[House Report 118-154]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


   118th Congress }                                   { Report
    1st Session   }     HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES      {118-154
                                                       
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


 
 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024

                               ----------                              

                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

                      COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [to accompany h.r. 4820]




 July 24, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed
              
              
              
              
              

 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
118th Congress }                                                { Report
 1st Session   }         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES               { 118-154
                                                                
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     



 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024

                               __________

                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

                      COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [to accompany h.r. 4820]





 July 24, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed
              
              
                             ______

             U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 
 52-958          WASHINGTON : 2023
              
              
              
              


118th Congress  {                                              { Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 1st Session    {                                              { 118-154

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




 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024

                                _______
                                

 July 24, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

            Mr. Cole, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 4820]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Housing 
and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2024.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Title I--Department of Transportation......................     2
                                                                      5
Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development......    80
                                                                     74
Title III--Related Agencies................................   179
                                                                    106
Title IV--General Provisions...............................   183
                                                                    111
House of Representatives Report Requirements...............


                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2024, the terms ``program, project, and 
activity'' (PPA) shall mean any item for which a dollar amount 
is contained in appropriations acts (including joint 
resolutions providing continuing appropriations), accompanying 
reports of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 
or accompanying conference reports and joint explanatory 
statements of the committee of conference. This definition 
shall apply to all programs for which new budget (obligational) 
authority is provided, as well as to discretionary grants and 
discretionary grant allocations made through either bill or 
report language.
    The Committee directs the departments and agencies funded 
by this Act to address each number listed in the reports in its 
respective operating plans and warns that efforts to operate 
programs at levels contrary to the levels recommended and 
directed in these reports would not be advised.

              OPERATING PLANS AND REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

    The Committee includes a provision (section 405) 
establishing the authority by which funding made available to 
the agencies funded by this Act may be reprogrammed for other 
purposes. The provision specifically requires the advance 
approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
of any proposal to reprogram funds that:
           creates a new program;
           eliminates a PPA;
           increases funds or personnel for any PPA for 
        which funds have been denied or restricted by Congress;
           redirects funds that were directed in such 
        reports for a specific activity to a different purpose;
           augments an existing PPA in excess of 
        $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less;
           reduces an existing PPA by $5,000,000 or 10 
        percent, whichever is less; or
           creates, reorganizes, or restructures 
        offices different from the congressional budget 
        justifications or the table at the end of the Committee 
        report, whichever is more detailed.
    The Committee retains the requirement that each agency 
submit an operating plan to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations not later than 60 days after enactment of this 
Act to establish the baseline for application of reprogramming 
and transfer authorities provided in this Act. Specifically, 
each agency must provide a table for each appropriation with 
columns displaying the prior year enacted level; budget 
request; adjustments made by Congress; adjustments for 
rescissions, if appropriate; and the fiscal year enacted level.
    The table shall delineate the appropriation and prior year 
enacted level both by object class and by PPA, as detailed in 
this Act, accompanying reports of the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations, accompanying conference reports 
and joint explanatory statements of the committee of 
conference, or in the budget appendix for the respective 
appropriations, whichever is more detailed, and shall apply to 
all items for which new budget (obligational) authority is 
provided, as well as to discretionary grants and discretionary 
grant allocations. The operating plan also must identify items 
of special Congressional interest. Should the agency create, 
alter, discontinue, or otherwise change any program as 
described in the agency's budget justification, those changes 
must be a part of the agency's operating plan. Finally, the 
agency shall submit with the operating plan a summary of the 
reporting requirements contained in this Act, the House and 
Senate reports, and the accompanying conference reports and 
joint explanatory statements of the committee of conference. 
The summary should include Inspector General and Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) reports as well. In certain 
instances, the Committee may direct the agency to submit a 
revised operating plan for approval or may direct changes to 
the operating plan, if the plan is not consistent with the 
directives of the accompanying conference reports and joint 
explanatory statements of the committee of conference.
    The Committee expects the agencies and bureaus to submit 
reprogramming requests in a timely manner and to provide a 
thorough explanation of the proposed reallocations, including a 
detailed justification of increases and reductions and the 
specific impact of proposed changes on the budget request for 
the following fiscal year. Any reprogramming request shall 
include any out-year budgetary impacts and a separate 
accounting of program or mission impacts on estimated carryover 
funds. Reprogramming procedures shall apply to funds provided 
in this Act, unobligated balances from previous appropriations 
Acts that are available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal 
year 2024, and non-appropriated resources such as fee 
collections that are used to meet program requirements in 
fiscal year 2024.
    The Committee expects each agency to manage its programs 
and activities within the amounts appropriated by Congress. The 
Committee reminds agencies that reprogramming requests should 
be submitted only in the case of an unforeseeable emergency or 
a situation that could not have been anticipated when 
formulating the budget request for the current fiscal year. 
Except in emergency situations, reprogramming requests should 
be submitted no later than June 30, 2024. Further, the 
Committee notes that when an agency submits a reprogramming or 
transfer request to the Committees on Appropriations and does 
not receive identical responses from the House and Senate, it 
is the responsibility of the agency to reconcile the House and 
Senate differences before proceeding and, if reconciliation is 
not possible, to consider the request to reprogram funds 
unapproved.
    The Committee would also like to clarify that this section 
applies to working capital funds of both the Department of 
Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD) and that no funds may be obligated from 
working capital fund accounts to augment programs, projects, or 
activities for which appropriations have been specifically 
rejected by Congress, or to increase funds or personnel for any 
PPA above the amounts appropriated by this Act.

                  CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET JUSTIFICATIONS

    Budget justifications are the primary tool used by the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations to evaluate the 
resource requirements and fiscal needs of agencies. The 
Committee is aware that the format and presentation of budget 
materials is largely left to the agency within presentation 
objectives set forth by the Office of Management and Budget. 
The Committee expects all the budget justifications to provide 
the data needed to make appropriate and meaningful funding 
decisions. The Committee continues the direction that 
justifications submitted with the fiscal year 2025 budget 
request by agencies funded by this Act contain the customary 
level of detailed data and explanatory statements to support 
the appropriations requests at the level of detail contained in 
the funding table included at the end of this report. Among 
other items, agencies shall provide a detailed discussion of 
proposed new initiatives, proposed changes in the agency's 
financial plan from prior year enactment, detailed data on all 
programs, and comprehensive information on any office or agency 
restructurings. At a minimum, each agency must also provide 
adequate justification for funding and staffing changes for 
each individual office and materials that compare programs, 
projects, and activities that are proposed for fiscal year 2025 
to the fiscal year 2024 enacted levels.
    The Committee is aware that the analytical materials 
required for review by the Committee are unique to each agency 
in this Act. Therefore, the Committee expects that each agency 
will coordinate with the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations in advance on its planned presentation for its 
budget justification materials in support of the fiscal year 
2025 budget request. The Committee also reminds all agencies 
funded by this Act to provide accurate organizational charts in 
the budget justifications. The Committee considers any changes 
to the organizational charts to be a reprogramming requiring 
approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
under section 405 of this Act.

                             OTHER MATTERS

    Performance measures.--The Committee directs each of the 
departments and agencies funded by this Act to comply with 
title 31 of the United States Code, including the development 
of its organizational priority goals and outcomes such as 
performance outcome measures, output measures, efficiency 
measures, and customer service measures.
    Customer service.--The Committee continues to support 
efforts to improve customer service in accordance with 
Executive Order 13571. The Committee directs all departments 
and agencies funded by this Act to develop standards to improve 
customer service and incorporate the standards into the 
performance plans required under title 31 of the United States 
Code. Further, the Committee recognizes that not all 
departments and agencies are subject to Executive Order 13571. 
For such departments and agencies funded by this Act, the 
Committee directs the departments and agencies to make 
continuous improvements and adopt best practices for improving 
customer service.
    Improving cross-agency coordination.--The Committee directs 
the Secretaries of HUD and DOT to collaborate as appropriate to 
identify Federal resources which could be leveraged by HUD and 
DOT applicants and awardees and improve cross-agency 
coordination with respect to notices of funding opportunities 
(NOFOs). The Committee directs HUD and DOT to jointly brief the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its initial 
cross-agency engagement and findings no later than 180 days 
after the enactment of this Act.
    Late reports.--Reports requested by the House and Senate 
Appropriations Committees are an important part of the exercise 
of the Committees' oversight responsibilities. The Committee is 
concerned about the Departments' delinquency in completing 
these reports. The reports are due on the dates specified in 
either the House, Senate, or conference report, and submission 
of reports is not to be delayed pending completion of the 
conference on this bill. Each DOT and HUD agency is expected to 
comply with the deadlines. The Committee reserves the right to 
call before it any agency that does not submit its report or 
reports on time.
    Reporting on grant awards to Congress.--The Committee 
appreciates that both HUD and DOT have followed the 
Congressional mandate to provide advance notice to relevant 
committees on grant awards. However, the Committee notes with 
frustration that notices from both Departments have sent grant 
awards that are incomplete, inaccurate, and un-manipulable for 
dissemination. The Committee requests that both Departments 
ensure that the notices include--at a minimum--project name, 
project description, program description, State, Member(s) of 
Congress/Senators who currently represent the awardee's 
address, awardee, and award amount. This should be shared via a 
grant notification system, manipulable processing software such 
as Microsoft Excel or successor program, or both.
    Workspace utilization plans.--The Committee understands 
agencies are updating Work Environment Plans under the guidance 
of the Office of Management and Budget. The Committee expects 
savings from rental payments and other physical space costs if 
in-person work at federal offices stays below the pre-pandemic 
levels. The Committee requests DOT and HUD to provide updates 
on its agencies' workspace utilization and related costs for 
fiscal year 2024 no later than December 31, 2023. The Committee 
expects the fiscal year 2025 budget requests from both 
departments to reflect final assessments of its workspace 
needs.

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION


                        Office of the Secretary

    Section 3 of the Department of Transportation Act (P.L. 89-
670) provides for the establishment of the Office of the 
Secretary of Transportation (OST).

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $171,014,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       220,406,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       176,859,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +5,845,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -43,547,000
 

    Office of the Secretary.--The Office of the Secretary has 
primary responsibility to provide overall planning, direction, 
and control of departmental affairs.
    Office of the Deputy Secretary.--The Office of the Deputy 
Secretary assists the Office of the Secretary and the Deputy 
Secretary serves as the Department's chief operating officer.
    Office of the General Counsel.--The Office of the General 
Counsel provides legal services to the Office of the Secretary 
and coordinates and reviews the legal work of the chief 
counsels' offices of the operating administrations.
    Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for 
Policy.--The Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation 
for Policy provides leadership in the development of policies 
for the Department, developing proposals and providing advice 
to the Secretary regarding legislative and regulatory 
initiatives across all modes of transportation.
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and 
Programs.--The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and 
Programs directs and coordinates all of the Department's 
budget, performance, and finance activities.
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental 
Affairs.--The Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Governmental Affairs is responsible for Congressional and 
intergovernmental relations.
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.--The 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration 
establishes policies and provides operational services with 
respect to acquisition, office space and facilities, security, 
and human resources.
    Office of Public Affairs and Public Engagement.--The Office 
of Public Affairs and Public Engagement is responsible for the 
Department's press releases, social media, fact sheets, and 
responses to press inquiries and creating opportunities for 
direct dialogue with the public.
    Office of the Executive Secretariat.--The Office of the 
Executive Secretariat assists the Secretary and Deputy 
Secretary in carrying out its responsibilities by controlling 
and coordinating internal and external documents.
    Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response.--
The Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response is 
responsible for intelligence, security policy, preparedness, 
training and exercises, national security, and operations.
    Office of the Chief Information Officer.--The Office of the 
Chief Information Officer serves as the principal advisor to 
the Secretary on information technology (IT) operations, 
systems, management, and security.
    Office of Tribal Government Affairs.--The Office of Tribal 
Government Affairs plans, coordinates, and implements policies 
and programs serving Indian Tribes and is responsible for 
Tribal relations.
    Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy.--
The Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy 
develops and manages the National Freight Strategic Plan and 
the National Multimodal Freight Network and oversees the 
development and updating of state freight plans.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $176,859,000 for the 
salaries and expenses of the offices comprising the Office of 
the Secretary of Transportation (OST), to remain available 
until September 30, 2025.
    The following table shows a comparison of the budget 
request and the Committee recommendation by office.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Enacted         Request     Recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary.........................................      $3,569,000             n/a      $3,569,000
Office of the Deputy Secretary..................................       1,277,000             n/a       1,277,000
Office of the General Counsel...................................      28,089,000             n/a      28,089,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Policy*.......................      17,469,000             n/a      22,769,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.......      21,026,000             n/a      21,026,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Government Affairs........       3,968,000             n/a       3,968,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration............      41,399,000             n/a      41,399,000
Office of Public Affairs and Public Engagement..................       5,727,000             n/a       2,093,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat.............................       2,312,000             n/a       2,312,000
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response........      15,533,000             n/a      15,533,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer.........................      29,195,000             n/a      33,195,000
Office of Tribal Government Affairs.............................       1,450,000             n/a       1,629,000
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................................     171,014,000     220,406,000     176,859,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Includes the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy.

    Airline regulations.--The Committee remains concerned about 
the reliability and resiliency of the national aviation system. 
With regard to recent operational disruptions and unrealistic 
scheduling incidences, the Committee encourages the Department 
to use its existing notice and comment rulemaking authority in 
which the advantages of enforcing reliable flight schedules are 
weighed against risks to competition, choice, and price in the 
marketplace.
    With regard to adjacent family seating policies, the 
Committee urges the Department to comply with P.L. 114-190, 
Sec. 2309 and to ensure that any new regulation does not impose 
disproportionate economic harm to any one particular airline.
    Air service in small and rural communities.--The Committee 
notes that air service to small and rural communities has been 
declining in recent years. The Committee is aware that carriers 
are utilizing existing DOT authorities under Part 298 and 135 
to ensure twin jet service to these communities but recognizes 
recent delays in DOT approval of applications. The Committee 
directs the DOT to move expeditiously in its consideration of 
applications intended to provide service for small and rural 
communities and determine approval using the same set of 
criteria as has been utilized for other entities previously 
approved.
    Communications services for limited English proficient 
communities.--The Committee is supportive of efforts the 
Department is taking to improve safety-related communications, 
including mediums such as television and radio, to reach 
limited English proficient (LEP) communities. However, to 
improve implementation, the Committee encourages the Department 
to review the communication practices and create uniform 
applications across all agencies to strengthen communication 
practices to include digital, television, and radio advertising 
when working with limited English proficient communities. The 
Committee further directs the Department to report on 
expenditures related to local media advertising, including 
digital, television, and radio, no more than 90 days after the 
enactment of this Act.
    Competitive grant applicants.--The Committee recognizes 
completing multiple, different notices of funding opportunities 
(NOFOs) and cost-benefit analyses can be challenging for 
applicants, particularly small, rural, and tribal communities. 
The Committee urges the Department, consistent with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act, to simplify the NOFO and benefit-cost 
analyses processes, where applicable, and create options for 
digital, online submissions. The Committee further directs the 
Department to report on the current calculation of the benefit-
cost analyses conducted at the Department.
    Cross-border trade.--The Committee continues to support 
strengthening the coordination between DOT and other relevant 
Federal agencies to improve freight infrastructure development 
along the border, which is critical to bilateral trade. The 
Committee notes that the Office of International Transportation 
and Trade and the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure 
and Policy within OST are well-positioned to lead departmental 
efforts to coordinate border transportation infrastructure 
initiatives and projects. The Committee directs OST to brief 
the Committee within 120 days of enactment of this Act on the 
work of these offices, including coordination with the GSA, the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other Federal 
agencies, to facilitate trade with more supporting 
infrastructure.
    Cybersecurity.--The Committee is concerned about 
vulnerabilities within the Department's cybersecurity. The 
Committee notes the breach of the parking and transit benefit 
system (TRANServe) on May 1, 2023 compromised the personally 
identifiable information of 237,000 current and former federal 
employees participating in the TRANServe program. In response, 
the Committee directs DOT to implement the recommendations 
included in the GAO report Cybersecurity: DOT Defined Roles and 
Responsibilities, but Additional Oversight Needed (GAO-23-
106031). The Committee requests DOT to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations on actions taken to 
strengthen the Department's cybersecurity within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act. Further, the Committee directs the 
Department to submit a comprehensive plan on cybersecurity to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 
days of enactment of this Act.
    Digitalization technologies.--The Committee supports the 
Department and its operating administrations dedicating 
resources and finding opportunities to help communities 
incorporate digitalization technologies to increase the 
resiliency of their infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve 
accessibility for disadvantaged communities.
    Distressed coal communities.--To diversify and enhance 
economic opportunities, the Committee directs the Secretary to 
prioritize discretionary funding to distressed counties within 
the Central Appalachian region to help communities and regions 
that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal 
power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain 
industries due to the economic downturn of the coal industry.
    Distribution of discretionary grant awards.--The Committee 
directs DOT to provide a briefing on the distribution and 
outcomes of discretionary grant funds administered by the 
Secretary, including the RAISE program, throughout urban and 
rural communities nationwide within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act.
    Domestic content requirements.--The Committee understands 
that various modal administrations within the Department have 
specific statutory obligations for domestic content 
requirements. With ferry construction, there are differing 
applications of local content rules for the Federal Highway 
Administration and Federal Transit Administration, which have 
differing processes based upon what modal administration leads 
the vessel construction. The Committee urges the Department to 
utilize existing authority to provide the most transparent 
process when fulfilling domestic content requirements for 
funding ferry construction.
    Freight logistics optimization works.--The Committee 
supports the Department's efforts to improve supply chain 
resiliency through an industry-supported data-sharing network, 
the freight logistics optimization works (FLOW) program. Since 
March 2022, the FLOW pilot has been able to provide industry 
participants with a shared view of the logistics system in 
order to adapt operations when the supply chain faces 
anomalies. Within the total appropriation for the Under 
Secretary of Transportation for Policy, the Committee provides 
$5,300,000 to stand up a national FLOW program. The Committee 
requests briefing on the implementation of the FLOW program no 
later than 60 days after enactment of this Act.
    Funding for the Office of Public Affairs.--The Committee 
recommendation for the Office of Public Affairs and Public 
Engagement does not provide funding for the Office of Public 
Affairs due to the Department's overtly partisan activities, 
including a speculative fact sheet released on April 26, 2023 
that included unfounded accusations in advance of any 
Congressional decisions on fiscal year 2024 funding levels for 
the Department.
    Integrated project delivery.--The Committee is aware that 
Integrated Project Delivery is a construction delivery method 
that integrates project teams, including agencies, engineers, 
builders, and owners, which can lead to significant project 
delivery efficiencies. When evaluating applicants of 
discretionary grant programs administered by the Secretary, the 
Committee urges DOT, to the extent appropriate, to encourage 
projects that are employing innovative approaches to 
procurement and contracting that accelerate project delivery 
and achieve improved outcomes for communities.
    Open skies.--The Committee continues to urge DOT to take 
steps to ensure that U.S. airline carriers and their workers 
have a fair and equal opportunity to compete in accordance with 
open skies agreements with foreign governments. The Committee 
notes that DOT worked with the State Department to reach recent 
memorandums of agreement with foreign governments to ensure 
transparency, accountability, and enforcement remain important 
tenets of open skies agreements. The Committee directs DOT to 
continue to proactively work with the State Department to take 
appropriate action with any foreign governments where 
government subsidies have resulted in market distortion. The 
Committee directs DOT to provide regular updates to the 
Committee on its activities related to the fair enforcement of 
open skies agreements.
    Ports of entry.--The Committee directs DOT to continue its 
coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, the 
General Services Administration, and the Department of Homeland 
Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
regarding its efforts in support of those entities in opening 
and closing ports of entry that affect commercial motor vehicle 
traffic, including providing sufficient time to plan for 
operational and staffing changes.
    Transportation workforce outreach program.--The Committee 
strongly supports initiatives to encourage young, midcareer, 
and experienced workers to consider careers in the 
transportation sector. The Committee directs the Department to 
increase public awareness of professional opportunities in the 
transportation sector as part of its ongoing public affairs and 
public engagement strategy and activities.
    Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) use by metropolitan planning 
organizations (MPOs).--The Committee notes the need for 
continuous inspection and evaluation of the infrastructure as 
necessary for effective planning. While manual inspection can 
be increasingly time-consuming, unsafe, and costly, UAS provide 
a safe, reliable, and efficient alternative method of 
inspection, monitoring, and evaluation. The Committee 
encourages the Department of Transportation to encourage MPOs 
to partner with institutions of higher education and other 
researchers to better utilize drones in effective urban 
planning.
    Veteran recruitment.--The Committee notes that the men and 
women of our nation's military gain significant skills and 
experience that is readily transferable to second careers in 
transportation once these individuals separate from military 
service. Truck drivers, air traffic controllers, and aviation 
maintenance technicians in the military all receive specialized 
training to safely perform their missions in the military. As 
DOT seeks to attract veterans into federal civil service, the 
Committee urges the Secretary to assess military training and 
hands-on experience to identify areas where agency training 
requirements can be streamlined to expedite the deployment of 
veterans into DOT career positions. The Committee directs the 
Secretary to provide its findings to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act.
    Responsiveness of the Secretary.--The Committee reminds the 
Secretary of his role to lead the DOT in their mission of 
delivering the world's leading transportation system. The 
Committee notes that the Secretary took three weeks to visit 
the site of the February 3, 2023 train derailment in East 
Palestine, Ohio. The Committee expects the Secretary to lead 
the Department in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $48,996,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        66,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        41,713,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -7,283,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -24,787,000
 

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and 
Technology coordinates, facilitates, and reviews the 
Department's research and development programs and activities; 
coordinates and develops positioning, navigation, and timing 
(PNT) technology; maintains PNT policy, coordination, and 
spectrum management; manages the nationwide differential global 
positioning system (GPS); and oversees and provides direction 
to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the 
Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, the 
University Transportation Centers (UTCs) program, the John A. 
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, and the 
Transportation Safety Institute.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $41,713,000 for 
research and technology activities, of which $30,259,000 is 
available until expended.
    Highly automated systems safety center of excellence (HASS 
COE).--The Committee recommendation provides $5,000,000 to 
continue the HASS COE. The HASS COE serves as the central 
location within DOT for expertise in automation technology and 
systems, which will in turn support the capability of operating 
administrations to review, assess, and validate the safety of 
automation across all modes of transportation.
    Immersive technology.--The Committee encourages the 
Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology to consider the 
potential of immersive technology as a tool for remote 
collaboration and site inspection or preparation by engineers, 
architects, and construction workers with the objective of 
improving worker safety, avoiding system closures, and 
improving service. The Committee recognizes the potential cost-
benefits of using immersive technology in Federal construction 
projects and encourages the Department to utilize existing 
resources to review how this technology can be leveraged.
    National laboratory partnerships.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $2,500,000 to support a regional pilot 
program, in collaboration with the Joint Office of Energy and 
Transportation, to foster partnerships between national 
laboratories, universities, electricity sector utilities, 
cyber-security platform providers, and State and local 
government entities to identify and mitigate the prevalent and 
constantly evolving national security threats to emerging 
transportation technologies, including electric vehicle 
chargers.
    PNT and GPS backup technologies.--The Committee provides 
$15,000,000 to support the GPS backup/complementary PNT 
technologies program established by Congress in 2022. This 
program allows for the wide adoption of multiple technologies 
that provide the necessary GPS backup and complementary PNT as 
identified in 2021 in the ``Complementary PNT and GPS Backup 
Technologies Demonstration Report'' (DOT-VNTSC-20-07). The 
Committee is concerned that DOT has failed to implement this 
program, and therefore expects a report on its progress 
enabling GPS backup to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
    Tribal engagement in transportation safety.--The Committee 
recommendation includes up to $2,000,000 to establish a pilot 
program evaluating traffic fatalities on tribal lands. The 
program should support research by universities with associated 
traffic safety and transportation research expertise in 
partnership with tribes that have the highest rates of traffic 
fatalities. Research should focus on the effectiveness of 
transportation safety resources and recommend crash mitigation 
strategies and identify best practices in tribal transportation 
safety.

