understanding Contemporary Public
Private Highway Transactions: The Future of Infrastructure
Finance, May 24, 2006.
109-76--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on the Implementation of Highway and
Transit Law (SAFETEA-LU), June 7, 2006.
109-77--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on Reauthorization of the Brownfields Program--
Successes and Future Challenges, June 8, 2006.
109-78--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Current Issues in Rail Transportation on Hazardous Materials,
June 13, 2006.
109-79--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Deepwater Implementation, June 14,
2006.
109-80--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Intermodalism, June 15, 2006.
109-81--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Fiscal Year 2007 Coast Guard
Authorizing Legislation, June 20, 2006.
109-82--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on Air
Traffic Control Modernization: Present and Future, June 21,
2006.
109-83--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on the
Future of the Federal Courthouse Construction Program: Results
of a Government Accountability Office Study on the Judiciary's
Rental Obligations, June 22, 2006.
109-84--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Current Federal Railroad Administration Safety Initiatives,
June 27, 2006.
109-85--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Celebrating 50 Years: The Eisenhower
Interstate Highway System, June 27, 2006.
109-86--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Airline Passenger Baggage Screening: Technology and Airport
Deployment Update, June 29, 2006.
109-87--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Draft Legislative Regarding Ballast
Water Management and Reduction of Air Pollution from Ships,
July 11, 2006.
109-88--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on The
Reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission and
Legislative Proposals to Create Additional Regional Economic
Development Authorities, July 12, 2006.
109-89--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Reforming the Wright Amendment, July 12, 2006.
109-90--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways;
Transit and Pipelines on Transit Safety: The Federal Transit
Administration's State Safety Oversight Program, July 19, 2006.
109-91--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on U.S. Coast Guard Licensing and
Documentation of Merchant Marines, July 20, 2006.
109-92--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
Human Factors in Rail Safety, July 25, 2006.
109-93--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management on
Proposed Amendments to and Reauthorization of the National Dam
Safety Program Act, July 26, 2006.
109-94--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Highways,
Transit and Pipelines on Freight Logistics: The Road Ahead as
Seen by the Users of the Highway System, September 7, 2006.
109-95--Hearing before the Full Committee on Low Pressure
Liquid Pipelines: In the North Slope, Greater Prudhoe Bay,
Alaska, September 13, 2006.
109-96--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Water Resources
and Environment on The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration
Strategy: Can it Be Implemented to Restore and Protect the
Great Lakes? September 13, 2006.
109-97--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on Coast Guard Mission Performance,
September 14, 2006.
109-98--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration Safety
Programs, September 26, 2006.
109-99--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and
Maritime Transportation on The National Academy of Science
Icebreaker Report, September 26, 2006.
109-100--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Aviation on
Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Options,
September 27, 2006.
109-101--Hearing before the Subcommittee on Railroads on
New Hands on the Amtrak Throttle, September 28, 2006.
109-102--Summary of Legislative and Oversight Activities.