                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $800,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024*.....................     1,220,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -800,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -1,220,000,000
 
*The request is solely for the National Infrastructure Project
  Assistance Grant program (also known as Mega) and does not include
  funding for the RAISE grant program.

    The national infrastructure investments program was 
established in division A of the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5). The RAISE grant program 
(formerly known as both BUILD and TIGER) was authorized in 
section 21202 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(IIJA, P.L. 117-58) to provide grants and credit assistance to 
state and local governments, tribal governments, United States 
territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan 
planning organizations, or a combination of such entities to 
improve the nation's transportation infrastructure. Eligible 
projects include highways and bridges, public transportation, 
freight and passenger rail, port infrastructure, and bicycle 
and pedestrian improvements. The national infrastructure 
investments program awards funds on a competitive basis to 
projects that will have a significant local or regional impact.
    The IIJA also authorized the National Infrastructure 
Project Assistance program (known as the Mega grant program) 
within the National Infrastructure Investments Account under 
section 21201. The Mega grant program provides grants to large-
scale highway, transit, rail, and other projects that will have 
significant regional or national impact.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation does not provide further 
funding for national infrastructure investments. The Committee 
notes that, through fiscal year 2026, the RAISE grant program 
receives $1,500,000,000 in annual advanced appropriations and 
the Mega grant program receives $1,000,000,000 in annual 
advanced appropriations through the IIJA.

                          THRIVING COMMUNITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $25,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       100,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       -25,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -100,000,000
 

    The Thriving Communities Initiative funded in prior bills 
identified and provided support for communities with persistent 
barriers that prevent access to opportunities such as schools, 
healthcare, and employment. The program provided technical 
assistance and capacity building to improve access to 
opportunity through transportation infrastructure improvements.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation does not provide funding for 
the Thriving Communities Initiative.

     NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $8,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        10,550,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,550,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +1,700,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance 
Bureau (Bureau) administers and coordinates the Department's 
existing transportation finance programs and INFRA competitive 
grant program and provides technical assistance and outreach to 
communities on financing and funding opportunities for 
transportation infrastructure.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $10,550,000 for the 
Bureau.
    Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic 
Success (ROUTES).--Section 25010 of the IIJA codified both the 
ROUTES Office and Council to coordinate technical and financial 
assistance across operating modes for rural communities, 
Tribes, and historically disadvantaged communities. The 
Committee encourages the Bureau to continue overseeing ROUTE 
activities.
    Value capture.--Value capture is a funding tool which 
ensures that some of the revenue and value generated by public 
sector investment in development of land can be reinvested back 
into community and city services. The Committee encourages more 
widespread consideration of value capture as a tool for 
economic development and as a gap funding source for surface 
transportation infrastructure. The Committee encourages the 
Department, as part of its technical assistance work, to 
provide guidance on the use of value capture, which may include 
guidance on state and local policies and procedures necessary 
to establish value capture districts.

                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The financial management capital program supports a multi-
year project to upgrade the Department's financial systems, 
processes, and reporting capabilities. The program implements 
requirements to comply with Federal laws, regulations, and 
standards regarding the oversight of Federal funds.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $5,000,000 for the 
financial management capital program.

                       CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $48,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        49,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        49,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          +900,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The cyber security initiatives account is an effort to 
close performance gaps in the Department's cyber security. The 
account includes support for essential program enhancements, 
infrastructure improvements, and contractual resources to 
enhance the security of the Department's computer network and 
to reduce the risk of security breaches.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $49,000,000 to 
provide the necessary resources for DOT to enhance its cyber 
security program and capabilities.

                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $14,800,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        28,595,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,800,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -13,795,000
 

    The Office of Civil Rights is responsible for advising the 
Secretary on civil rights and equal opportunity issues and 
ensuring the full implementation of the civil rights laws and 
departmental civil rights policies in all official actions and 
programs. This office is responsible for enforcing laws and 
regulations that prohibit discrimination in Federally operated 
and Federally assisted transportation programs and enabling 
access to transportation providers. The Office of Civil Rights 
also handles all civil rights cases affecting Department 
employees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $14,800,000 for the 
Office of Civil Rights.

           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $36,543,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        25,017,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        25,017,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       -11,526,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    This appropriation finances research activities and studies 
related to the planning, analysis, and information development 
used in the formulation of national transportation policies and 
plans. It also finances the staff necessary to conduct these 
efforts. The overall program is carried out primarily through 
contracts with other Federal agencies, educational 
institutions, non-profit research organizations, and private 
firms.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $25,017,000 for 
transportation planning, research, and development activities, 
of which $8,517,000 is for the Interagency Infrastructure 
Permitting Improvement Center.
    Advanced air mobility.--The Committee notes the growing 
interest in the development of advanced air mobility vehicles 
to improve transportation in targeted travel corridors and 
small communities. Section 101 of Division Q of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) authorized 
grants to aid communities with required infrastructure to 
support the safe integration of these vehicles in urban and 
rural settings. The Committee urges the Secretary to consider 
utilizing discretionary funds within the Transportation 
Planning, Research and Development account to advance related 
infrastructure.
    Digital permitting.--The Committee directs the Department 
of Transportation to explore opportunities, such as a pilot 
program or guidance, to encourage the use of existing web-
based, interactive platforms that facilitate concurrent, 
collaborative, online agency reviews. A pilot program could 
measure time savings from earlier cross-agency collaboration 
and could also assess public feedback on interactive versus 
static documents. The Department will assess the ability of 
existing platforms to meet environmental review requirements 
under 23 USC 139, save time in the review process, and increase 
accessibility and transparency to the public.
    Non-traditional and emerging transportation technology 
(NETT) council.--Of the amounts provided under this heading, 
the Committee provides up to $5,000,000 for the Council to 
develop and establish Department-wide processes for identifying 
and managing non-traditional and emerging transportation 
technologies and projects. The Committee encourages the 
Department to conduct research to better understand the 
regulatory and safety needs of NETT. The Committee urges the 
Department to provide assistance to tribal, local, and State 
governments for NETT projects.
    Pozzolanic concrete.--The Committee understands there have 
been advancements in pozzolanic concrete to reduce the carbon 
dioxide emissions. Within one year of enactment of this Act, 
the Committee requests the office utilize existing resources to 
report, in coordination with the Federal Highway 
Administration, on the use of pozzolanic concrete in federal 
infrastructure projects with such report to include the steps 
taken to assess the durability, strength, cost and 
environmental impacts of pozzolanic concrete compared with 
existing concrete products.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Limitation, fiscal year 2023..........................      $505,285,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024*.....................               n/a
Recommended in the bill...............................       522,165,000
Bill compared with:
    Limitation, fiscal year 2023......................       +16,880,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................               n/a
 
*The President's budget requested no limitation on the Working Capital
  Fund.

    The Working Capital Fund (WCF) was created to provide 
common administrative services to the Department's operating 
administrations and outside entities that contract for the 
fund's services. The WCF operates on a fee-for-service basis 
and receives no direct appropriations. It is fully self-
sustaining and must achieve full cost recovery.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $522,165,000 on 
the Department's WCF administrative and commodity information 
technology activities.

       SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $5,132,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         7,314,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          -132,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................        -2,314,000
 

    The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
and Outreach (OSDBU) assists small, disadvantaged businesses 
and businesses owned by minorities and women in competing for 
contracting opportunities with the Department and Department-
funded contracts or grants for transportation-related projects. 
The office also provides technical and financial assistance, 
bonding education, training, counseling, and procurement 
assistance, and administers the Department's Small Business 
Transportation Resource Center program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $5,000,000 for the 
small and disadvantaged business utilization and outreach 
account.

                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $354,827,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       348,554,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       348,554,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -6,273,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Essential Air Service (EAS) program provides subsidies 
to air carriers to maintain a minimal level of scheduled air 
service to small communities that had received air service 
prior to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Since 1998, the 
source of funding for the EAS program has been ``overflight 
fees,'' which are charged to carriers for Federal Aviation 
Administration navigational and surveillance services for 
flights that traverse, but neither take off from nor land in, 
the United States.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The following table shows the appropriation, overflight 
fees, and total program levels for the EAS program.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Overflight
                                                                   Appropriation   fees Estimate       Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY23 Enacted....................................................    $354,827,000    $134,132,000    $488,959,000
Request.........................................................     348,554,000     154,411,000     502,965,000
Recommendation..................................................     348,554,000     154,411,000     502,965,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee directs the Department to utilize all 
collected overflight fees, including accumulated unobligated 
balances, and provides an additional $348,554,000 for this 
vital service for small communities.
    Program updates.--The Department is directed to continue 
providing the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
quarterly briefings on the timing and amount of fee 
collections, obligations, outlays, and carrier contracts 
associated with the EAS program.

  ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 101 prohibits the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation from approving assessments or reimbursable 
agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the operating 
administrations in this Act, unless such assessments or 
agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for 
congressional notification.
    Section 102 requires the Secretary to post on the internet 
a schedule of all Council on Credit and Finance meetings, 
agendas, and meeting minutes.
    Section 103 allows the Department's WCF to provide payments 
in advance to vendors for the Federal transit pass fringe 
benefit program and to provide full or partial payments to, and 
to accept reimbursements from, Federal agencies for transit 
benefit distribution services.
    Section 104 allows the Department's WCF to utilize not more 
than $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 unused transit and van pool 
benefits to provide contractual services in support of section 
189 of this Act.
    Section 105 prohibits the use of funds for certain employee 
bonuses without the prior written approval of the Assistant 
Secretary for Administration.
    Section 106 permits the WCF to transfer certain information 
technology, equipment, software and systems under certain 
circumstances.
    Section 107 requires congressional notification before the 
Department provides credit assistance under the Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
    Section 108 rescinds balances from the RRIF Cohort 3 
Modification provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2022.
    Section 109 increases the set-aside for certain eligible 
recipients of the RAISE grant program.
    Section 109A allows the Operating Administrations to 
transfer funds to the Office of Tribal Government Affairs for 
tribal entities who receive funding under an intergovernmental 
compact through the Tribal Transportation Self Governance 
program.

                    Federal Aviation Administration

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible 
for the safety of civil aviation, navigation and surveillance, 
and airports. The Federal government's regulatory role in civil 
aviation dates back to 1926. When the Department of 
Transportation began its operations in 1967, the FAA became one 
of several modal administrations within the Department. The 
FAA's mission expanded in 1995 with the transfer of the Office 
of Commercial Space Transportation from the Office of the 
Secretary and contracted in December 2001 with the transfer of 
civil aviation security activities to the Transportation 
Security Administration.

                               OPERATIONS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................   $11,915,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................    12,740,627,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    12,729,627,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      +814,627,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -11,000,000
 

    This appropriation provides funds for the operation, 
maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air 
traffic control and air navigation systems. It also supports 
administrative and managerial costs for the FAA's regulatory, 
international, medical, engineering, and development programs 
as well as policy oversight and overall management functions.
    The operations appropriation includes the following major 
activities: (1) operation of a national air traffic system on a 
24-hour daily basis; (2) establishment and maintenance of a 
national system of aids to navigation; (3) establishment and 
surveillance of civil air regulations to ensure safety in 
aviation; (4) development of standards, rules and regulations 
governing the physical fitness of airmen, as well as the 
administration of an aviation medical research program; (5) 
administration of the acquisition, and research and development 
programs; (6) headquarters, administration, and other staff 
offices; and (7) development and distribution of aeronautical 
charts used by the flying public.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides the following amounts program 
activities in the operations account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Activity                    Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Traffic Organization (ATO)....     $9,439,068,000     $9,439,068,000
Aviation Safety (AVS).............      1,745,532,000      1,745,532,000
Commercial Space (AST)............         42,018,000         47,018,000
Finance and Management (AFN)......        949,376,000        949,376,000
NextGen (ANG).....................         70,097,000         70,097,000
Security and Hazardous Materials          163,951,000        163,951,000
 Safety (ASH).....................
Staff Offices.....................        330,585,000        314,585,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................     12,740,627,000     12,729,627,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Staff offices reductions.--The recommendation includes the 
following reductions to amounts requested for fiscal year 2024:
          (1) -$4,200,000 from the Office of the Chief 
        Counsel--The Committee deems it unnecessary to add 27 
        additional attorneys for the FAA and instead 
        prioritizes operational personnel;
          (2) -$1,300,000 from 13 new positions to promote 
        ``diversity and inclusion'' activities;
          (3) -$767,000 from 3 new positions for 
        ``sustainability''; and
          (4) -$4,500,000 from the Office of Communications, a 
        50 percent reduction, including direction to focus its 
        efforts on operational, rather than partisan and 
        political communications.
    Aircraft certification service.--The recommendation 
supports the budget request of $351,373,000, which will ensure 
sufficient funding and staffing for regional Aircraft 
Certification Offices (ACOs) and the International Validation 
Branch (AIR-730) to accomplish vital certification and 
validation objectives. This funding is critical to expedite the 
certification of safety-enhancing technologies, support U.S. 
manufacturing jobs, and maintain our Nation's global leadership 
in aviation.
    Certification study.--The Committee provides $750,000 
within available funds for the FAA to enter into an agreement 
with an appropriate Federally-funded research and development 
center, or other independent nonprofit organizations with 
aviation policy expertise, to conduct a review and study to 
foster continuous improvements in the certification system by 
identifying the digital and modeling requirements, and the 
necessary policy, procedures, and vision, to improve the safety 
and innovation of aircraft certification activities in the 
future.
    Obstruction evaluation group.--The recommendation includes 
the budget request of $11,360,000 for the air traffic 
organization to provide additional staff for the obstruction 
evaluation group, an increase of $680,000 above the enacted 
level. This investment will help expedite the processing of 
applications to build or modify wireless telecommunications 
sites at FAA facilities and enable greater coverage and 
broadband capacity.
    Space launch and reentry airspace integration.--The 
recommendation includes funding within the Air Traffic 
Organization to expedite the development, acquisition, and 
deployment of technologies and capabilities to aid in space 
launch and reentry integration into the national airspace. FAA 
is directed to provide a report to the Committees, no later 
than 180 days after enactment of this Act, on a plan to 
integrate space launch and reentry tracking data into air 
traffic controller displays no later than December 31, 2026. 
The Committee notes that the FAA 2019 Airspace Access 
Priorities Advisory Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommended 
implementation onto displays be completed no later than 2022.
    Commercial space licensing.--Within amounts available for 
commercial space activities, no less than $5,000,000 shall be 
used to improve the launch and reentry licensing process.
    Regulatory process improvements.--The Committee directs FAA 
to conduct a comprehensive review of its regulatory processes 
and report its findings to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 120 days of the enactment of this Act. 
The Committee directs the FAA to provide recommendations to 
improve the timeliness, transparency, and performance 
accountability in the promulgation of rules, regulatory 
policies, guidance, and other materials including the 
elimination of any redundant or unnecessary reviews and delays.
    Independent study on a future state on type certification 
processes.--The Committee directs the FAA to enter into an 
agreement with an appropriate Federally funded research and 
development center, or other independent nonprofit 
organizations with aviation policy expertise, to conduct a 
review and study to foster continuous improvements in the 
certification system by identifying the digital and modeling 
requirements, and the necessary policy, procedures, and vision, 
to improve the safety and innovation of aircraft certification 
activities in the future.
    Information technology modernization.--The Committee is 
aware of the FAA Office of Information and Technology Services' 
ongoing efforts to improve the FAA's enterprise IT operations 
and asset management systems, consistent with the National 
Cybersecurity Strategy, Executive Order 14058 ``Transforming 
Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery To Rebuild 
Trust in Government,'' Executive Order 14028 ``Improving the 
Nation's Cybersecurity,'' the Federal Information Security 
Management Act, and the Federal Information Technology 
Acquisition Reform Act. The Committee supports these efforts 
and encourages the FAA to continue implementing these 
activities in fiscal year 2024.
    Flight standards certification services oversight process 
(CSOP) backlog.--The Committee is concerned with FAA delays in 
processing and resulting backlog of applications contained in 
the CSOP list, notably the significant delays in the processing 
of Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certification 
applications. The Committee directs the FAA to dedicate 
resources to eliminate this backlog within 180 days of 
enactment. Further, the Committee directs the FAA to report to 
Congress no later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, 
the staffing allocated to Part 135 and other CSOP-listed 
applications, the size of the backlogs, pace at which 
applications are currently processed, and steps the FAA will 
take to provide a more timely process.
    Flight operation and pilot licensing requirements.--The 
Committee directs the FAA to complete the proposed Special 
Federal Aviation Requirement (SFAR), which will enable 
commercial operations and pilot licensing, by the FAA's stated 
goal of December 31, 2024, and to engage with Advanced Air 
Mobility (AAM) applicants prior to finalizing the SFAR on their 
concepts and proposals for aircraft design, operations, and 
training so they can be prepared for compliance under either 
the existing regulatory framework or the SFAR framework by this 
same date.
    Declarative type certification.--The Committee is concerned 
with the lack of progress on airworthiness approvals for low-
risk small UAS operations within the National Airspace System. 
The Committee considers declarative certification by operators 
to a safety standard defined by the FAA around an acceptable 
level of risk to be a more appropriate way to establish 
airworthiness safety approval for certain small, uncrewed 
aircraft than traditional Type Certification processes. The 
Committee urges the FAA to regularly update the Committee on 
its progress on these types of airworthiness safety approvals.
    Safety management systems.--On January 11, 2023, the FAA 
released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to update and 
expand the requirements for safety management systems. As the 
FAA reviews comments to the NPRM and drafts the final rule, the 
Committee urges the FAA to ensure that SMS requirements are 
appropriately scaled to the size and complexity of each 
operator.
    NextGen advisory committee (NAC).--The Committee believes 
that the NAC includes an appropriate mix of the aviation 
community, including representatives from general aviation, 
commercial aviation, labor organizations, airports, local 
community representatives, and the Federal government. The 
Committee supports the current diverse NAC membership and 
believes that the NAC performs an important role in setting 
priorities for the FAA's air traffic control modernization 
efforts. The Committee encourages the FAA to implement NAC 
recommendations and directs the FAA to provide an annual update 
on the status of NAC recommendations to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations.
    Technical operations workforce plan.--The Committee remains 
interested in the FAA's development of an annual Technical 
Operations Workforce Plan as required in fiscal year 2023 to 
better benchmark the agency's attrition and hiring plans to 
ensure that the systems within the National Airspace System are 
appropriately maintained by certified 2101 series technicians. 
The Committee directs the FAA to provide such workforce plans 
in the fiscal year 2025 congressional budget justification.
    Contract towers.--The Committee recommendation includes 
$194,000,000 for the contract tower program, including the 
contract tower cost share program. The Committee continues to 
strongly support the FAA contract tower program as a cost-
effective and efficient way to provide air traffic control 
services to smaller airports across the country. The Committee 
expects the FAA to continue to operate the 262 contract towers 
currently in the program, annualize funding for towers that 
will be added in 2023, and provide full-year funding for new 
airports expected to be added to the program in fiscal year 
2024.
    Contract tower radar display systems.--The Committee is 
concerned that the FAA is currently not installing certified 
radar display systems in its contract towers. The lack of radar 
display systems at FAA-certified towers creates congestion and 
inefficiencies at airports that handle large jet traffic in the 
region without the equipment to avoid air traffic conflicts. 
The Committee requests a briefing, within 180 days of enactment 
of this Act, on the FAA's plans to put Certified Tower Radar 
Displays in FAA contract towers. The briefing should also 
include information on how the agency will urgently address and 
prioritize the deployment of any off-the-shelf equipment that 
is available to provide visibility of traffic to tower 
controllers in the FAA's contract tower program.
    Enhanced remote digital tower certification.--The Committee 
is aware of the growing need from small and rural communities 
to improve safety and modernize the air traffic control 
capabilities of their airports in a timely manner. The 
Committee notes that the FAA is exploring remote digital towers 
as a solution to address these needs but has not yet adopted a 
certification process that would permit localities to establish 
a remote virtual tower in a timely manner. The Committee 
directs the FAA to report to the committee quarterly, with 
progress against milestones, on the System Design Approval 
(SDA) testing at the Technical Center that allows for the 
certification of the remote digital tower system within 18 
months of enactment of this Act. The FAA should report to the 
Committee on the plan to achieve Active Approval of the system 
at an airport within four months of SDA.
    Lifesaving human organ air transportation.--The Committee 
notes impediments to secure and timely commercial aviation 
transport of lifesaving human organs for transplantation. Not 
later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the Committee 
directs the FAA to convene a meeting of representatives of the 
Transportation Security Administration, domestic air carriers, 
members of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) 
including Organ Procurement Organizations to discuss improving 
the transportation of organs for transplant on domestic 
commercial flights to reduce the transfer time of an organ 
between donor hospital and transplant center. Within 120 days 
of the meeting, the FAA is directed to issue a report with 
recommended actions to address the following identified 
challenges: the need for standardized processes and practices 
for commercial airline acceptance, handling and management of 
organs in transit above wing; development of a common 
definition of covered materials that includes organs and 
containers associated with their transfer; development of 
communication and tracking protocols to enhance the 
transparency of where an organ is on its travel plan and the 
responsible party to contact should the organ need to be 
rerouted; standard policies and protocols to permit Organ 
Procurement Organization staff to enter secure areas for the 
purpose of retrieving an organ in the event of a flight delay; 
consideration of protocols for air control outages that impact 
timeliness of flights transporting organs for transplant; 
consistent airline requirements allowing human person 
accompaniment of organs to and from the aircraft and between 
connecting flights; uniform use of flight notes to indicate 
organs on board to enable air traffic control to ensure 
priority takeoff and landing; and the creation of metrics 
regarding airline handling of organs and organ-related tissue 
to increase transparency and aid the development of best 
practices and improvement initiatives.
    Community engagement and noise.--The Committee supports the 
FAA's efforts to engage communities regarding aircraft noise 
and urges the FAA to continue to its ongoing efforts to 
evaluate alternative metrics to the current Day Night Level 65 
standard. The Committee also urges the FAA to complete and 
operationalize a central repository for constituent complaints 
regarding airport noise.
    Air cargo study.--The Committee notes that air cargo 
volumes are rising in an environment where technology, 
infrastructure, and operations have fallen behind optimal 
standards for efficiency and cost effectiveness. This could 
result in higher costs to stakeholders and consumers, delays of 
sensitive pharma and perishable shipments, lost jobs, 
decreasing regional tax benefits, and ground traffic congestion 
near airports. The Committee directs the GAO to conduct a study 
on the state of U.S. air cargo including DOT oversight of air 
cargo operations, to help identify, prioritize, and address the 
issues affecting congestion and throughput at our Nation's 
airports.
    Airport fees on transportation network companies (TNCs).--
The Committee notes that trends in ground transportation to and 
from airports have shifted over recent years. The Committee 
directs the GAO to study how selected airports assess per-trip 
fees for rides starting or ending on airport property that are 
fulfilled by TNCs and similar modes of for-hire transportation, 
including taxis, limousines, and private shuttles. The study 
shall include a comparison of airports' fees and fee-setting 
methodologies for various forms of private ground 
transportation and legal and other considerations for setting 
ground transportation fees at airports. The Committee directs 
the GAO to report to the Committee on the results of this study 
no later than one year after the enactment of this Act.
    Special use airspace.--The Committee continues to support 
FAA's joint efforts with the DOD to establish and implement a 
real-time, dynamic scheduling and management of special 
activity airspace to optimize the use of the national airspace 
system for all stakeholders. The Committee, therefore, directs 
FAA to take necessary actions to expedite these efforts to 
further develop dynamic scheduling and management of special 
activity airspace.
    Data and technology modernization.--The Committee 
recognizes that the adoption of new technologies, such as cloud 
computing as well as cutting-edge data and analytic tools, 
would greatly enhance the agency's data management capabilities 
to ensure that the FAA's safety culture is as robust as 
possible. Within 120 days of enactment of this Act, the 
Committee directs the FAA to provide a report on the agency's 
progress on data modernization efforts including, but not 
limited to, the National Cloud Integration Service and System-
Wide Information Management (SWIM) programs; gaps that remain 
in modernizing legacy systems and applications critical to the 
Aviation Safety (AVS) and Air Traffic Organization (ATO); and 
proactive steps that FAA plans to take to ensure that agency 
modernization initiatives are on track and that they are using 
the best-in-class technologies available.
    Vehicle-to-vehicle technology.--The Committee recognizes 
that to support new aviation entrants, including advanced air 
mobility, vehicle-to-vehicle technology (V2V) will be necessary 
to enable secure aircraft-to-aircraft communications at the 
projected higher volumes of operations. The Committee urges FAA 
to collaborate with other agencies and industry to develop a 
V2V technical standard, allocate protected spectrum for V2V, 
and issue certification and operational approval guidance. The 
FAA is directed to brief the Committee within 120 days of 
enactment of this Act on an implementation plan, program 
structure, its progress on interagency collaboration and its 
plans to ensure that V2V standards are interoperable with 
existing aviation systems and avionics.
    Satellite voice (SatVoice) communications services.--The 
FAA is responsible for air traffic control for certain oceanic 
airspace in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean, consistent 
with international agreements. The Committee supports the 
addition of SatVoice capability to aeronautical mobile 
communications service (AMCS) for redundancy and pilot 
flexibility and directs the FAA to conduct an operational needs 
analysis for future oceanic communication.

                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $2,945,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     3,462,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,972,949,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +27,949,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -489,051,000
 

    The facilities and equipment account is the principal means 
for modernizing and improving air traffic control and airway 
facilities. The appropriation also finances major capital 
investments required by other agency programs, experimental 
research and development facilities, and other improvements to 
enhance the safety and capacity of the airspace system.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides the following levels for facilities 
and equipment budget line items (BLIs):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                BLI                      Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering,
 Development, Test and Evaluation
    Advanced Technology                   $34,440,000        $34,440,000
     Development and Prototyping..
    William J. Hughes Technical            16,900,000         16,900,000
     Center Laboratory Sustainment
    William J. Hughes Technical            10,000,000         10,000,000
     Center Infrastructure
     Sustainment..................
    NextGen--Separation Management         14,400,000         14,400,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen--Traffic Flow                  10,000,000         10,000,000
     Management Portfolio.........
    NextGen--On Demand NAS                  8,500,000          8,500,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen--NAS Infrastructure            12,000,000         12,000,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen Support Portfolio.....          5,000,000          5,000,000
    NextGen--Unmanned Aircraft             14,000,000         14,000,000
     Systems (UAS)................
    NextGen--Enterprise, Concept           11,000,000         11,000,000
     Development, Human Factors, &
     Demonstrations Portfolio.....
                                   =====================================
          Total Activity 1........        136,240,000        136,240,000
Activity 2--Air Traffic Control
 Facilities and Equipment
a. En Route Programs
    En Route Automation                    75,500,000         75,500,000
     Modernization (ERAM)--System
     Enhancements and Tech Refresh
    Next Generation Weather Radar           3,000,000          3,000,000
     (NEXRAD).....................
    Air Route Traffic Control             106,231,194         23,014,450
     Center (ARTCC) & Combined
     Control Facility (CCF)
     Building Improvements........
    Air/Ground Communications               5,700,000          5,700,000
     Infrastructure...............
    Air Traffic Control En Route            5,977,630          5,977,000
     Radar Facilities Improvements
    Oceanic Automation System.....          6,550,000          6,550,000
    Next Generation Very High              64,000,000         64,000,000
     Frequency Air/Ground
     Communications (NEXCOM)......
    System-Wide Information                52,500,000         40,000,000
     Management...................
    ADS-B NAS Wide Implementation.        138,400,000        138,400,000
    Air Traffic Management                 32,100,000         32,100,000
     Implementation Portfolio.....
    Time Based Flow Management             33,000,000         33,000,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen Weather Processor.....         48,700,000         48,700,000
    Data Communications in Support         69,950,000         69,950,000
     of NextGen Air Transportation
     System.......................
    Offshore Automation...........         59,600,000         59,600,000
    Reduced Oceanic Separation....          2,000,000          2,000,000
    En Route Service Improvements.          2,000,000          2,000,000
    Commercial Space Integration..          1,000,000          1,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal En Route Programs        706,208,824        610,491,450
b. Terminal Programs
    Standard Terminal Automation           90,100,000         90,100,000
     Replacement System (STARS)
     (TAMR Phase 1)...............
    Terminal Automation Program...          5,100,000          5,100,000
    Terminal Air Traffic Control            5,150,000              - - -
     Facilities--Replace..........
    ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach           67,000,000              - - -
     Control (TRACON) Facilities--
     Improve......................
    NAS Facilities OSHA and                38,908,000         24,200,000
     Environmental Standards
     Compliance...................
    Integrated Display System              55,250,000         52,000,000
     (IDS)........................
    Terminal Flight Data Manager           45,200,000         45,200,000
     (TFDM).......................
    Performance Based Navigation            8,000,000          8,000,000
     Support Portfolio............
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems               5,000,000          5,000,000
     (UAS) Implementation.........
    Airport Ground Surveillance            33,200,000         33,200,000
     Portfolio....................
    Terminal and EnRoute                  107,300,000        107,300,000
     Surveillance Portfolio.......
    Terminal and EnRoute Voice             75,050,000         75,050,000
     Switch and Recorder Portfolio
    Enterprise Information                 11,000,000         11,000,000
     Platform.....................
    Remote Towers.................          3,000,000          3,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Terminal Programs        549,258,000        459,150,000
c. Flight Service Programs
    Future Flight Services Program          1,500,000          1,500,000
    Alaska Flight Service Facility          2,700,000          2,700,000
     Modernization (AFSFM)........
    Weather Camera Program........          3,000,000          3,000,000
    Weather Systems Portfolio.....         25,300,000         25,300,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Flight Service            32,500,000         32,500,000
         Programs.................
d. Landing and Navigational Aids
 Program
    Very High Frequency (VHF)               6,000,000          6,000,000
     Omnidirectional Radio Range
     (VOR) Minimum Operating
     Network (MON)................
    Wide Area Augmentation System          92,100,000         92,100,000
     (WAAS) for GPS...............
    Instrument Flight Procedures            2,000,000          2,000,000
     Automation (IFPA)............
    Runway Safety Areas--                   1,000,000          1,000,000
     Navigational Mitigation......
    Landing and Lighting Portfolio         56,760,000         56,760,000
    Distance Measuring Equipment           10,000,000         10,000,000
     (DME), Very High Frequency
     (VHF) Omni-Directional Range
     (VOR), Tactical Air
     Navigation (TACAN) (DVT)
     Sustainment Portfolio........
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Landing and              167,860,000        167,860,000
         Navigational Aids
         Programs.................
e. Other ATC Facilities Programs
    Fuel Storage Tank Replacement          24,032,500              - - -
     and Management...............
    Unstaffed Infrastructure               57,903,550         49,903,550
     Sustainment..................
    Aircraft Replacement and               62,000,000         62,000,000
     Related Equipment Program....
    Airport Cable Loop Systems--           10,000,000         10,000,000
     Sustained Support............
    Alaskan Satellite                         750,000            750,000
     Telecommunications
     Infrastructure (ASTI)........
    Real Property Disposition.....          6,000,000              - - -
    Electrical Power Systems--            143,212,753              - - -
     Sustain/Support..............
    Energy Management and                   5,355,000          5,355,000
     Compliance (EMC).............
    Child Care Center Sustainment.          1,600,000          1,600,000
    FAA Telecommunications                340,800,000        340,800,000
     Infrastructure...............
    Operational Analysis and               15,000,000         15,000,000
     Reporting Systems............
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Other ATC                666,653,803        485,408,550
         Facilities Programs......
                                   =====================================
            Total Activity 2......      2,122,480,627      1,755,410,000
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic
 Control Facilities and Equipment
a. Support Equipment
    Hazardous Materials Management         30,629,373         30,629,000
    Aviation Safety Analysis               28,000,000         28,000,000
     System (ASAS)................
    National Air Space (NAS)               12,000,000         12,000,000
     Recovery Communications
     (RCOM).......................
    Facility Security Risk                 18,000,000         18,000,000
     Management...................
    Information Security..........         32,000,000         32,000,000
    System Approach for Safety             21,000,000         21,000,000
     Oversight (SASO).............
    NextGen System Safety                   6,000,000          6,000,000
     Management Portfolio.........
    National Test Equipment                 3,000,000          3,000,000
     Program......................
    Mobile Assets Management                2,400,000          2,400,000
     Program......................
    Configuration, Logistics, and          26,800,000         26,800,000
     Maintenance Resource
     Solutions (CLMRS)............
    Tower Simulation System (TSS)--         6,000,000          6,000,000
     Tower Training Simulator.....
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Support Equipment        185,829,373        185,829,000
b. Training, Equipment and
 Facilities
    Aeronautical Center                    20,000,000         20,000,000
     Infrastructure Sustainment...
    Distance Learning.............          1,000,000          1,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Training,                 21,000,000         21,000,000
         Equipment and Facilities.
                                   =====================================
            Total Activity 3......        206,829,373        206,829,000
Activity 4--Facilities and
 Equipment Mission Support
    System Engineering and                 36,500,000         36,500,000
     Development Support..........
    Program Support Leases........         45,000,000         45,000,000
    Logistics and Acquisition              12,000,000         12,000,000
     Support Services.............
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical             16,400,000         16,400,000
     Center Leases................
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical                  - - -         25,000,000
     Center Vertiport Construction
    Transition Engineering Support         19,000,000         17,000,000
    Technical Support Services             28,000,000         28,000,000
     Contract (TSSC)..............
    Resource Tracking Program              13,000,000          8,000,000
     (RTP)........................
    Center for Advanced Aviation           57,000,000         50,000,000
     System Development (CAASD)...
    Aeronautical Information               19,550,000         19,550,000
     Management Program...........
                                   =====================================
        Total Activity 4..........        246,450,000        257,450,000
Activity 5--Personnel and Related
 Expenses
    Personnel and Related Expenses        635,000,000        617,020,000
Activity 6--National Airspace             115,000,000              - - -
 System Modernization Acceleration
                                   =====================================
        Total All Activities......      3,462,000,000      2,972,949,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) facilities 
funding.--The Committee notes that the IIJA (P.L. 117-58) 
provides $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024 advanced 
appropriations for facilities replacement and improvements. The 
following activities are eligible for this funding: (1) 
replacing terminal and en route air traffic control facilities; 
(2) improving air route traffic control center and combined 
control facility buildings; (3) improving air traffic control 
en route radar facilities; (4) improving air traffic control 
tower and terminal radar approach control facilities; (5) 
national airspace system facilities OSHA and environmental 
standards compliance; (6) landing and navigational aids; (7) 
fuel storage tank replacement and management; (8) unstaffed 
infrastructure sustainment; (9) real property disposition; (10) 
electrical power system sustain and support; (11) energy 
maintenance and compliance; (12) hazardous materials management 
and environmental cleanup; (13) facility security risk 
management; (14) mobile asset management program; and (15) 
administrative expenses, including salaries and expenses, 
administration, and oversight. The Committee notes that at 
least $165,000,000 will be available from fiscal year 2024 
advanced appropriations due to an excess of personnel related 
expenses planned for fiscal year 2024. As such, the Committee 
directs the FAA to utilize advanced appropriations for critical 
upgrades to facilities not included in the above funding table. 
If additional funds are needed to meet critical facility 
requirements, the FAA is directed to defer lower priority 
control tower replacements planned for this IIJA funding to 
fiscal year 2025.
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center vertiports.--The 
Committee provides $25,000,000 to establish up to four electric 
Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vertiports, associated 
infrastructure, and test vehicles at the Mike Monroney 
Aeronautical Center. Establishing vertiports at the Monroney 
Center will enable the FAA to develop improved safety 
standards, operational guidelines, and air traffic control 
procedures tailored specifically for eVTOL operations. It will 
also enable essential medical and human factors research 
related to eVTOL operations. This investment at the Monroney 
Center will also demonstrate the economic and social benefits 
of advanced air mobility in rural and Tribal areas.
    Telecommunications infrastructure.--The Committee provides 
$340,800,000 for FAA's telecommunications infrastructure, which 
is the full budget request and $271,800,000 above the enacted 
level. This funding will support the transformation of FAA's 
telecommunications services from the legacy communications 
standard Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to an Internet 
Protocol (IP) based technology to provide faster, more flexible 
services. This investment will improve resiliency, safety, and 
efficiency, and prevent potentially catastrophic failures of 
the air traffic control system.
    Procurement strategy.--FAA's Acquisition Management System 
requires the agency to promote a competitive contracting 
environment to achieve the best value for taxpayers. The 
Committee is concerned that FAA's lengthy procurement and 
deployment processes can render some technologies outdated 
before their full deployment into the NAS. As FAA modernizes 
its systems, FAA should consider and utilize commercially 
available technologies, when appropriate, to streamline the 
procurement and deployment of new technologies unless 
commercial items are not available.
    Offshore automation.--The Committee supports the funding of 
offshore airspace automation, and provides $59,600,000 as 
requested in the budget request. While deploying air traffic 
automation systems supporting offshore airspace, the Committee 
urges FAA to incorporate the needs of the FAA service 
operations centers. The legacy systems are at the end of their 
lifecycles and new technologies are needed but take this 
opportunity to correct shortcomings in floor-space design and 
equipage and improve overall support of the national airspace 
system.
    Landing and lighting portfolio.--The agreement includes 
$56,760,000 for the landing and lighting portfolio to support 
FAA's work to modernize and enhance navigation aids monitoring 
and control capabilities in air traffic control towers. The 
Committee supports the FAA's effort to replace visual aids 
systems that utilize incandescent bulbs with light emitting 
diode that reduce energy usage and includes not less than 
$10,000,000 for the procurement, installation, and 
commissioning of precision approach path indicators.
    Notice to air missions (NOTAM) system.--The Committee 
provides the full budget request of for the NOTAM system within 
the $19,550,000 included for ``Aeronautical Information 
Management'' budget line item. The Committee directs the FAA to 
complete implementation of Single NOTAM system in fiscal year 
2024 and take the necessary steps to implement phase 2 prior to 
2027.
    High growth, multiuse airports.--The Committee encourages 
the FAA to expedite the review and approval of new air traffic 
control tower applications at facilities that have no current 
air traffic control tower and are projected to experience 
substantial expansion of military and commercial operations by 
2030. Priority for expedited review and approval shall be given 
to applications for air traffic control towers that improve 
safety and reduce operational hazards for both commercial and 
military operations, including special operations training.
    Airport Ground Surveillance Portfolio.--The Committee 
supports investment to ensure the continued functionality of 
the FAA's surface surveillance capabilities which have been 
critical to reducing runway incursions. The Committee is 
concerned that there is consideration to remove the 
multilateration sensor from current surface surveillance 
systems. Multilateration provides aircraft location updates at 
least once a second and is one of the two key surveillance 
sources for the safety logic which alerts tower controllers of 
potential runway conflicts via visual and audible alarms. The 
Committee directs the FAA to first demonstrate that the changes 
to the surface surveillance systems provide an equivalent level 
of safety as the current systems and submit a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations supporting its 
demonstration prior to decommissioning multilateration remote 
units.

                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $255,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       255,130,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       196,050,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       -58,950,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -59,080,000
 

    This appropriation provides funding for long-term research, 
engineering, and development programs to improve the air 
traffic control system and to raise the level of aviation 
safety, as authorized by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act 
and the Federal Aviation Act. The appropriation also finances 
the research, engineering, and development needed to establish 
or modify Federal air regulations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides the following levels for research, 
engineering, and development budget line items (BLIs):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  BLI                       Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Research and Safety..............       $7,722,000       $7,722,000
Propulsion and Fuel Systems...........        6,374,000        6,374,000
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety..        2,526,000        2,526,000
Aircraft Icing........................        3,960,000        3,960,000
Digital System Safety.................        7,109,000        7,109,000
Continued Air Worthiness..............        8,425,000        8,425,000
Flight deck/Maintenance/System               15,646,000       15,646,000
 Integration Human Factors............
System Safety Management/Terminal Area        9,349,000        9,349,000
 Safety...............................
Air Traffic Control/Technical                 6,389,000        6,389,000
 Operations Human Factors.............
Aeromedical Research..................       12,205,000       12,205,000
Weather Program.......................       19,220,000       19,220,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research....       21,128,000       31,128,000
Alternative Fuels for General Aviation       11,201,000       11,201,000
Commercial Space Transportation Safety        6,157,000        6,157,000
NextGen Wake Turbulence...............        4,680,000        4,680,000
Information/Cyber Security............        6,415,000        6,415,000
Environment & Energy..................       21,305,000            - - -
NextGen--Environmental Research--            70,774,000            - - -
 Aircraft Technologies and Fuels......
System Planning and Resource                  5,097,000        5,097,000
 Management...........................
Aviation Grant Management and Sec. 625        2,001,000       15,000,000
 Workforce Development................
Women in aviation and pilot shortage              - - -        5,000,000
 study................................
William J. Hughes Technical Center            5,447,000        5,447,000
 Laboratory Facilities................
Aviation Accessibility Research.......        2,000,000        2,000,000
Aircraft Radio Altimeter Development,             - - -        5,000,000
 Testing, and Certification...........
                                       ---------------------------------
    Total.............................      255,130,000      196,050,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Counter-UAS.--The Committee notes that the FAA lacks a 
centralized activity with the full capability to address 
specific research, development, test and evaluation issues 
related to the integration of Counter-UAS into the NAS. 
Critical issues include the employment of radars, radar 
deconfliction, use of directed energy, employment of GPS denial 
and counter-PNT technologies, infrared tracking, acoustic 
methods, radio frequency and other technologies. The Committee 
provides $10,000,000 to establish a research, development, 
testing and evaluation Counter-UAS program to address these 
issues, utilizing the assets of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical 
Center and an R1 university with an active airport and a 
demonstrated ability to develop applicable radar technology, 
system integration, and conduct test and evaluation.
    Radio altimeters.--The Committee provides $5,000,000 for 
the FAA to establish a program at the Mike Monroney 
Aeronautical Center, in partnership with aviation 
manufacturers, to accelerate testing, certification, and 
implementation of new radio altimeter capabilities consistent 
with the next generation avionics standards.
    Aviation workforce.--The Committee supports increasing the 
strength and number of aviation professionals who are well-
trained and can be relied upon to make air travel safe and 
efficient. The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the aviation 
maintenance technician development program and $5,000,000 for 
aviation workforce development program in accordance with 
section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
    Women in aviation.--The Committee recognizes the importance 
of addressing the pilot shortage through the continued 
development of a skilled pilot workforce and supporting the 
training of women pilots who have been historically 
underrepresented in the industry. The Committee provides 
$5,000,000 to be awarded to an accredited university of higher 
education or a consortium located in a critical hub for global 
aviation to conduct research on diversifying the pilot 
workforce to promote greater representation of women pilots in 
the industry and address pilot shortage factors, such as the 
aging workforce, compensation, or fluctuating recruitment 
requirements.
    UAS test sites.--The Committee encourages the FAA to expand 
its authorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test sites to 
include a new location focusing on Large UAS (L-UAS) and AAM 
airspace integration, flight verification and validation 
through testing in medium-density complex environments which 
support commercial operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Contract        Obligation
                                         authorization      limitation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......   $3,350,000,000   $3,350,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......    3,350,000,000    3,350,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............    3,350,000,000    3,350,000,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...            - - -            - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..            - - -            - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This account provides grants for airport planning and 
development, noise compatibility and planning, the military 
airport programs, reliever airports, airport program 
administration, and other authorized activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Set-asides.--Within amounts available, $157,475,000 is for 
administration, $15,000,000 is for the Airport Cooperative 
Research Program, $41,801,000 is for Airport Technology 
Research, and $10,000,000 is for the Small Community Air 
Service Development Program, by transfer to the ``Office of the 
Secretary, Salaries and Expenses''.
    State block grant program.--The Committee is concerned that 
some states participating in the Airport Improvement Program 
State Block Grant Program may not be able to effectively 
administer funding provided for general aviation and commercial 
service airports that are not primary airports. The Committee 
directs the FAA to report on its evaluation of this issue and 
propose any appropriate administrative or legislative remedy to 
ensure that block grant states have the appropriate flexibility 
and authorities to administer these funds.
    Southeast region nonhub commercial service airports.--The 
Committee supports FAA's prioritization of funds for nonhub 
Commercial Service airports in the southeast region of the U.S. 
that are owned and operated by Texas and Arkansas and 
concurrently serve the economic needs of the multi-state 
region. The Committee recognizes the importance of capacity 
expansion projects such as runway extensions, aircraft apron 
construction, and taxiway extension and widening projects that 
attract new commercial development, create jobs, and assist 
airports in achieving financial independence.
    Cargo operators at small airports.--The Committee urges the 
FAA to continue to monitor and support funding for smaller 
commercial service nonhub airports, also defined as ``NSG 3'' 
airports. It is essential to the safety and performance for 
cargo operators that these airports are funded to the extent 
that access to these airports is not restricted due to FAA 
tower personnel staffing and airport navigation and 
surveillance equipage.
    Veterans service organizations (VSOs) parking.--The 
Committee directs the Secretary, in coordination with the 
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, to provide a 
briefing to the Committee, no later than 90 days of enactment 
of this Act, detailing a plan to implement five fee-free 
parking spaces on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 
property, for the use by VSOs dedicated to flying veterans to 
Washington, DC to be honored for their military service.
    Hydrogen and fuel cell-related activities.--The Committee 
recommendation includes no less than $5,000,000 for eligible 
hydrogen and fuel cell-related activities within this account.
    Airport technology research.--The Committee encourages the 
FAA to continue its collaboration and establish a partnership 
with the aggregates industry to research innovative and 
sustainable use of aggregates in airfield pavements.
    Airport environmental mitigation.--The Committee provides 
no less than $5,000,000 to fund demonstration projects for 
airports to collect and remove obsolete aqueous film forming 
foam (AFFF), AFFF residuals and other polyflourinated 
substances (PFAS) waste, and to field test and measure lab 
proven innovative destruction technologies, including Resource 
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permitted incineration, to 
measurably reduce and mitigate the impacts of PFAS and AFFF 
substances on surface and groundwater quality at the airport or 
within five miles of the airport.
    Autonomous aircraft-taxiing system.--Moving an aircraft in 
movement and non-movement areas of an airport by way of a 
manual system using the aircraft's main engines can present 
both safety and efficiency challenges. An autonomous aircraft-
taxiing system could decrease runway incursions and increase 
efficiency. The FAA is encouraged to evaluate whether 
developing a standard for an autonomous and electric-powered 
track/channel system underneath the airport pavement is a 
feasible, cost-effective technology that could improve safety 
at airports.
    Small community commercial air service.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of regular commercial air service as 
a strong economic driver for small metropolitan and majority 
rural communities, particularly in rural states. The Committee 
is concerned by the reduction or elimination of commercial air 
service at rural and small community airports across the 
country. The Committee encourages the Secretary to account for 
the elimination or extreme reduction of commercial air service 
at airports located in metropolitan statistical area (MSA) 
cities in rural states when awarding Small Community Air 
Service Development grants, with the intention of ensuring 
these grants may support communities that recently lost or are 
at risk of losing commercial air service. The Committee directs 
the Secretary to provide the Committee within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act an assessment of existing gaps in Federal 
programs supporting rural and small community airports.
    Airfield pavement technology program.--The Committee 
directs the FAA to prioritize the airfield pavement technology 
program within funds provided for the airport technology 
research program, including both concrete pavement research and 
asphalt pavement research.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $558,555,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       303,921,257
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -254,633,743
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      +303,921,257
 

    This funding provides grants for specific airport 
infrastructure projects, as directed by the Committee.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $303,921,257 in 
discretionary funding, which is available for community 
projects in accordance with the table at the end of this 
report.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

    Section 110 allows no more than 600 technical staff-years 
at the center for advanced aviation systems development.
    Section 111 prohibits funds for adopting guidelines or 
regulations requiring airport sponsors to provide FAA ``without 
cost'' building construction or space.
    Section 112 allows reimbursement for fees collected and 
credited under 49 U.S.C. 45303.
    Section 113 allows reimbursement of funds for providing 
technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be 
credited to the operations account.
    Section 114 prohibits funds for Sunday premium pay unless 
work was actually performed on a Sunday.
    Section 115 prohibits funds from being used to buy store 
gift cards with Government issued credit cards.
    Section 116 requires the Secretary to block the identifying 
information of an owner or operator's aircraft in the aircraft 
in any flight tracking display to the public upon the request 
of an owner or operator.
    Section 117 prohibits funds for salaries and expenses of 
more than nine political and Presidential appointees in the 
FAA.
    Section 118 prohibits funds to increase fees under 49 
U.S.C. 44721 until the FAA provides a report to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations that justifies all fees 
related to aeronautical navigation products and explains how 
such fees are consistent with Executive Order No. 13642.
    Section 119 requires the FAA to notify the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations at least 90 days before closing a 
regional operations center or reducing the services provided.
    Section 119A prohibits funds from being used to change 
weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro 
Airport in New Jersey.
    Section 119B prohibits funds from being used to withhold 
from consideration and approval certain applications for 
participation in the contract tower program, or for certain 
reevaluations of cost share program participation.
    Section 119C prohibits funds from being used to open, 
close, redesignate, or reorganize a regional office, the 
aeronautical center, or the technical center subject to the 
normal reprogramming requirements outlined under section 405 of 
this Act.
    Section 119D improves the efficiency of the FAA franchise 
fund.
    Section 119E provides restrictions on the use of the 
authorities under 49 U.S.C. 44502(e) to transfer certain air 
traffic systems or equipment to the FAA.
    Section 119F allows funds from the ``Grants-in-Aid for 
Airports'' account to reimburse airports affected by temporary 
flight restrictions for residences of the President.

                     Federal Highway Administration

    The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides 
financial assistance to states to construct and improve roads 
and highways. It also provides technical assistance to other 
agencies and organizations involved in road building 
activities. Title 23 of the United States Code and other 
supporting statutes provide authority for the activities of the 
FHWA. Funding is provided by contract authority, while program 
levels are established by annual limitations on obligations, as 
set forth in appropriations Acts.

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $476,783,991
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       486,799,671
Recommended in the bill...............................       486,799,671
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +10,015,680
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The limitation on administrative expenses caps the amount 
from within the limitation on obligations that FHWA may spend 
on salaries and expenses necessary to conduct and administer 
the Federal-aid highway program, highway-related research, and 
most other Federal highway programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on FHWA 
administrative expenses of $486,799,671.
    Implementation of the Native American Tourism Improving 
Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of cross-agency coordination in delivering 
multisector solutions to Tribal communities and continues to 
encourage the Department to work with the Department of the 
Interior to implement the requirements of the NATIVE Act (P.L. 
114-221).

                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
                                                          Limitation on
                                                          obligations*
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................   $58,764,510,674
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................    60,095,782,888
Recommended in the bill...............................    60,095,782,888
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    +1,331,272,214
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................            - - -
 
*These amounts do not include $739,000,000 of contract authority exempt
  from the limitation on obligations.

    The Federal-aid highways program is funded by contract 
authority, and liquidating cash appropriations are subsequently 
provided to fund resulting outlays. The Committee sets, through 
the annual appropriations process, an overall limitation on the 
total contract authority that can be obligated under the 
program in a given year. Programs included within the Federal-
aid highways program are financed from the Highway Trust Fund.
    Federal-aid highways and bridges are managed through a 
Federal-state partnership. States and localities maintain 
ownership of and responsibility for the maintenance, repair, 
and new construction of roads. State highway departments have 
the authority to initiate Federal-aid projects, subject to FHWA 
approval of the plans, specifications, and cost estimates. The 
Federal government provides financial support, on a 
reimbursable basis, for construction and repair through 
matching grants.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Consistent with the amounts authorized in the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Committee 
recommends an obligation limitation of $60,095,782,888 for the 
regular Federal-aid highway program in fiscal year 2024.
    Bridge investment program and bridge formula program.--The 
Committee is concerned that many state and local entities 
receiving funding through these programs may not have corrosion 
management systems in place. The Committee encourages FHWA to 
work closely with eligible entities under these programs to 
assist them with the establishment or improvement of state and 
local corrosion management systems that include industry-
recognized standards and corrosion mitigation and prevention 
methods.
    Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA).--The Committee 
directs that, for purposes of implementing section 70917(c) of 
IIJA, any DOT guidance shall exclude from the domestic content 
procurement preferences of the BABAA for construction materials 
or manufactured products ``cement, cementitious materials, 
aggregates such as stone, sand or gravel or aggregate binding 
agents or additives,'' individually or when combined with each 
other and raw materials. For purposes of section 70917(c), 
pavement preservation treatments are a common example of 
aggregate binding agents or additives.
    Culvert funding opportunities.--The Committee understands 
that many grant awards, including those for culvert funding, 
are administered on a reimbursement basis, but is concerned 
that such financial reimbursement models may pose barriers to 
small organizations, counties, and Tribes who may have greater 
challenges providing full funding for culvert projects up 
front. The Committee recommends the Department implement the 
program as flexibly as permitted by statute and urges the 
Department to consider alternative funding arrangements to help 
small organizations, counties, and Tribes throughout the grant 
application, agreement, and delivery process, in order to 
increase the types of applicants who become eligible for 
culvert funding opportunities.
    Disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE).--The Committee 
notes that many contractors have recently expressed concerns 
with the five calendar day limit for submitting DBE 
subcontracting commitments or documents pursuant to 49 CFR 
26.53. The Committee strongly encourages FHWA to undertake a 
review of the current policy and work with state departments of 
transportation to assist contractors facing challenges meeting 
these requirements.
    Highway cost allocation study.--The Committee understands 
that the Department is in the process of carrying out a highway 
cost allocation study for the first time in over two decades, 
and expects this study to provide Congress with data needed to 
make long-term, sustainable decisions about how best to invest 
in our nation's aging infrastructure and address the Highway 
Trust Fund's revenue shortfalls during future authorization 
cycles. The Committee requests the Department to provide an 
interim report to the Committee on its progress toward 
completing this study.
    Hood Canal Bridge.--The Hood Canal in Washington State is 
home to multiple Tribal nations with Federally-guaranteed 
salmon fishing rights; thousands of non-Tribal residents living 
in surrounding counties; and seven species of Pacific salmon, 
including three species listed under the Endangered Species 
Act. The Hood Canal Bridge spans 1.5 miles and connects the 
Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, facilitating an average of more 
than 18,000 trips per day; however, the bridge has 
inadvertently led to barriers to salmonid migration, with up to 
half of all juvenile steelhead salmon perishing while passing 
the bridge. Additionally, the bridge's drawspan design often 
results in significant traffic, with potential impacts to 
emergency medical response, emergency evacuation, Naval 
readiness, and tourism. To that end, the Committee encourages 
FHWA to support activities that improve bridge designs, such as 
those at Hood Canal, that consider local resiliency, wildlife 
restoration, and national security readiness goals.
    Interstate projects in the Intermountain West.--The 
Committee encourages FHWA to work with state DOTs and local 
governments to move forward on several projects in the 
Intermountain West, including I-10 improvements, I-11 
construction, I-17 improvements, U.S. 95 expansion, the North-
South corridor study in Pinal County, Arizona, and completion 
of the Sonoran corridor.
    Material neutrality.--The Committee supports the FHWA's 
work to promote research, development, and deployment of 
building solutions that advance the performance, 
sustainability, reliability, and resiliency of building 
materials. The Committee encourages the Department to support 
material neutral decisions that do not promote or provide 
preference for specific building materials. The Committee 
believes that Federal resources are best utilized when all 
materials are considered on their own merits, allowing for the 
best solutions to address our infrastructure challenges.
    Ohio River crossings.--The Committee encourages the 
Department to work with relevant state departments of 
transportation to complete unfinished sections of critical 
interstate corridors, such as I-69, and address capacity 
constraints at Ohio River crossings along these routes to 
create a continuous transportation network from Canada to 
Mexico that will facilitate international trade and spur 
economic development.
    Ports-to-Plains Corridor.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. As a future 
interstate highway, improvements to the corridor and expansion 
to four lanes would yield demonstrable benefits for safety, 
economic growth, and international trade. The Committee 
encourages DOT to engage with Congress as it considers 
expansion of the current Ports-to-Plains authorization.
    Reclaimed asphalt pavement.--To better understand the 
potential use cases, cost-benefits, and sustainability of 
reclaimed asphalt pavement in infrastructure projects, the 
Committee requests FHWA to provide a report, no later than one 
year after enactment of this Act, on the prevalence, cost, 
durability, and environmental impact of reclaimed asphalt 
pavement.
    Safe system.--The Committee remains concerned by the 
staggering number of pedestrian fatalities each year involving 
vehicles and is aware that an increasing number of 
municipalities are developing plans to significantly reduce 
these incidents. The Committee requests FHWA to continue 
developing resources and providing technical assistance to help 
state and local stakeholders develop strategies to reduce 
pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries.
    The Committee reiterates its request in House Report 117-
402 for FHWA to provide, in collaboration with other DOT modes 
and relevant federal entities, a report to the Committees on a 
plan to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and fatalities 
and requests an update on the status of this report within 90 
days of enactment of this Act.
    The Committee understands that the Manual on Uniform 
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) updates is in the process of 
being updated to address the needs of vulnerable road users. 
The Committee requests a briefing within 90 days of enactment 
of this Act on how updates to the MUTCD or the Highway Capacity 
Manual could improve standards for all users based on modern 
measures of safety and the perception of safety, including the 
level of traffic stress and crossing delays, as opposed to 
volume and capacity.
    The Committee continues to recognize the need for more 
robust data collection and analysis related to vehicle, 
highway, and behavioral safety to develop effective 
countermeasures to reduce the number and severity of motor 
vehicle crashes involving vulnerable road users. The Committee 
encourages FHWA to support crash data research and the 
development of test scenarios that leverage real-world data on 
advanced driver assistance systems.
    Tribal transportation.--Tribal infrastructure is a top 
priority for this Committee. DOT has a key role in fulfilling 
the trust obligations of the U.S. government to Tribes. The 
Committee strongly urges DOT and FHWA to maximize the set-
asides for Tribes in various programs as authorized by law, and 
to work with State departments of transportation to provide 
maximum flexibility to Tribal organizations.
    Truck size and weight research.--The Committee reminds FHWA 
that it has not yet received an implementation plan for 
conducting the research outlined in the Transportation Research 
Board's (TRB) Truck Size and Weight Research Plan as required 
by Congress in fiscal year 2020, and directs FHWA to submit 
this implementation plan within 60 days of enactment of this 
Act. The results of this research should be considered by the 
Department and Congress before any national changes in truck 
length or weight policy are considered. In addition, the 
Committee encourages the Department to complete two of the core 
track projects identified by the TRB regarding the modeling of 
bridge deterioration and service life in an effort to assist 
the Department in better understanding the effects that changes 
to truck size or weight limitations may have on the most common 
bridge types, including those types of bridges typically found 
on local roads, as well as the effects of certain wheel loads 
on bridge deck deterioration and service life. This research 
could also provide the Committee with a better understanding of 
the impact of such changes on the long-term solvency of the 
Highway Trust Fund.
    Truck weight and bridges.--The Committee is concerned with 
the large number of bridges in poor condition in the United 
States, and the number of bridges that would need to be 
strengthened or replaced to handle the additional stress if 
Federal vehicle weight limitations were increased to 91,000 
pounds. The Committee is concerned that increasing Federal 
vehicle weight limitations will create greater funding needs 
that the Highway Trust Fund will be unable to sustain and 
directs DOT to provide consideration of the repair of bridges 
in poor condition as part of its implementation plan for the 
Nation's bridge inventory.
    Working group on covered resources.--The Committee 
encourages FHWA to report to the Committee within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act on its progress towards establishing the 
Working Group on Covered Resources as established in section 
11526 of IIJA.
    Work zone safety report.--The Committee directs the FHWA to 
coordinate with NHTSA or other Federal agencies as applicable, 
to provide to the Committee within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act, a report analyzing injuries and fatalities in highway 
work zone traffic crashes over the last 15 years and assessing 
the adequacy and efficacy of existing highway work zone safety 
regulations.

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
                                                      Liquidation of
                                                    contract authority
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023................          $59,503,510,674
Budget request, fiscal year 2024...............           60,792,659,888
Recommended in the bill........................           60,834,782,888
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023............           +1,331,272,214
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024...........              +42,123,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation 
of $60,834,782,888. This is the amount required to pay the 
outstanding obligations of the highway program at levels 
provided in the Act and prior appropriations Acts.

                    HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...........                $3,417,811,613
Budget request, fiscal year 2024..........                         - - -
Recommended in the bill...................                 1,361,627,349
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......                -2,056,184,264
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024......                +1,361,627,349
 

    The IIJA provides contract authority for Highway programs 
funded from the Highway Trust Fund. This account provides 
additional funds from the General Fund of the Treasury for the 
programs funded by formula under the IIJA and important safety 
and management priorities administered by FHWA.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,361,627,349 for Highway 
Infrastructure Programs, of which $1,211,627,349 is for 
community project funding in accordance with the table at the 
end of this report.
    Tribal transportation.--The Committee recognizes that 
providing safe and adequate transportation over the more than 
160,000 miles of roads within Indian Country is crucial for the 
safety and welfare of Tribal and surrounding non-Tribal 
communities. The Committee notes that the IIJA expanded the 
number of programs that can be used to improve the 
infrastructure conditions of Tribal communities, including the 
Tribal Transportation Program, for which the Committee 
recommendation provides $150,000,000. The Committee believes 
that this investment, and the funding of more than 
$3,000,000,000 in Tribal transportation programs, will advance 
the safety needs and address challenges unique to Tribal 
communities.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

    Section 120 distributes obligation authority among Federal-
aid highway programs.
    Section 121 credits funds received by the Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics to the Federal-aid highways account.
    Section 122 provides requirements for any waiver of the Buy 
America requirements.
    Section 123 requires 60-day notification to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations of any grants as authorized 
under 23 U.S.C. 117.
    Section 124 allows state DOTs to repurpose certain highway 
project funding to be used within 25 miles of its original 
designation.
    Section 125 rescinds prior year balances no longer needed.
    Section 126 prohibits the implementation of the proposed 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule.

              Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was 
established within the Department of Transportation by Congress 
through the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 
106-159). The FMCSA's mission is to promote safe commercial 
motor vehicle operations and to reduce truck and bus crashes. 
The FMCSA works with Federal, state, and local entities, the 
motor carrier industry, highway safety organizations, and the 
public to further its mission. The FMCSA resources are used to 
prevent and mitigate commercial vehicle accidents through 
regulation, enforcement, stakeholder training, technological 
innovation, and improved information systems. The FMCSA also is 
responsible for enforcing Federal motor carrier safety and 
hazardous materials regulations for all commercial vehicles 
entering the United States along its southern and northern 
borders.

              MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $367,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       435,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       375,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +7,500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -60,000,000
 

    The limitation on obligations establishes the FMCSA's 
spending level for salaries, operating expenses, and research 
to support motor carrier safety program activities and to 
maintain the agency's administrative infrastructure. This 
funding supports nationwide motor carrier safety and consumer 
enforcement efforts, including the compliance, safety, and 
accountability program, regulation and enforcement of freight 
transport, and Federal safety enforcement at the U.S. borders. 
These resources also fund regulatory development and 
implementation, information management, research and 
technology, safety education and outreach, and the safety and 
consumer telephone hotline.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides a liquidation of 
contract authorization and a limitation on obligations of 
$375,000,000 for the operations and programs account, 
consistent with the amounts authorized in the Infrastructure 
Investment and Jobs Act. The Committee recommendation excludes 
the FMCSA budget request for $60,000,000 in prior year 
unobligated contract authority. Of the total amounts, 
$14,073,000 is for the research and technology program and not 
less than $63,098,000 is for information technology and 
information management.
    Commercial zone boundaries.--The FMCSA currently designates 
the south Texas counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and 
Willacy as part of a commercial zone at the border between the 
United States and Mexico. As a result, these counties are 
exempt from certain regulations under section 13506(b)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code. The Committee notes that Zapata 
County is adjacent to Starr County and the Mexican border. The 
Committee encourages the FMCSA to analyze expanding the 
commercial zone boundaries defined under section 372.237 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
    Information technology (IT) and information management 
(IM).--IT challenges at the FMCSA fail to promote the safety 
and efficiency of the trucking industry nationwide. The 
Committee provides not less than $63,098,000 for the 
development, modernization, enhancement, and continued 
operation and maintenance of IT and IM. Further, the Committee 
directs the FMCSA to provide biannual briefings to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the agency's 
progress towards achieving streamlined and efficient IT and IM 
systems.
    Safe driver apprenticeship pilot (SDAP) program.--
Consistent with the directive under this heading in the joint 
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328, the 
Committee directs the FMCSA to provide interim updates on the 
SDAP program as enumerated in House Report 117-402.
    Towing fraud.--The Committee is aware that 49 U.S.C. 
14501(c)(2)(C) makes the federal government the sole regulator 
of tow truck operators when towing a vehicle with the prior 
consent or authorization of its owner or operator, but that 
federal regulations have never been promulgated that prohibit 
excessive fees in these circumstances. After an accident or 
breakdown, consumers may be stranded on the side of the road 
and have little choice but to consent to the first available 
tow operator. While the vast majority of towing and storage 
firms are honest and well-intentioned, a few bad actors have 
abused consumers without accountability. The Committee 
encourages the FMSCA to consider implementing a consent towing 
fraud prevention outreach campaign to inform the public about 
excessive consent towing fees charged by dishonest tow truck 
operators and educate them on resources to protect themselves 
from these predatory practices.

                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $506,150,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       516,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       516,300,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +10,150,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The limitation on obligations controls the FMCSA's spending 
level for motor carrier safety grants. These grants are used to 
support compliance reviews in the states, identify and 
apprehend traffic violators, conduct roadside inspections, and 
conduct safety audits of new entrant carriers. Additionally, 
grants are provided to states for the improvement of state 
commercial driver's license oversight activities and to 
nonprofit organizations to assist in training non-Federal 
employees who conduct commercial motor vehicle enforcement 
activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides a liquidation of 
contract authorization and a limitation on obligations of 
$516,300,000 for motor carrier safety grants, consistent with 
the amounts authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and 
Jobs Act. The following table provides funding levels for 
activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor carrier safety assistance           $406,500,000      $406,500,000
 program............................
Commercial driver's license program         43,500,000        43,500,000
 implementation program.............
High priority program...............        60,000,000        60,000,000
Commercial motor vehicle operators           1,300,000         1,300,000
 grant program......................
Commercial motor vehicle enforcement         5,000,000         5,000,000
 training and support grant program.
                                     -----------------------------------
    Total...........................       516,300,000       516,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

    Section 130 requires the FMCSA to send notice of 49 CFR 
section 385.308 violations by certified mail, registered mail, 
or some other manner of delivery which records receipt of the 
notice by the persons responsible for the violations.
    Section 131 prohibits funds from being used to promulgate 
any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds 
used in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed 
limiting device.
    Section 132 prohibits funds from being used to require 
participants of SDAP to use inward facing cameras.
    Section 133 prohibits funds from being used to require a 
motor carrier participating in SDAP to register their 
apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor.
    Section 134 prohibits funds from being used to enforce the 
electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers 
transporting livestock or insects.

             National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 
was established in March 1970 to administer motor vehicle and 
highway safety programs. It was the successor agency to the 
National Highway Safety Bureau, which was housed in the Federal 
Highway Administration.
    The NHTSA's mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and 
reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes through 
education, research, safety standards, and enforcement 
activity. To accomplish these goals, the NHTSA establishes and 
enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and 
motor vehicle equipment, investigates safety defects in motor 
vehicles, and conducts research on driver behavior and traffic 
safety.
    The NHTSA provides grants and technical assistance to state 
and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local 
highway safety programs. Together with state and local 
partners, the NHTSA works to reduce the threat of drunk, 
impaired, and distracted drivers, and to promote policies and 
devices with demonstrated safety benefits including helmets, 
child safety seats, airbags, and graduated driver's licenses.
    The NHTSA establishes and ensures compliance with fuel 
economy standards, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and 
enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations, and provides consumer 
information on a variety of motor vehicle safety topics.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $210,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       304,062,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       260,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +50,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -44,062,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For vehicle safety programs, funded by the general fund, 
the Committee recommends $260,000,000, of which no less than 
$11,624,000 shall be for the New Car Assessment Program and no 
less than $10,514,000 shall be for Crashworthiness as outlined 
in the budget request.
    Automatic emergency braking.--The NHTSA has recently 
proposed a rulemaking that would require automatic emergency 
braking (AEB) and pedestrian AEB systems on passenger cars and 
light trucks. The Committee recognizes that such a rulemaking 
could dramatically reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries 
because NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System found that 
75% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night and 65% of those 
fatalities involve vehicles traveling above 37 miles per hour. 
The Committee directs the NHTSA to report to the Committee 
within 120 days of enactment of this Act on how the rulemaking 
may reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
    Crashworthiness research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance that lightweight plastics and polymer composites 
play to improve automotive safety, meet consumer demand for 
innovative and autonomous vehicles, increase fuel efficiency, 
and support new highly skilled manufacturing jobs. Effective 
lightweight materials can also have the benefit of increasing 
fuel-economy. The Committee is pleased that the NHTSA continues 
to work closely with the Department of Energy on lessons 
learned from lightweight materials research. The Committee 
directs the NHTSA to continue to consider lightweight materials 
in relevant standards, test procedures, and associated 
countermeasures, and that they are developed as part of the 
occupant protections program. Safety standards established by 
the NHTSA should not present a barrier to the integration or 
adoption of new materials, many of which have lightweight 
components.
    The Committee is pleased by the progress the NHTSA has made 
to update current crashworthiness standards and/or the New Car 
Assessment Program based on the requirements of the Moving 
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and on the 
developed test procedures and associated countermeasures in its 
occupant protection programs. The Committee directs the NHTSA 
to continue these updates in frontal (including the moving 
deformable barrier frontal offset test and lower interior front 
seat impacts for children and small adults), and rollover 
crashes, including impacts for pedestrians (lower leg, upper 
leg, and head impacts) with an emphasis on decreasing the 
weight of vehicles in traditional and autonomous vehicle 
structural designs. NHTSA is directed to finalize near-term 
rules by March 2024; mid-term final rules by March 2025; and 
long-term final rules by March 2026. The Committee directs the 
NHTSA to leverage lessons learned from lightweight materials 
research at the Department of Transportation, the Department of 
Energy, and by industry stakeholders in its development of 
safety-centered approaches for future lightweight automotive 
design, including traditional, advanced propulsion, and 
autonomous vehicles.
    Forward visibility.--The Committee is concerned with non-
traffic accidents caused by the lack of forward visibility in 
vehicles, including those leading to non-occupant fatalities 
and injuries. To gain a better understanding of the prevalence 
of these incidents, the Committee requests the NHTSA to examine 
the causes of low-speed, forward-moving non-traffic accidents 
that result in the injury or fatality of non-occupants. The 
Committee further requests that the NHTSA study new and 
innovative automotive technology that could prevent these 
incidents.
    Motorcycle profiling.--The Committee remains concerned that 
the NHTSA may be conducting activities that encourage states to 
adopt legislation, regulations, or other policies that unjustly 
profile motorcycle riders. In fiscal year 2023, House Report 
117-402 directed the NHTSA to report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency 
works with states on motorcycle passenger policies. The 
Committee urges the NHTSA to expeditiously submit the report.
    New car assessment program.--The Committee is anxiously 
awaiting the adoption of the THOR 50th percentile test dummy, 
as well as the eventual adoption of the THOR 5th percentile 
female and the WorldSID side impact test dummies. In order to 
adequately address the variances in crash testing data, the 
updates must ensure the inclusion of frontal crash tests for 
both male and female drivers. In fiscal year 2022, House Report 
117-99 directed the NHTSA to issue the long overdue New Car 
Assessment Program (NCAP) proposed rule that adopts the most 
technologically advanced safety equipment, including the most 
advanced anthropomorphic test dummies and to report on the 
findings and progress to adopt the THOR 50th and THOR 5th 
percentile test dummies and other gender disparities in crash 
testing and accident effects. The Committee continues to direct 
the NHTSA to provide quarterly updates to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations upon enactment of this Act on its 
progress.
    Regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles (AVs).--The 
Committee previously directed the NHTSA to submit a report on 
the status of research and rulemakings related to autonomous 
vehicles with novel designs that improve mobility and access 
for all. As China and other countries are establishing 
regulatory frameworks for this important technology, the 
Committee continues to believe it is critical that the NHTSA 
modernize its rules in a timely manner to ensure that the U.S. 
can safely deploy this new technology and not cede leadership 
to global competitors in this growing and important industry. 
In order to track the progress on these rulemakings, the 
Committee directs the NHTSA to submit biannual reports on its 
AV rulemaking and research activities, following the guidelines 
included in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328).
    Vehicles with unrepaired recalls.--Unrepaired recalls 
continue to pose a threat to public safety. The Committee 
encourages the NHTSA to identify initiatives in the private and 
non-profit sectors that aim to increase recall awareness and 
completion rates, and to evaluate ways to leverage these types 
of efforts, as the NHTSA considers appropriate, to further 
reduce the number of vehicles with unrepaired recalls. The 
Committee also encourages the NHTSA to provide an update within 
180 days of enactment of this Act to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on its progress.
    Virtual modeling and simulation.--The Committee continues 
to recognize the importance in DOT evaluating the safety of 
advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving 
systems (ADS) to ensure readiness of infrastructure to 
accommodate these technologies and secure public trust. The 
Committee finds the development of testing and evaluation 
platforms using virtual simulation and synthetic data 
generation would significantly enhance the agency's ability to 
assess the safety of these systems, especially under cold-
weather conditions and complex traffic scenarios. Therefore, of 
the amounts provided under this heading, the Committee directs 
up to $4,000,000 to support the virtual review, assessment, and 
validation of AVs.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $197,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       201,200,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       201,200,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +4,200,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    This limitation on obligations controls the NHTSA's 
spending for highway safety research and development programs. 
Many of these programs are conducted in partnership with state 
and local governments, the private sector, universities, 
research units, and various safety associations and 
organizations. Programs funded by this account include 
research, demonstrations, and technical assistance to state and 
local governments around behavioral aspects of driver, 
occupant, and pedestrian behavior. This account also funds the 
NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis which 
collects and analyzes crash data and provides technical 
assistance to support state highway safety activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For behavioral safety research funded by the operations and 
research account, the Committee recommends $201,200,000 in 
liquidating cash and obligation limitation.
    Alcohol-impaired driving.--Section 24220 of the IIJA 
requires the Secretary to issue a final rule relating to drunk 
and impaired driving prevention technology within three years 
of enactment. The Committee expects the NHTSA to meet the 
requirements of section 24220 and directs the NHTSA to provide 
a briefing on the status of these requirements within 90 days 
of enactment of this Act.
    Drug-impaired driving.--The Committee continues to support 
the development of an objective standard to measure marijuana 
impairment and a related field sobriety test to ensure highway 
safety. Consistent with the directive for fiscal year 2023 
contained under this heading in House Report 117-402 as adopted 
by Public Law 117-328, the Department shall provide an updated 
briefing to the Committee no later than 60 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act regarding interim progress in advance 
of publication of the report and recommendations required by 
Section 25026 of the IIJA.
    Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/911.--The Committee 
recognizes that more than 350,000 people fall victim to sudden, 
cardiac arrest outside of a hospital environment annually. The 
Committee is also concerned that only about one in ten victims 
survive these events. Providing high-quality Telephone CPR 
instructions can save lives from cardiac arrest and should be a 
standard of care for every 9-1-1 telecommunicator that provides 
dispatch instructions for medical emergencies in the United 
States. Through the EMS, the Committee encourages the NHTSA to 
disseminate training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to state 
and local emergency dispatchers. Such training should include 
evidence-based protocols, continuing education, and performance 
measures.
    Next Generation 911.--The Committee notes that GAO's 2018 
report on Next Generation 911 (GAO-18-252) found that roles and 
responsibilities of Federal agencies, including NHTSA and the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA), were not always clear with respect to 911 services, 
including Federal 911 call centers, and the agencies lacked an 
implementation plan for Next Generation 911. The Committee 
understands that a recommendation from that GAO report remains 
open, and expects the NHTSA to provide the report to GAO within 
30 days of enactment of this Act to close out the 
recommendation on roles and responsibilities of Federal 
agencies to carry out the national-level tasks in the NG911 
Roadmap over which each agency has jurisdiction.
    In addition, the Committee continues to believe that 
improvements to 911 services, including the successful 
implementation of Next Generation 911 services, will rely on 
strong collaboration and communication between applicable 
Federal, State, and local entities. The Committee looks forward 
to receipt of the GAO study as requested in House Report 117-
402, and any recommendations that can be made to improve 911 
implementation and services.
    Pedestrian fatalities.--The Committee remains concerned 
with the growing number of pedestrian fatalities, and believes 
that reducing these fatalities and injuries will take a 
concerted effort that includes enforcement of existing laws, 
education of drivers and pedestrians, among others. The 
Committee directs the NHTSA to continue to work with FHWA and 
state and local stakeholders to conduct education and 
enforcement efforts in cities nationwide and to convene 
stakeholders to develop and publicize innovative solutions to 
reduce pedestrian fatalities.
    Stroke treatment guidelines.--The Committee applauds the 
NHTSA and its Office of Emergency Medical Services on the 
recently released National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines, which 
included guidance related to the transport, assessment and 
treatment of stroke patients for emergent large vessel 
occlusions, and other types of strokes. Stroke is a leading 
cause of death and the number one cause of long-term disability 
among adults in the United States. Therefore, the Committee 
directs the NHTSA to work with the appropriate Federal and 
state agencies to encourage the rapid adoption and 
implementation of the guidelines across the country.
    Telematics research.--The Committee directs $5,000,000 for 
the NHTSA to study the potential public health and safety 
benefits of telematics technologies to prevent distracted 
driving. The study will focus on applications of telematics 
data for understanding the association between a range of 
driver behaviors and crash risk and building prevention 
strategies based on evidence.
    Trailer safety.--The Committee urges the NHTSA to work with 
states and non-profit safety focused organizations to develop 
and disseminate content to educate consumers on the safe 
operation of light and medium duty trailers.
    Transportation safety and human health.--The Committee 
directs the NHTSA to partner with an accredited university of 
higher education with a university hospital to conduct research 
on the intersection of transportation safety and human health, 
and to create evidence-based training programs in order to 
reduce traffic crashes and improve transportation safety. The 
Committee directs the NHTSA to use up to $5,000,000 from the 
amounts made available under the heading ``Vehicle Safety and 
Behavioral Research Programs'' in title VIII of division J of 
the IIJA for these activities.

                     HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $795,220,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       813,300,800
Recommended in the bill...............................       813,300,800
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +18,080,800
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    This limitation controls the NHTSA's spending on grants to 
states authorized under the IIJA. The grant programs include: 
highway safety programs, the national priority safety program, 
and the high visibility enforcement program. These grants 
provide flexible funding to states that develop a highway 
safety plan to address state highway safety issues. This 
account also includes incentive grants to states that meet 
specific statutory criteria in areas such as impaired and 
distracted driving, occupant protection, motorcyclist safety, 
and nonmotorized safety.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Consistent with the amounts authorized in the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Committee 
recommends $813,300,800 in liquidating cash from the Highway 
Trust Fund to pay outstanding obligations of the highway 
traffic safety grant programs at the levels provided in this 
Act and prior Appropriations Acts. The Committee also 
recommends limiting obligations from the Highway Trust Fund in 
fiscal year 2024 for the highway traffic safety grant programs 
to $813,300,800. The following table provides funding levels 
for activities within this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State and community highway safety        $378,400,000      $378,400,000
 grants.............................
National priority safety programs...       353,500,000       353,500,000
High visibility enforcement program.        40,300,000        40,300,000
Administrative expenses.............        41,100,800        41,100,800
                                     -----------------------------------
    Total...........................       813,300,800       813,300,800
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    State traffic safety information system improvements.--The 
Committee continues to direct the NHTSA to continue to provide 
technical assistance to states on improving the 
interoperability of state and national traffic safety 
information. The Committee reminds the NHTSA of the requirement 
in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 and Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2023 to produce a publicly available report 
on what challenges states are facing with improving their 
traffic safety coordination and to brief the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on the findings of the analysis.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY 
                             ADMINISTRATION

    Section 140 exempts from the current fiscal year's 
obligation limitation any obligation authority that was made 
available in previous public laws.

                    Federal Railroad Administration

    The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was established 
by the Department of Transportation Act (P.L. 89-670) on 
October 15, 1966. The FRA plans, develops, and administers 
programs and regulations to promote the safe operation of 
freight and passenger rail transportation in the United States. 
The U.S. freight railroad system consists of approximately 775 
railroads and 145,000 miles of track, which deliver 
approximately 5,000,000 tons of goods each day. In addition, 
the FRA oversees grants to the National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation (Amtrak) with the goal of assisting Amtrak with 
improving its intercity passenger rail service and physical 
infrastructure.

                         SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $250,449,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       273,458,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       273,458,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +23,009,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The safety and operations account provides funding for the 
FRA's safety program activities related to passenger and 
freight railroads. Funding also supports salaries and expenses 
and other operating activities related to the FRA staff and 
programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $273,458,000 for the 
safety and operations account. The following list provides 
funding levels for activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automated track inspection program........      no less than $19,000,000
Positive train control support program....               up to 1,000,000
Trespasser prevention.....................               up to 1,000,000
Highway-rail grade crossing safety........        no less than 3,250,000
Confidential close call reporting system..               up to 4,500,000
Grant and project development technical             no more than 250,000
 assistance, oversight....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Automated track inspection program (ATIP).--The ATIP uses 
track geometry measurement vehicles to automatically measure 
track conditions which supplement the work of the FRA 
inspectors to ensure railroads are compliant with the FRA track 
safety standards. The Committee recommendation supports the 
inspection of passenger rail routes, commuter rail routes, 
routes that carry energy products and other hazardous 
materials, and to enhance the ATIP's inspection capabilities. 
The Committee notes that funds provided for the ATIP in fiscal 
year 2024 are available to inspect tracks and analyze data from 
the ATIP operations and inspections.
    Climate and equity personnel.--The Committee is aware the 
FRA intends to dedicate funding under the safety and operations 
account for personnel for equity or climate purposes, including 
within the Office of Civil Rights. The recommendation does not 
include funding for new full-time equivalents for such 
purposes.
    Competitive grants.--The Committee notes with 
disappointment that the biannual reports on FRA's competitive 
grants have yet to be provided as directed in the Joint 
Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103) and in House Report 
117-402 for fiscal year 2023 (P.L. 117-328). The Committee 
continues to direct the FRA to provide biannual reports to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of 
grant agreements and obligations for all awards for fiscal 
years 2017 through 2024 for the Federal-state partnership for 
intercity passenger rail, consolidated rail infrastructure and 
safety improvements (CRISI), restoration and enhancement, 
railroad crossing elimination, and interstate rail compacts 
grant programs.
    Confidential close call reporting system (C3RS).--House 
Report 116-452 directed the GAO to examine the C3RS program and 
similar programs passenger, commuter, and freight railroads may 
have in place to encourage their employees to identify and 
report safety risks. The report (GAO-23-105287) has 
recommendations for FRA which remain open. The Committee 
encourages the FRA to implement the two recommendations that 
relate to communicating with the railroad industry.
    Highway-rail grade crossing safety.--The Committee 
understands that the FRA has adopted a comprehensive approach 
to improving highway-rail grade crossing safety. This includes 
developing, coordinating, and implementing new technology 
solutions, assisting communities in identifying Federal funding 
opportunities, improving outreach and partnerships, gathering 
and analyzing data, and conducting research and development. In 
addition, the FRA is using a data driven process to identify 
the most dangerous highway-rail grade crossings, which allows 
the FRA to engage with communities, state and local agencies, 
law enforcement, railroads, and advocacy organizations to 
identify potential local solutions. The Committee directs the 
FRA to continue these activities and provides funding to 
support the FRA's work in fiscal year 2024.
    Intercity passenger rail operations and competition.--There 
has been significant interest from state and local governments 
in engaging with the FRA in the development of new and expanded 
intercity passenger rail services. The FRA has received over 70 
letters of interest in the Corridor Identification and 
Development program, in addition to grant applications for CID 
planning grants and project funding through the Federal-State 
Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant program. These 
efforts would represent a significant increase in passenger 
rail services across the United States. While Amtrak currently 
provides much of the passenger rail service across the nation, 
it is unclear if Amtrak has the capacity and workforce 
necessary to operate all the new services that are being 
contemplated. The Nation's commuter rail network benefits from 
a diverse array of private contractors, as well as local 
service providers and Amtrak, to operate and maintain these 
passenger rail services. In fact, private operators carried 
more passengers on commuter rail in 2019 than Amtrak did across 
its network. The expansion of intercity passenger rail would 
benefit from a competitive marketplace of public and private 
operations, including on cost, value, operating models, and 
service quality. The FRA is directed to take steps to require 
that state and local applicants for intercity passenger rail 
funding establish procedures to fully consider public and 
private service providers for future passenger rail operations.
    Positive train control (PTC).--The Committee understands 
the FRA has an ongoing role in the oversight, approval, and 
enforcement of PTC regulations, including performance 
monitoring, compliance audits, and approval of safety-critical 
modifications and upgrades. In addition, the FRA will be 
evaluating implementation and safety plans from certain class 
II and class III railroads subject to the December 31, 2023, 
deadline to equip locomotives with PTC systems. The Committee 
recommendation provides funding to support the FRA's work on 
these activities in fiscal year 2024.
    Short line disaster relief.--The Committee encourages the 
FRA to be resourceful and responsive in addressing the needs of 
short line railroads facing the impact of natural disasters.
    Track inspection.--The incorporation of innovative 
technologies and processes, such as automated track 
inspections, can dramatically improve the safety and efficiency 
of rail operations. The Committee directs the FRA to continue 
to evaluate the performance of automated track inspection 
technologies to determine whether these technologies can 
achieve an equivalent or higher level of safety than currently 
required visual inspections. The Committee directs the FRA to 
provide quarterly updates regarding its and the Railroad Safety 
Advisory Committee's (RSAC) efforts. These updates shall also 
indicate any next steps the FRA is considering, including 
updates to existing regulations to incorporate automated track 
inspections further into the inspection process.
    Trespasser prevention.--Pedestrians trespassing on railroad 
property remains the leading cause of all rail-related 
fatalities, accounting for 69 percent of all U.S. rail-related 
deaths in fiscal year 2022. FRA has hosted trespass prevention 
summits to share local mitigation strategies, collected and 
analyzed data on grade crossing and trespassing incidents, and 
collaborated with stakeholders on outreach to targeted 
communities. The Committee recommendation provides funding for 
the FRA to continue these activities in fiscal year 2024. In 
addition, the Committee directs the FRA to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations annually on the FRA 
resources used to decrease trespasser incidents and fatalities. 
The briefing must include information on what areas across the 
country have the highest number of trespasser incidents and 
fatalities and provide a summary of FRA's efforts and guidance 
to assist states and localities to reduce trespasser 
fatalities.
    Washington Union Station.--The Committee directs the Office 
of the Secretary, in coordination with FRA, to develop and 
deliver a Washington Union Station Project Governance and 
Execution Action Plan (Action Plan) to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within six months of enactment of 
this Act. The Action Plan shall provide scheduled milestones 
that DOT may follow to ensure the project sponsor has the 
accountability, capacity, and resources to carry out proposed 
projects. After delivery of the plan, the FRA shall provide the 
Committees biannual progress reports regarding the milestones' 
development in the Action Plan.

                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $44,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        59,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        44,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -15,000,000
 

    The railroad research and development program provides 
support for the FRA's policy and regulatory efforts. The 
program's objectives are to reduce the frequency and severity 
of railroad accidents through scientific advancement, and to 
support technological innovations in conventional and high-
speed railroads.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $44,000,000 for the 
railroad research and development program. Of the total funds 
provided, up to $3,000,000 is available to make improvements at 
the transportation technology center as authorized by section 
22102(c) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 
117-58).
    The Committee directs the FRA to prioritize research and 
development activities in track and rolling stock research 
programs in order to maximize gains in rail safety and further 
directs the FRA to prioritize the introduction of new 
technology and data analysis methods to improve safety in all 
areas of railroad operations.
    Alternative fuel locomotives.--Research to hasten the 
commercial viability of low- or no-carbon alternatives for use 
in locomotives, including electrification, batteries and other 
energy storage systems, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, 
biodiesel, and renewable diesel, will be essential to 
addressing our nation's projected 50 percent growth in freight 
transportation demand by 2050. The Committee provides 
$5,000,000 to further the research, development, testing, and 
demonstration of innovative technologies and solutions for low- 
or no-emission alternative fuels for locomotives, engine 
improvements, and motive power technologies. The Committee 
directs the FRA to coordinate such activities with the 
Department of Energy and the private sector in order to achieve 
commercial use sooner.
    Rail research and development center of excellence.--The 
Committee reminds the FRA of the directive to brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its efforts to 
establish a rail research and development center of excellence 
contained in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328).
    Short line safety.--The Committee provides $5,000,000 to 
continue to improve safety practices and training for class II 
and class III freight railroads, including efforts to improve 
the safe transportation of hazardous materials, other freight, 
and passenger rail. Of this amount, funds shall be available to 
allow for enhanced hands-on field training through obtaining 
and maintaining two modern safety trains, for emergency 
response training in the event of a release of hazardous 
materials.
    Workforce development and equity.--The recommendation does 
not include $1 million requested in the budget for workforce 
development activities and research topics related to 
diversity, equity, and inclusion in the railroad industry.

         FEDERAL STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $100,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       560,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -100,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -560,000,000
 

    The Federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail 
grant program is authorized by section 24911 of title 49, 
United States Code. Eligible activities include capital 
projects, as well as planning, environmental studies, and final 
design of capital projects, to: (1) replace, rehabilitate, or 
repair infrastructure, equipment, or a facility used for 
providing intercity passenger rail service to bring such assets 
into a state of good repair; (2) improve intercity passenger 
rail service performance; and (3) expand or establish new 
intercity passenger rail service. States, a group of states, 
interstate compacts, public agencies or publicly chartered 
authorities established by one or more states, political 
subdivisions of a state, Amtrak, Tribes, or a combination of 
such entities are eligible to apply for this competitive grant 
program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends no additional funding for the 
Federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grant 
program because of the $7,200,000,000 advance appropriation in 
fiscal year 2024. For comparison, before the IIJA advance 
appropriations took effect, this program received $200,000,000 
in fiscal year 2021.

        CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $535,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       510,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       258,464,439
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -276,536,561
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -251,536,561
 

    The consolidated rail infrastructure and safety 
improvements grant program is authorized by section 22907 of 
title 49, United States Code, to improve the safety, 
efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail 
transportation systems. Eligible activities include a wide 
range of capital, safety technology deployment, trespassing 
prevention measures, regional and corridor planning, 
environmental analyses, research, workforce development, and 
training projects. States, a group of states, interstate 
compacts, public agencies or publicly chartered authorities 
established by one or more states, political subdivisions of a 
state, Tribes, Amtrak or other intercity passenger rail 
operators, class II or class III railroads and associations 
representing such railroads, rail carriers and rail equipment 
manufacturers in partnership with a public entity, the 
transportation research board, university transportation 
centers, and non-profit rail labor organizations are eligible 
to apply for this competitive grant program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $258,464,439 for the 
CRISI grant program, of which $28,864,439 in community project 
funding in accordance with the table at the end of this report. 
In addition to the committee recommendation, the IIJA provided 
$1,000,000,000 advance appropriations for this program in 
fiscal year 2024.
    Planning grants.--While CRISI project eligibility includes 
the preparation of regional rail and corridor service 
development plans and corresponding environmental analyses, 
project specific planning is not an eligible use under section 
22907(c) of title 49, United States Code. Therefore, the 
recommendation makes railroad systems planning and railroad 
project development activities, such as project planning, 
engineering, design, environmental analysis, feasibility 
studies, the development and analysis of project alternatives, 
the preparation of regional intercity passenger rail plans, and 
state rail plans, only eligible for CRISI community project 
funding.

     GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION (AMTRAK)

    Amtrak was created by Congress in the Rail Passenger 
Service Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-518) to operate intercity 
passenger rail service, which was previously operated by 
private railroads. Amtrak assumed the common carrier 
obligations of the private railroads in exchange for the right 
to access to the private railroad tracks for an incremental 
cost.
    The IIJA authorizes funding for northeast corridor (NEC) 
grants to Amtrak and national network grants to Amtrak, which 
encompasses Amtrak's state-supported and long-distance routes, 
as well as other non-NEC activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides a total of 
$875,607,000 for Amtrak through the northeast corridor grants 
and national network grants accounts.
    Congressional budget justification.--The Committee 
appreciates the level of detail in the fiscal year 2024 budget 
justification and directs Amtrak to submit a budget 
justification with a similar level of detail for fiscal year 
2025.
    Cybersecurity.--The Committee understands that Amtrak is 
working to implement its five-year strategic plan to create a 
more cyber resilient environment that reduces risks and quickly 
detects cyber threats in Amtrak's enterprise, critical 
infrastructure, and cloud environments, consistent with 
standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology (NIST) and its collaboration with Federally funded 
research and development centers. The Committee encourages 
Amtrak to use fiscal year 2024 funding to help facilitate the 
execution of Amtrak's existing active cyber defense strategy, 
including use of cyber deception capabilities, which is 
consistent with NIST cybersecurity guidelines and research and 
development with Federally funded research and development 
centers.
    Fraud risks.--The Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) 
2022 report (OIG-SP-2022-008) noted several challenges Amtrak 
faced as it prepared to receive IIJA funding, noting that the 
size of the IIJA funding and requirements presented a potential 
strain on Amtrak's ability to manage its current operations 
while concurrently planning and managing a long-term 
multibillion-dollar infrastructure portfolio. Relatedly, Amtrak 
OIG report (OIG-SP-2023-007) provided observations on fraud 
risks Amtrak could face as federal investment from IIJA advance 
the company's long-term, large-scale infrastructure goals and 
significantly expand its traditional passenger rail mission to 
include a major capital delivery mission. The OIG identified 
three core elements of a successful fraud program, which 
includes building and maintaining a culture of integrity, 
instituting effective fraud controls, and fostering fraud 
awareness and reporting. Based on the OIG's analysis of its 
prior work, it identified four high-risk fraud areas specific 
to Amtrak: contracts and procurement, health care, employee 
wrongdoing, and cybercrime. The Committee directs Amtrak to 
brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 
30 days of enactment of this Act on specific steps it has taken 
to implement a successful fraud prevention program that 
addresses core elements identified in the OIG's report and the 
four high-risk fraud areas the report outlined.
    Northeast Corridor Commission (NECC) Project Dashboards.--
The Committee is aware that the NECC is developing a public 
reporting dashboard of infrastructure projects along the 
corridor. The Committee has been informed that the FRA supports 
the NECC effort to establish this dashboard. The FRA and NECC 
shall brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
on the status, including a timeline of the development of such 
dashboard and information that will be made publicly available, 
within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
    Operational technology assets.--The Committee understands 
that Amtrak faces challenges tracking its operational 
technology (OT) assets which consist of four types of systems 
that support its train operations: dispatching, communications 
and signals, electric traction, and positive train control. An 
Amtrak OIG report (OIG-A-2023-002) found that these systems, if 
compromised, could pose a serious safety and operational risk 
as Amtrak relies on them to dispatch trains, monitor and 
control train movements, manage the flow of electricity to 
locomotives, and control train signals and other communication 
equipment. The Amtrak OIG recommended that Amtrak establish a 
governing body--such as a cross-departmental working group--to 
facilitate its efforts to identify and track OT assets. The OIG 
also recommended Amtrak decide and plan for the OT asset 
management system it will use for its cybersecurity needs, 
implement policies and procedures with clear roles and 
responsibilities, and develop complete network maps. The 
Committee directs Amtrak to brief the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on progress in implementing these 
recommendations no later than 60 days after enactment of this 
Act.
    Public safety.--The Committee understands that Amtrak 
continues to implement recommendations made by the Amtrak OIG 
in report OIG-A-2020-012. The Committee understands that Amtrak 
is complying with section 154 of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) and directs Amtrak to 
report annually to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on Amtrak's efforts to implement section 156.
    Workforce and hiring plans.--The Committee directs Amtrak 
to continue to provide the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations regular updates on its efforts to recruit, hire, 
retain, and train employees in order to safely operate 
intercity passenger rail service on the NEC, state-supported, 
and long-distance routes. Further, the Committee directs Amtrak 
to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
no later than 60 days after enactment of this Act summarizing 
overtime payments above $35,000 per Amtrak employee incurred by 
Amtrak for calendar year 2023. This summary shall include the 
total number of employees that received such overtime payments 
and the total overtime payments paid to employees above $35,000 
for each month in 2023. In addition, the Committee directs 
Amtrak to include an update on its IIJA-related workforce needs 
in its fiscal year 2025 budget justification, which shall 
include an assessment of near-term and projected needs. 
Further, the Committee directs Amtrak to share appropriate 
information on its IIJA-related workforce needs with industry 
partners and the public.

     NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $1,260,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,227,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        99,231,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    -1,160,769,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -1,127,769,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $99,231,000 for 
northeast corridor grants to Amtrak to support base needs. The 
recommendation provides funding for contingencies and capital 
projects that are statutory, regulatory, or legally-mandated. 
In addition to the committee recommendation, the IIJA provided 
$1,200,000,000 advance appropriations for the NEC in fiscal 
year 2024. The Committee recommendation does not provide 
additional funding for the NECC, as the up to $5,000,000 in 
advance appropriations in fiscal year 2024 in the IIJA provides 
sufficient funding to the NECC as authorized in section 
22101(e) of such Act.

 NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $1,193,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,841,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       776,376,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -416,624,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -1,064,624,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $776,376,000 for 
national network grants to Amtrak to support base needs for 
Amtrak's long-distance and state-supported routes, and other 
non-NEC activities. The recommendation provides funding for 
operating, contingencies, and capital projects that are 
statutory, regulatory, or legally-mandated. In addition to the 
committee recommendation, the IIJA provided $3,200,000,000 
advance appropriations for the national network in fiscal year 
2024. The recommendation does not provide additional funding 
for the state-supported route committee, as the up to 
$3,000,000 in advance appropriations in fiscal year 2024 in the 
IIJA fully funds the state-supported route committee as 
authorized in section 22101(d) of such Act. Further, the 
recommendation does not provide additional funding for the 
interstate rail compacts grant program, as the up to $3,000,000 
in advance appropriations in fiscal year 2024 in the IIJA fully 
funds such grants as authorized in section 22101(f) of such 
Act.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    Section 150 allows the FRA to transfer certain amounts made 
available in this and prior Acts to the financial assistance 
oversight and technical assistance account to support the 
award, administration, project management oversight, and 
technical assistance of grants administered by the FRA, with an 
exception.
    Section 151 limits overtime to $35,000 per Amtrak employee 
and allows Amtrak's president to waive this restriction for 
specific employees for safety or operational efficiency 
reasons. It also requires Amtrak to submit a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 60 
days after enactment of this Act summarizing overtime payments 
incurred by Amtrak for calendar year 2023 and the three prior 
calendar years. The summary shall include the total number of 
employees that received waivers and the total overtime payments 
paid to employees receiving waivers for each month for 2023 and 
the three prior calendar years.
    Section 152 prohibits funds from being used to reduce 
Amtrak police department officers patrolling on board passenger 
trains or at stations, facilities or rights-of-way below the 
May 1, 2019 staffing level.
    Section 153 prohibits funds from being used for a high-
speed rail project in the state of California.

                     Federal Transit Administration

    The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was established as 
a component of the Department of Transportation on July 1, 
1968, when most of the functions and programs under the Federal 
Transit Act (78 Stat. 302; 49 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) were 
transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. The FTA administers Federal financial assistance 
programs for planning, developing, and improving comprehensive 
mass transportation systems in both urban and non-urban areas. 
The most recent authorization for the programs under FTA is 
contained in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 
117-58). Annual appropriations Acts include annual limitations 
on obligations for the transit formula grants programs, and 
direct appropriations of budget authority from the general fund 
of the Treasury for capital investment grants and other 
programs.

                         TRANSIT FORMULA GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Liquidation of contract    Limitation on
                                     authority            obligations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year            $13,634,000,000    $13,634,000,000
 2023.......................
Budget request, fiscal year            13,990,000,000     13,990,000,000
 2024.......................
Recommended in the bill.....           13,990,000,000     13,990,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal                +356,000,000       +356,000,000
 year 2023..................
    Budget request, fiscal                      - - -              - - -
 year 2024..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Authorization acts provide contract authority for the 
transit formula grant programs from the mass transit account of 
the Highway Trust Fund. These programs include: urbanized area 
formula grants, state of good repair grants, formula grants for 
rural areas, growing states and high-density states, mobility 
for seniors and persons with disabilities, buses and bus 
facilities grants, bus testing facilities, planning programs, 
transit-oriented development, a pilot program for enhanced 
mobility, public transportation innovation, technical 
assistance and workforce development, the national transit 
database, and the FTA's administrative expenses. This Act sets 
an annual obligation limitation for such authority and provides 
liquidating cash. This account is the only FTA account funded 
from the Highway Trust Fund.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides a liquidation of 
contract authorization and a limitation on obligations of 
$13,990,000,000 for transit formula grants and programs, 
consistent with the amounts authorized in the IIJA.
    Agricultural worker transportation.--The Committee 
encourages the FTA, through the national rural transportation 
assistance program, in coordination with the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture Rural Housing Service, to develop materials and 
best practices that can be disseminated to local governments, 
nonprofit organizations, and operators of public transportation 
with the goal of identifying options to establish or expand 
affordable and reliable transit services for farmworkers. The 
FTA is directed to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on these efforts no later than one year after 
enactment of this Act.
    Innovative transit research and deployment.--The Committee 
recognizes that transit systems must transform and adapt to 
better serve the needs of riders and communities. Continued 
innovation in transit is critical to navigating and adapting to 
long-term changes in ridership patterns, and making progress on 
prior investments that have advanced payment and trip planning 
technologies as well as mobility on demand, including the 
integration of micromobility. The Committee acknowledges the 
potential benefits of microtransit in providing connections to 
pre-existing transit hubs, addressing transit deserts, and 
improving access to public transit for individuals with 
disabilities. The Committee directs the FTA to assist transit 
agencies in developing, demonstrating, and ultimately adopting 
innovative approaches to mobility.
    Transit-oriented development.--Section 20005(b) of the 
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (P.L. 112-
141) established a pilot program for Transit-Oriented 
Development (TOD) Planning. The Committee directs the FTA to 
report to the Committee on the non-statutory metrics that were 
considered for selecting grantees of the TOD pilot program for 
fiscal year 2023 no later than 120 days after enactment of this 
Act.
    Transit trends.--In the Joint Explanatory Statement 
accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 
117-328), the Committee directed the Secretary to submit a 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations the 
transit ridership levels from 2019 to present, along with an 
assessment of anticipated future trends and needs in the 
transit industry. The Committee directs the FTA to provide this 
report no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
    Vanpool programs.--The Committee understands that some 
transit agencies offer vanpool programs. The Committee 
recognizes that vanpool programs have experienced challenges 
and reduced ridership. The Committee urges the FTA to provide 
technical assistance to transit agencies with vanpool programs, 
including efforts to improve user access and interface and 
increase ridership.

                     TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $541,959,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       130,828,124
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -411,130,876
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      +130,828,124
 

    Authorization acts provide contract authority for the 
transit formula grant programs from the mass transit account of 
the Highway Trust Fund. This account provides additional 
funding from the general fund of the Treasury for transit 
priorities authorized under chapter 53 of title 49, United 
States Code.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $130,828,124 in 
transit infrastructure grants for community project funding in 
accordance with the table at the end of this report.

                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $7,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         8,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          +500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The IIJA authorizes the FTA to provide technical assistance 
under section 5314 of title 49, United States Code, for 
standards development, human resource and training activities, 
and workforce development programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $8,000,000 for 
technical assistance and training authorized under section 5314 
of title 49, United States Code. Of that amount, $500,000 shall 
be for technical assistance and resources to Federally 
recognized Tribes through the National Rural Transportation 
Assistance Program authorized under 5311(b)(3)(C) of title 49, 
United States Code. In addition to the amounts provided under 
this heading, $12,404,500 is provided for activities under 
section 5314 of title 49, United States Code, through the mass 
transit account of the Highway Trust Fund under the heading 
`Transit Formula Grants'.
    Small-urban, rural, and tribal transit providers.--The 
Committee directs that not less than $2,000,000 shall be for a 
cooperative agreement through which the FTA assists small-
urban, rural, and tribal public transit recipients and planning 
organizations with applied innovation and capacity building. 
Such technical assistance should help recipients and 
subrecipients successfully incorporate more low- and zero-
emission transit vehicles in their fleets; develop effective 
post-pandemic transit service strategies and configurations; 
establish responsive forms of transit in historically 
underserved areas; deploy effective cybersecurity measures; and 
assist rural and small-urban areas with changing mode-share 
strategies, particularly with respect to changing patterns of 
urban growth and transit needs as indicated by the 2020 
decennial census.

                       CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $2,210,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     2,850,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       392,204,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    -1,817,796,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -2,457,796,000
 

    The capital investment grants (CIG) program is authorized 
by section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, to provide 
discretionary grants for transit capital investment in rail or 
other fixed guideway systems, including heavy rail, commuter 
rail, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit. Eligible 
recipients include public bodies and agencies including states, 
municipalities, other political subdivisions of states; public 
agencies and instrumentalities of one or more states; and 
certain public corporations, boards, and commissions under 
state law.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $392,204,000 for 
capital investment grants. The following table provides funding 
levels for activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New starts........................     $2,711,220,000       $388,281,960
Core capacity.....................              - - -              - - -
Small starts......................        101,730,000              - - -
Expedited project delivery........          8,550,000              - - -
Administration....................         28,500,000          3,922,040
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      2,850,000,000        392,204,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommendation, combined with $401,973,880 in 
unallocated funding that remains from the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103) and the fiscal year 
2023 advance appropriation along with the $1,600,000,000 
advance appropriation for fiscal year 2024, provides full 
funding to: all projects that currently have executed grant 
agreements with the FTA; all small start projects that will 
meet the requirements of section 5309 of title 49, United 
States Code as outlined in the budget request; and all projects 
authorized under section 3005(b) of P.L. 114-94. The 
recommendation also provides support to new start projects 
currently in the engineering phase that are anticipating grant 
agreements in fiscal year 2024.
    The recommendation does not provide additional funding for 
proposed core capacity, small starts, or expedited project 
delivery projects as the unallocated funding from previous 
years combined with the advance appropriation sufficiently 
funds projects that anticipate grant agreements in fiscal year 
2024 as outlined in the budget request.
    The Committee notes that section 5309(b)(l) of title 49, 
United States Code, authorizes the use of funds for certain 
activities for new starts and small starts projects in advance 
of grant agreements. The Committee does not provide FTA funding 
in fiscal year 2024 for such purposes.
    Affordable and workforce housing consideration.--The 
Committee understands that the FTA evaluates affordable housing 
under both the economic development and land use criteria. When 
rating new starts and core capacity projects, the Committee 
encourages the FTA to consider a weighting of a minimum of five 
percentage points greater to economic development or land use 
criteria if the project sponsor demonstrates substantial 
efforts to preserve or encourage affordable housing or 
workforce housing near the proposed project.
    CIG administration.--The Committee directs the FTA to 
continue to update the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, monthly, on the status of projects that are in 
the current CIG funding pipeline. The Committee also directs 
the FTA to provide notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations not less than 90 days prior to altering or 
rescinding any rule, circular, reporting instructions, or 
guidance relating to the evaluation, rating, and approval 
process pursuant to section 5309 of title 49, United States 
Code. The Committee reminds the FTA that section 5309 of title 
49, United States Code, requires the FTA to issue policy 
guidance each time significant changes are made to such 
processes and criteria, but not less than once every two years.
    The recommendation requires the Secretary to submit the 
fiscal year 2025 annual report on funding recommendations as 
required by section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, with 
the fiscal year 2025 budget request, and to include proposed 
funding allocations for fiscal year 2025. Further, the 
Committee directs the FTA to maintain the Federal funding 
commitments for all existing grant agreements, to identify all 
projects with a medium or higher rating that anticipate 
requesting a grant agreement in fiscal year 2025, and to submit 
a list of projects to which it expects to award a full funding 
grant agreement (FFGA), or small starts grant agreement during 
the budget year.
    FFGAs.--Section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, 
requires that the FTA notify the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations as well as the House Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs not later than 15 days prior to 
executing a FFGA. In its notification to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations, the Committee directs the FTA to 
include the following: (1) a copy of the proposed FFGA; (2) the 
total and annual Federal appropriations amount required for the 
project; (3) yearly and total Federal appropriations amount 
that can be reasonably planned or anticipated for future FFGAs 
for each fiscal year through 2027; (4) a detailed analysis of 
annual commitments for current and anticipated FFGAs against 
the program authorization, by individual project; (5) a 
financial analysis of the project's cost and the sponsor's 
ability to finance the project, which shall be conducted by an 
independent examiner, and shall include an assessment of the 
capital cost estimate and finance plan; (6) the source and 
security of all public- and private-sector financial 
instruments; (7) the project's operating plan, which enumerates 
the project's future revenue and ridership forecasts; and (8) a 
listing of all planned contingencies and possible risks 
associated with the project.
    The Committee continues to direct the FTA to inform the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing 30 
days prior to approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to 
any FFGA. Correspondence relating to such changes shall include 
any budget revisions or program changes that materially alter 
the project as originally stipulated in the FFGA, including any 
proposed change in rail car procurements.
    In addition, the Committee directs the FTA to continue 
reporting monthly to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the status of each project with a FFGA or 
that is within two years of executing a FFGA. The Committee 
directs that such monthly reporting includes any requests for 
letters of no prejudice and the level of funds allocated and 
obligated, by fiscal year.

      GRANTS TO THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       150,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    This program provides grants to the Washington Metropolitan 
Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for capital investment and asset 
rehabilitation activities as authorized by the IIJA. These 
funds, along with funds provided under the FTA's core formula 
programs, will help return the existing system to a state of 
good repair and improve the safety and reliability of service. 
Federal funds provided under this account are matched dollar-
for-dollar by Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia 
in equal proportions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $150,000,000 for 
WMATA for critical capital and safety improvements. The three 
WMATA jurisdictions collectively match this funding with 
another $150,000,000 each year.
    Cybersecurity.--The Committee remains deeply concerned that 
as systems for controlling various modes of transportation 
become more complex, the security of transportation could be 
compromised. As a result, the Committee again directs WMATA to 
work with the Secretary of Transportation and the Cybersecurity 
and Infrastructure Security Agency within the Department of 
Homeland Security to ensure that the agency is complying with 
best practices for the procurement of Industrial Control 
Systems. The Committee continues to direct WMATA to include 
analysis of the Internet of Things and unknown and unauthorized 
devices in its cybersecurity plan. Further, the Committee 
directs WMATA to provide annual updates on the actions taken to 
address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

    Section 160 exempts previously made transit obligations 
from limitations on obligations.
    Section 161 allows funds provided in this Act that remain 
unobligated by September 30, 2027, for capital investment 
grants projects to be available for other projects to use the 
funds for the purposes for which they were originally provided.
    Section 162 allows for the transfer of appropriations made 
prior to October 1, 2023, from older accounts to be merged into 
new accounts with similar, current activities.
    Section 163 prohibits the enforcement of the Rostenkowski 
test.

        Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation


                       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

                    (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $38,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        40,288,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,288,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +1,788,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system is a 
binational, 15-lock system jointly operated by the Great Lakes 
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and its 
Canadian counterpart, the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway 
Management Corporation. The GLS was established by the St. 
Lawrence Seaway Act of 1954, is a wholly owned government 
corporation, as well as an operating administration of the U.S. 
Department of Transportation. The GLS is charged with operating 
and maintaining the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes St. 
Lawrence Seaway, which includes the two U.S. locks in Massena, 
New York, vessel traffic control in portions of the St. 
Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, and trade development 
functions to enhance the utilization of the Great Lakes St. 
Lawrence Seaway. The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 
(P.L. 99-662) authorized the harbor maintenance trust fund as a 
source of appropriations for the GLS operations and 
maintenance. Additionally, the GLS generates non-Federal 
revenues which can be used for operations and maintenance.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $40,288,000 to fund 
the operations, maintenance, and capital infrastructure 
activities of the GLS. Of the total funds provided, not less 
than $16,300,000 is for the seaway infrastructure program.
    Market development and promotion.--The Committee's 
recommendation continues base funding for marketing and trade 
development and promotion of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence 
Seaway navigation system, to be carried out in cooperation with 
system stakeholders. These resources may be used to continue 
implementation of the Trade and Economic Development Strategic 
Plan, enhance and expand existing marketing efforts, conduct 
market research, and support marketing initiatives and trade 
promotion with the goal of growing the volume of waterborne and 
multimodal commerce and passenger cruise activity on the 
system. The Committee urges the GLS to continue to identify and 
develop additional trade and economic development activities, 
in consultation with system stakeholders, based on the results 
of the planned activities included in the strategic plan and 
any relevant changes in market conditions. The Committee also 
urges GLS to provide regular updates to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on its progress implementing the 
strategic plan in coordination with system stakeholders. In 
addition, the Committee requests that the GLS report to the 
Committee within 180 days of enactment of this Act on 
opportunities to partner with the Great Lakes Authority on 
common interest projects and activities.

                        MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

    The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is responsible for 
strengthening the U.S. maritime industry in support of the 
nation's security and economic needs, as authorized by the 
Merchant Marine Act of 1936 (P.L. 74-835). MARAD's mission is 
to promote the development and maintenance of a U.S. merchant 
marine sufficient to carry the Nation's waterborne domestic 
commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign 
commerce, and to serve as a naval and military auxiliary in 
time of war or national emergency.
    MARAD, working with the Department of Defense (DOD), 
provides a seamless, time-phased transition from peacetime to 
wartime operations, while balancing the defense and commercial 
elements of the maritime transportation system. MARAD also 
manages the Maritime Security Program, the Cable Security Fleet 
Program, the Tanker Security Fleet Program, the Voluntary 
Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program, and the Ready Reserve 
Force, which assures DOD access to commercial and strategic 
sealift and associated intermodal capability. Further, MARAD's 
education and training programs through the U.S. Merchant 
Marine Academy and six state maritime academies help develop 
skilled U.S. merchant marine officers.

                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSION OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $318,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       318,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       318,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The maritime security program (MSP) is authorized by 
chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, to maintain and 
preserve a flag merchant fleet to serve the national security 
needs of the United States. MSP provides direct payments to 
U.S. flagship operators engaged in U.S.-foreign trade. 
Participating operators are required to keep vessels in active 
commercial service and are required to provide intermodal 
sealift support to the DOD in times of war or national 
emergency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $318,000,000 for the 
maritime security program, the same as requested and consistent 
with the authorized funding level. In addition, the Committee 
recommends a rescission of $6,000,000 from unused prior year 
balances.

                          CABLE SECURITY FLEET

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       +10,000,000
 

    The cable security fleet program is authorized by chapter 
532 of title 46, United States Code. The purpose of the cable 
security fleet program is to establish and maintain a fleet of 
United States-documented cable vessels to meet the national 
security requirements of the United States. The program will 
provide direct payments to U.S. flagship operators, and 
participating operators are in turn required to operate in 
commercial service providing cable services and to make the 
vessel available upon the request of the DOD.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $10,000,000 for the 
cable security fleet program, consistent with the authorized 
funding level.

                        TANKER SECURITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $60,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        60,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        60,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The tanker security fleet program is authorized by chapter 
534 of title 46, United States Code. The purpose of the tanker 
security fleet program is to establish and maintain a fleet of 
active, commercially viable, militarily useful, privately-owned 
product tank vessels to meet the national defense and other 
security requirements of the United States. The program 
provides direct payments to U.S. flagship operators, and 
participating operators are in turn required to operate in U.S. 
foreign commerce, mixed U.S. foreign commerce, and domestic 
trade and to make the vessel available upon the request of the 
DOD.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $60,000,000 for the 
tanker security fleet program, as requested in the budget.
    The Committee provides MARAD the authority to use prior 
year funds to reimburse program participants for required 
mariner training costs to ensure fully qualified seafarers are 
available to serve on product tank vessels.

                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $213,181,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       289,773,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       210,181,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -3,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -79,592,000
 

    The operations and training account provides funding for 
headquarters and field offices to administer and direct MARAD 
operations and programs and for the operation of the U.S. 
Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $210,181,000 for the 
operations and training account, $3,000,000 below 2023. The 
following table provides funding levels for activities within 
this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USMMA operations..................       $103,500,000        $89,507,000
USMMA facilities maintenance and           22,000,000         11,900,000
 repair, and equipment............
USMMA capital improvement.........         70,000,000         31,921,000
Maritime environmental and                  8,500,000          6,000,000
 technical assistance program.....
America's marine highway program..         11,000,000         10,000,000
MARAD headquarters operations.....         74,773,000         60,853,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................        289,773,000        210,181,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agency responsiveness to Committee requests.--The Committee 
values a collaborative relationship with the agencies under its 
jurisdiction and relies on subject matter experts for technical 
assistance during the course of the year. Agency input can 
improve the effectiveness of a policy or the successful 
implementation of a program. Unfortunately, the Committee finds 
MARAD's responsiveness to requests from the Committee to be 
entirely unsatisfactory. Starting immediately, the Committee 
requests that MARAD provide written or electronic mail 
confirmation of receipt of all Committee inquiries within 24 
hours, and provide responses as requested by the requested 
deadlines. The Committee recommendation funds MARAD 
headquarters operations at the 2022 level.
    Domestic maritime centers of excellence.--MARAD may use up 
to $2,000,000 of the funding provided to the MARAD headquarters 
operations program activity under this heading to assist the 
centers that have entered into a cooperative agreement with 
MARAD, with activities outlined in the final policy (85 FR 
13231) for this voluntary program.
    MARAD staffing.--The Committee requests that MARAD continue 
to provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
with quarterly staffing data, including hiring and separations, 
by program office, for all positions funded by this Act in the 
MARAD headquarters operations and USMMA operations PPA.
    Ready reserve force fleet recapitalization.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $6,000,000 for a National Defense 
Reserve Fleet vessel concept design and vessel construction 
manager as authorized in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense 
Authorization Act. The Committee awaits receipt of the report 
requested in House Report 117-402 on this subject.
    Small and non-freight ports.--The Committee recognizes that 
many ports throughout the country support essential non-freight 
functions and activities and that the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) has identified challenges related to grant 
programs with both freight and non-freight projects, including 
trouble with the application process, competition, and minimum 
award sizes. The Committee recognizes the important role small 
and non-freight ports play, and as such, encourages MARAD and 
DOT, where applicable, to provide technical assistance to help 
mitigate the challenges highlighted in the GAO report 
``Maritime Infrastructure: Public Ports in an Extensive Range 
of Activities beyond Freight Movement'' (GAO-22-104630), and to 
help identify existing Federal resources to assist such ports 
in the grant process.
    USMMA maintenance and capital improvement projects (CIP).--
The Committee requests MARAD to continue providing quarterly 
updates on maintenance and repair activities as well as annual 
reports on the status of the CIP, as directed in the joint 
explanatory statement accompanying the Transportation, Housing 
and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 
2023 (2023 JES). The Committee notes with concern the state of 
the USMMA's facilities and the lack of progress by USMMA, 
MARAD, and the Department on renovating or rehabilitating 
facilities, which has a direct impact on the quality of the 
education provided to students and the ability to attract new 
entrants to serve as future leaders in the United States 
Merchant Marine. The Committee notes that the 2022 CIP report 
did not include several projects that are needed to complete 
the modernization of the USMMA campus. The Committee requests 
MARAD to include in future CIP status reports a comprehensive 
master plan that addresses both near-term and long-term 
projects, with a realistic assessment of associated costs.
    USMMA student safety and support.--Ensuring the safety and 
security of all persons on campus is a high priority for the 
Committee. The Committee recommendation includes an increase of 
$1,659,000 for USMMA program direction and administration, 
specifically for sexual assault and sexual harassment 
prevention and response efforts and midshipman mental health 
support programs. No funds are provided for additional staff. 
The Committee requests MARAD and USMMA to continue prioritizing 
efforts to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment, 
improve student safety, and support survivors at the Academy. 
The Committee also requests MARAD to continue complying with 
the reporting requirements related to this matter in the 2023 
JES.

                   STATE MARITIME ACADEMY OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $120,700,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        53,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        56,400,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       -64,300,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................        +3,000,000
 

    The state maritime academy (SMA) operations account 
provides financial assistance to six state maritime academies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $56,400,000, an 
increase of $3,000,000 above the budget request, for the state 
maritime academy operations account. The following table 
provides funding levels for activities within this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schoolship maintenance and repair.        $22,000,000        $22,000,000
National security multi-mission            19,200,000         19,200,000
 vessel program...................
Student incentive program.........          2,400,000          2,400,000
Fuel assistance payments..........          3,800,000          6,800,000
Direct payments for SMAs..........          6,000,000          6,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................         53,400,000         56,400,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    National security multi-mission vessel (NSMV) program.--The 
Committee requests MARAD to continue to conduct vigorous 
oversight of the vessel construction manager, as well as the 
shipyard, to ensure the NSMVs are delivered on budget and on 
time. MARAD is also urged to continue to comply with the 
notification and reporting requirements related to this program 
in the 2023 JES.
    New State maritime academies.--The Committee encourages 
MARAD to provide technical assistance to entities interested in 
becoming a federally recognized State maritime academy.
    Student incentive payment (SIP) program.--While annual 
appropriations for the SIP program fund 75 slots at the six 
state maritime academies, the Committee understands the program 
is undersubscribed. The Committee urges MARAD to work with the 
academies to maximize the use of all funds already provided.

                     ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $20,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        20,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    As authorized under section 54101 of title 46, United 
States Code, the assistance to small shipyards program provides 
grants, loans, and loan guarantees to small shipyards for 
capital improvements and maritime training programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $20,000,000, as 
requested, for the assistance to small shipyards program.

                             SHIP DISPOSAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $6,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         6,021,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         6,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................           -21,000
 

    MARAD serves as the Federal government's disposal agent for 
government-owned merchant vessels weighing 1,500 gross tons or 
more. The ship disposal program provides resources to dispose 
of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the national defense 
reserve fleet. These vessels pose a significant environmental 
threat due to the presence of hazardous substances such as 
asbestos and solid and liquid polychlorinated biphenyls.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $6,000,000 for the 
ship disposal program, the same as 2023. Of the total funds 
provided, $3,000,000 is for maintaining the NS Savannah in 
protective storage in accordance with the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission's license requirements while it is being disposed.

MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM ACCOUNT (INCLUDING TRANSFER 
                               OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         3,020,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................           -20,000
 

    The maritime guaranteed loan program, as established by 
Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 (P.L. 74-835), 
provides for guaranteed loans for the construction, 
reconstruction, or reconditioning of vessels by the U.S. 
shipbuilding industry and for modernization of U.S. shipyards.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $3,000,000, the same 
as 2023, for the administrative expenses of the maritime 
guaranteed loan program.

                PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $212,204,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       230,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        69,727,566
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -142,476,434
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -160,272,434
 

    The port infrastructure development program is authorized 
by section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, to improve 
port facilities and the transportation networks and flows of 
cargo in, around, and through ports. Port authorities, states 
and local governments, tribal governments, publicly chartered 
entities, and special purpose districts with a transportation 
function are eligible to apply for this competitive grant 
program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $69,727,566 for 
Community Project Funding in the port infrastructure 
development program (PIDP).
    Great Lakes multimodal alternatives.--The Committee 
requests MARAD to coordinate with the Office of Multimodal 
Freight Infrastructure and Policy to provide a report to the 
Committee within 180 days of enactment of this Act identifying 
alternatives for expanding multimodal connectivity between 
Atlantic ports in Canada and the United States and the maritime 
and rail corridors between the United States and Canada in the 
Great Lakes Basin.
    Hydrogen and fuel cell infrastructure.--The Committee is 
encouraged by the potential of hydrogen power sources and fuel 
cells to reduce emissions and local air pollution from port-
based equipment, drayage vehicles, watercraft, and off-shore 
power. The Committee urges the Department to prioritize making 
PIDP funding available for the installation of hydrogen and 
fuel cell infrastructure and equipment at ports. The Committee 
requests the Department to report to the Committee on this 
effort within 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

           ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

    Section 170 authorizes MARAD to furnish utilities and 
services and to make necessary repairs in connection with any 
lease, contract, or occupancy involving government property 
under control of MARAD and allows payments received to be 
credited to the Treasury and to remain available until 
expended.
    Section 171 provides $6,000,000 to carry out section 3546 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023, 
Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet.

         Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
(PHMSA) administers nationwide safety programs designed to 
protect the public and the environment from risks inherent in 
the commercial transportation of hazardous materials by 
pipeline, air, rail, vessel, and highway. Many of these 
materials are essential to the national economy. The PHMSA's 
highest priority is safety, and it uses safety management 
principles and security assessments to promote the safe 
transport of hazardous materials and the security of the 
nation's pipelines, aboveground storage tanks, underground 
natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas 
facilities.

                          OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $29,936,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        31,681,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        31,681,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +1,745,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    This account funds the operational costs of the PHMSA, 
including the agency-wide functions of administration, 
management, policy development, legal counsel, budget, 
financial management, civil rights, human resources, 
acquisition services, information technology, and governmental 
and public affairs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $31,681,000 for the 
operational expenses account. Of the total funds provided, 
$2,000,000 shall be for pipeline safety information grants to 
communities as authorized by section 60130 of title 49, United 
States Code, and $2,500,000 shall be for emergency response 
grants as authorized by section 60125(b) of title 49, United 
States Code.

                       HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $70,743,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        80,554,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        80,874,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +10,131,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................          +320,000
 

    The hazardous materials safety account advances the safe 
and secure transport of hazardous materials in commerce by air, 
highway, rail, and vessel. The PHMSA evaluates hazardous 
materials safety risks, develops and enforces regulations for 
transporting hazardous materials, educates shippers and 
carriers, investigates hazardous materials incidents and 
failures, conducts research, and provides grants to improve 
emergency response to transportation incidents involving 
hazardous materials.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $80,874,000 for the 
hazardous materials safety account, of which $14,070,000 shall 
remain available until 2026. Funds made available until 
September 30, 2026 are for long-term research and development 
contracts, grants, and, in a more limited scope, contract 
safety programs.
    Of the total funds provided, $3,000,000 shall be for 
community safety grants as authorized by section 5107(i) of 
title 49, United States Code, $2,500,000 shall be for the state 
hazardous materials safety inspection program, and $1,000,000 
shall be for the Assistance for Local Emergency Response 
Training (ALERT) grants. This funding level supports $7,570,000 
for PHMSA's Hazardous Materials Research and Development 
Program, of which $2,000,000 shall be for research activities 
related to the development of stronger, safer tank cars and 
valves for tank cars, and other safety features. The Committee 
recommendation supports PHMSA's proposal to increase outreach 
staff and accident investigation personnel but does not provide 
funding for the staffing increases and related program 
increases for the Space Initiative or the Emerging Energy 
Experts.
    Inland ports of entry.--The Committee directs the PHMSA to 
continue to work with local governments and their Mexican 
counterparts at international inland ports of entry with a high 
volume of hazardous materials crossing the border to reduce the 
risk associated with transporting and storing hazardous 
materials and to enhance the capacity of local officials in 
dealing with the threat of hazardous materials incidents.

                            PIPELINE SAFETY

                         (PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

                    (OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Underground
                                                                        Oil spill                         Liquefied       natural gas
                                                                     liability trust  Pipeline safety    natural gas        storage           Total
                                                                           fund             fund        siting account      facility
                                                                                                                         safety account
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023....................................      $29,000,000     $153,985,000         $400,000       $7,000,000     $190,385,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024...................................       30,000,000      190,828,000          400,000        7,000,000      228,228,000
Recommended in the bill............................................       30,000,000      160,041,000          400,000        7,000,000      197,441,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023................................       +1,000,000       +6,056,000            - - -            - - -       +7,056,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024...............................            - - -      -30,787,000            - - -            - - -      -30,787,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The PHMSA oversees the safety, security, and environmental 
protection of approximately 3,400,000 miles of pipelines, 168 
liquefied natural gas facilities, and 400 underground natural 
gas storage facilities through analysis of data, damage 
prevention, education and training, development and enforcement 
of regulations and policies, research and development, grants 
for safety programs, and emergency planning and response to 
accidents. The pipeline safety program is responsible for a 
national regulatory program to protect the public against the 
risks to life and property in the transportation of natural 
gas, petroleum, and other hazardous materials by pipeline and 
facilities that liquefy natural gas and store natural gas 
underground.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $197,441,000 for the 
pipeline safety account to continue pipeline safety operations, 
research and development, and grants. Of the total funds 
provided, $30,000,000 is from the oil spill liability trust 
fund, $160,041,000 is from the pipeline safety fund, $400,000 
is from the liquefied natural gas siting account within the 
pipeline safety fund, and $7,000,000 is from the underground 
natural gas storage facility safety account within the pipeline 
safety fund. The following table provides funding levels for 
activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research and development..........        $15,000,000        $13,000,000
State pipeline safety grants......         82,000,000         60,500,000
Underground natural gas storage             5,000,000          5,000,000
 facility safety grants...........
One-call state grants.............          1,058,000          1,058,000
State damage prevention grants....          1,500,000          1,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Advancing excavation damage prevention practices.--The 
Committee notes that in the 2023 round for the One-Call and 
State Damage Prevention grant programs, PHMSA encourages 
applicants to utilize electronic white lining (EWL) and 
enhanced positive response (EPR) as advanced excavation damage 
prevention practices. The Committee urges PHMSA to continue 
encouraging applicants for these grant programs to utilize EWL 
and EPR methods in subsequent award rounds. Further, the 
Committee requests PHMSA provide an update on the utilization 
of these practices by grantees within one year of enactment of 
this Act.
    Pipeline leak prevention pilot program.--Of the amounts 
provided for research and development, the Committee 
recommendation includes $1,000,000 for a pilot program to test 
and validate existing pipeline leak prevention and mitigation 
technology, including technologies that can be installed around 
existing oil, gas, carbon dioxide, and hazardous liquid pipes 
or installed with new pipelines to help protect High 
Consequence Areas and Unusually Sensitive Areas. The Committee 
directs PHMSA to provide a status of the pilot program within 
180 days of enactment of this Act.
    Pipeline safety rulemaking.--The Committee notes that PHMSA 
issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on class location change 
requirements on October 14, 2020. The Committee reminds PHMSA 
of the requirement in section 116 of the Protecting Our 
Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 
(Public Law 116-260) to hold a Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee 
meeting on this proposed rule no later than December 27, 2021.
    Staffing and hiring plans.--The Committee recommendation 
provides $65,430,000 for salaries and benefits. The 
recommendation includes $3,000,000 for hiring and retention 
incentives to recruit and retain highly qualified inspectors 
and engineers. However, the recommendation does not support the 
requested increases for Climate Change Mitigation staff. 
Further, the Committee directs the PHMSA to provide a report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 
120 days after enactment of this Act detailing (1) staffing and 
hiring plans for fiscal year 2024; (2) information on the 
actual turnover and hiring in fiscal year 2023; and (3) 
outcomes for the workforce retention and recruitment strategies 
the PHMSA implemented or continued in fiscal year 2023.

                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $28,318,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024*.....................        46,825,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        28,318,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -18,507,000
 
*The President's Budget requests a removal of the obligation limitation
  for the Emergency Preparedness account.

    The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 
of 1990 (P.L. 101-615) requires the PHMSA to: (1) develop and 
implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grants program; 
(2) monitor public sector emergency response training and 
planning and provide technical assistance to states, political 
subdivisions, and tribal governments; and (3) develop and 
periodically update a mandatory training curriculum for 
emergency responders.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides an obligation 
limitation of $28,318,000 for the emergency preparedness 
grants, to remain available until 2026.

                      Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $108,073,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       121,001,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       121,001,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +12,928,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established in 
1978 to provide an objective and independent organization that 
would be more effective in: (1) preventing and detecting fraud, 
waste, and abuse in departmental programs and operations; and 
(2) providing a means of keeping the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Congress fully and currently informed of 
problems and deficiencies in the administration of such 
programs and operations. According to the authorizing 
legislation, the Inspector General is to report dually to the 
Secretary of Transportation and to the Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $121,001,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General.
    Audit reports.--The Committee directs the OIG to continue 
transmitting all audit reports to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations immediately after they are issued, 
and to continue to make the Committee aware immediately of any 
review that recommends cancellation or modifications to any 
major acquisition project or grant, or which recommends 
significant budgetary savings.
    Oversight of IIJA implementation.--The Committee applauds 
the plan the OIG has established and begun to implement for 
monitoring and conducting oversight of the Department's 
administration of such a large, rapid infusion of funds. As the 
Department and its Operating Administrations continue to expend 
IIJA funds, the Committee directs the OIG to notify the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations immediately of any 
significant problems, abuses, or deficiencies it finds through 
its monitoring of IIJA spending.

            General Provisions--Department of Transportation

    Section 180 provides authorization for Department of 
Transportation (DOT) to maintain and operate aircraft, hire 
passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, purchase liability 
insurance, pay for uniforms, and purchase and operate unmanned 
aircraft systems.
    Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, up to the rate 
permitted for an executive level IV.
    Section 182 prohibits recipients of funds in this Act from 
disseminating personal information obtained by state DMVs in 
connection to motor vehicle records with an exception.
    Section 183 prohibits funds in this Act for salaries and 
expenses of more than 125 political and presidential appointees 
in DOT.
    Section 184 stipulates that revenue collected by the 
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Railroad 
Administration from states, counties, municipalities, other 
public authorities, and private sources for training may be 
credited to specific accounts within the agencies with an 
exception for state rail safety inspectors participating in 
training.
    Section 185 prohibits DOT from using funds made available 
by this Act or in title VIII of division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) to make a 
loan, loan guarantee, line of credit, letter of intent, 
Federally funded cooperative agreement, full funding grant 
agreement, or discretionary grant unless DOT gives a 3-day 
advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations. The provision requires DOT to provide a 
comprehensive list of all such loans, loan guarantees, lines of 
credit, letters of intent, Federally funded cooperative 
agreements, full funding grant agreements, and discretionary 
grants that will be announced with a 3-day advance notice to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. The 
provision also requires concurrent notice of any ``quick 
release'' of funds from the FHWA's emergency relief program and 
prohibits notifications from involving funds not available for 
obligation.
    Section 186 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of DOT.
    Section 187 requires reprogramming actions to be approved 
or denied by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 
and reprogramming notifications shall be transmitted solely to 
the Appropriations Committees.
    Section 188 allows funds appropriated to operating 
administrations to be obligated for the Office of the Secretary 
for costs related to assessments only when such funds provide a 
direct benefit to the operating administrations.
    Section 189 authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program 
that establishes uniform standards for developing and 
supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits, including 
distribution of transit benefits.
    Section 190 allows the use of funds to assist a contract 
utilizing geographic, economic, or other hiring preference not 
otherwise authorized by law, only if certain requirements are 
met related to availability of local labor, displacement of 
existing employees, and delays in transportation plans.
    Section 191 directs the Secretary of Transportation to work 
with the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that best 
practices for industrial control systems procurement are up to 
date and that systems procured with funds provided under this 
title were pro- cured using such practices.
    Section 192 prohibits funds from being used to require 
information, criteria, reporting requirements, or submissions 
with respect to any grant program of DOT in accordance with an 
equity action plan.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT


                     Management and Administration


                           EXECUTIVE OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $18,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        20,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        18,699,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          +199,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................        -1,601,000
 

    The Executive Offices (EO) account funds the salaries and 
expenses for the leadership and executive management offices of 
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 
Specifically, these offices are the Office of the Secretary, 
including the Executive Secretariat Division, the Office of the 
Deputy Secretary, the Office of Congressional and 
Intergovernmental Relations, the Office of Public Affairs, the 
Office of Adjudicatory Services, the Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, and the Center for Faith-
Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $18,699,000 for the Executive 
Offices for fiscal year 2024. This amount reflects the 
realignment of funding for information technology end-user 
devices and wireless support from the Information Technology 
Fund to the salaries and expenses accounts.
    The Committee approves the Department's request to 
establish a nonrecurring expenses fund. HUD is directed to 
continue providing a report on expired balances within 90 days 
of the end of each fiscal year, as requested in the Joint 
Explanatory Statement (the JES) that accompanied the fiscal 
year 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
    Fraud risk management.--Within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act, the Committee requests HUD to report to the Committee on 
its plan to address the open recommendations in the 2022 HUD 
Office of Inspector General's audit of HUD's Fraud Risk 
Management Program (2023-09FO-0001), including planned 
completion dates.
    Improper payments.--The Committee strongly urges HUD to 
address the systemic challenge it faces in completing testing 
and mitigation requirements for programs that are susceptible 
to significant improper payments. Within 180 days of the 
issuance of HUD OIG's audit under the Payment Integrity 
Information Act of 2019 (PIIA), HUD is requested to brief the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations about its 
progress in addressing OIG priority and other open 
recommendations related to its noncompliance with PIIA.
    Investment in Central Appalachia.--To diversify and enhance 
economic opportunities, the Committee encourages the Secretary 
to prioritize discretionary funding to distressed counties 
within the Central Appalachian region to help communities and 
regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, 
coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain 
industries due to the economic downturn of the coal industry.
    Violence Against Women Act.--The Committee supports 
strengthened protections for survivors of domestic violence, 
dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the Violence 
Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (division W of 
P.L. 117-103). The Committee continues the increased funding 
provided in fiscal year 2023 for staffing for the Office of 
Gender-based Violence Prevention under the Executive Offices. 
The Committee directs the Department to continue providing the 
updates requested in the JES.

                     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $659,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       716,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       664,287,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +4,687,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -52,013,000
 

    The Administrative Support Offices (ASO) appropriation pays 
for the staff and activity cost that cannot be attributable to 
specific Department programs. ASO offices provide Department-
wide services for both the programs and the program staff. 
Specifically, these offices are: the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer, the Office of the General Counsel, Office of 
the Assistant Secretary for Administration, the Office of Field 
Policy and Management, the Office of Departmental Equal 
Employment Opportunity, and the Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the following amounts for each ASO 
office. These amounts reflect the realignment of funding for 
information technology end-user devices and wireless support 
from the Information Technology Fund to the salaries and 
expenses accounts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Administrative Support Offices          Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.      $99,500,000      $90,380,000
Office of the General Counsel.........      133,000,000      125,833,000
Office of Administration..............      242,500,000      226,682,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital            56,250,000       51,743,000
 Officer..............................
Office of the Chief Procurement              32,300,000       28,137,000
 Officer..............................
Office of Field Policy and Management.       70,250,000       66,130,000
Office of Departmental Equal                  5,000,000        4,630,000
 Employment Opportunity...............
Office of the Chief Information              77,500,000       70,752,000
 Officer..............................
                                       ---------------------------------
    Total.............................      716,300,000      664,287,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hiring and separation report.--The Committee continues to 
direct the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office 
of the Human Capital Officer to submit semi-annual reports to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on hiring and 
separations by program office. This report should include 
position titles, location, associated full-time equivalent 
(FTE), total number of un-filled FTEs, and the length of time 
each individual FTE has been unfilled. The reports should 
include the Office of Inspector General and Government National 
Mortgage Association.
    Office space.--The recommendation includes not less than 
$4,680,000 as requested, to address urgent, previously unfunded 
Robert C. Weaver Federal Building deferred maintenance and 
modernization of critical infrastructure systems that are well 
past their useful lives and at high risk of failure. Not later 
than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary is 
directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations an expenditure plan for these funds. Any changes 
to this plan are subject to the reprogramming process described 
in section 405 of this Act.
    Reorganization proposals.--The Committee approves the 
proposals that are budget neutral for the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer, the Office of the General Counsel, and the 
Office of the Chief Information Officer. The Committee does not 
approve the creation of the Office of Strategic Planning and 
Customer Experience under the Office of the Chief Financial 
Officer, or the creation of the Equal Opportunity Support 
Services Division under the Office of Departmental Equal 
Employment Opportunity. The Committee also does not approve the 
consolidation of accounts into one funding line within the 
Office of Administration.

                            PROGRAM OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $1,054,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,130,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,062,065,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +7,765,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -68,335,000
 

    The Program Offices appropriation pays for the staff cost 
attributable to specific Department programs, whereas the cost 
of the assistance is accounted for in the preceding program 
accounts. Each office implements one or more HUD programs.
           The Office of Public and Indian Housing 
        oversees the administration of the public housing, 
        housing choice voucher, and all of HUD's Native 
        American and Native Hawaiian programs.
           The Office of Community Planning and 
        Development is responsible for the administration of 
        community development block grants (CDBG), the HOME 
        investment partnerships, homeless assistance grants, 
        and other community development programs.
           The Office of Housing implements Federal 
        Housing Administration multi- and single-family 
        homeownership programs and assisted rental housing 
        programs.
           The Office of Policy Development and 
        Research directs the Department's annual research 
        agenda to support the research and evaluation of 
        housing and other departmental initiatives to improve 
        HUD's effectiveness and operational efficiencies.
           The Office of Fair Housing and Equal 
        Opportunity receives, investigates, conciliates, and 
        recommends the issuance of charges of discrimination 
        and determinations of non-compliance for complaints 
        filed under title VIII and other civil rights 
        authorities.
           The Office of Lead Hazard Control and 
        Healthy Homes is responsible for the lead-based paint 
        hazard reduction program and addressing multiple 
        housing-related hazards affecting the health of 
        residents, particularly children.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the following amounts for each 
Program Office. These amounts reflect the realignment of 
funding for information technology end-user devices and 
wireless support from the Information Technology Fund to the 
salaries and expenses accounts.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Program Offices                Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Public and Indian              $295,000,000       $280,117,000
 Housing..........................
Office of Community Planning and          173,000,000        164,507,000
 Development......................
Office of Housing.................        500,000,000        468,286,000
Office of Policy Development and           44,000,000         39,884,000
 Research.........................
Office of Fair Housing and Equal          107,200,000         98,081,000
 Opportunity......................
Office of Lead Hazard Control and          11,200,000         11,190,000
 Healthy Homes....................
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      1,130,400,000      1,062,065,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Reorganization proposals.--The Committee approves the 
proposals included in the fiscal year 2024 budget request to 
reorganize and rename the Office of Finance and Budget within 
the Office of Housing, and realign and rename field operations 
and operations functions in the Office of Fair Housing and 
Equal Opportunity. All other proposals are not approved pending 
additional information from the offices.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development's working 
capital fund (WCF), in its present form, was established by the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114-113) to perform 
a limited number of commodity-like administrative functions 
where economies of scale can be achieved. These functions are 
limited in statute to the following: financial management, 
procurement, travel, relocation, human resources, printing, 
records management, space renovation, furniture, and supply 
services.
    The Committee does not provide any funding to the WCF. 
Instead, the WCF staff and its activities are funded with 
reimbursements from the Department's salary and expenses 
accounts (i.e., Executive Offices, Administrative Support 
Offices, Program Offices, and Government National Mortgage 
Association).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee approves the realignment of funding for 
information technology end-user devices and wireless support 
from the Information Technology Fund to the salaries and 
expenses accounts in order to reimburse the Working Capital 
Fund for these services. The Committee also approves the 
proposal to carry out a space renovation and furniture pilot 
for fiscal year 2024, provided projects are small scale and 
resource-neutral, and the Department provide the Committee 
advance notification before starting a project.
    Prior to exercising discretion to centrally fund an 
activity, the Secretary shall have established transparent and 
reliable unit cost accounting for the offices and agencies of 
the Department that use the activity, and shall have adequately 
trained staff within each affected office and agency on 
resource planning and accounting processes associated with the 
centralization of funds to this account.
    Prior to exercising its authority to transfer funds for 
activities beyond what is required for shared service 
agreements, the Committee directs HUD to establish a clear 
execution plan for centralizing the additional activities, and 
to transmit that plan to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations 30 days prior to transferring such funds into 
the WCF.

                       Public and Indian Housing


                     TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................   $27,599,532,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................    32,703,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    31,131,600,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    +3,532,068,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -1,571,400,000
 

    In fiscal year 2005, the housing certificate fund was 
separated into two new accounts: tenant-based rental assistance 
and project-based rental assistance. This account administers 
the tenant-based section 8 rental assistance program otherwise 
known as the housing choice voucher program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $31,131,600,000 for tenant-based 
rental assistance. Consistent with the budget request, the 
Committee continues the advance of $4,000,000,000 of the funds 
appropriated under this heading for section 8 programs to 
October 1, 2024. The following table provides funding levels 
for activities funded within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voucher renewals..................    $27,840,000,000    $27,374,554,000
    Tribal HUD-VASH...............   up to $5,000,000   up to $5,000,000
Administrative fees...............      3,202,000,000      2,734,046,000
Tenant protection vouchers........        385,000,000        337,000,000
Section 811 mainstream vouchers...        686,000,000        686,000,000
Mobility services demonstration...         25,000,000              - - -
Incremental vouchers..............        565,000,000              - - -
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................     32,703,000,000     31,131,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Voucher renewals.--The Committee provides $27,374,554,000 
for the renewal of tenant-based vouchers. The Committee directs 
the Department to monitor and report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations each quarter on the trends in 
section 8 subsidies and to report on the required program 
alterations due to changes in rent or changes in tenant income.
    Voucher utilization and reserves.--The Committee notes that 
some public housing agencies (PHAs) have significant Housing 
Choice Voucher (HCV) reserves. While some reserves are 
necessary for prudent program management, the Committee urges 
PHAs to make efforts to utilize their reserves to better serve 
families on wait lists. The Committee urges HUD to work with 
PHAs to assess reserve levels as needed.
    Veterans Affairs supportive housing (VASH).--The Committee 
recognizes the value and impact of the HUD-VASH program, which 
serves veterans experiencing homelessness. Since 2008, the 
Committee has provided more than $985,000,000 in targeted 
funding to increase the number of HUD-VASH vouchers available 
to address veteran homelessness and billions of dollars have 
been made available to renew HUD-VASH vouchers over the same 
period. The Committee recommendation includes the renewal of 
approximately 79,000 HUD-VASH vouchers under lease, and retains 
funding from prior years to continue to lease up the remaining 
29,600 vouchers awarded.
    Case management services are critically important to the 
success of the program, and PHAs rely on Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA) Medical Center referrals to house veterans. In 
fiscal year 2021, the Committee directed HUD to work with the 
VA to determine how PHAs can become designated entities to 
screen for eligibility and make referrals to the VA for 
services. Further, the Committee directed the VA and HUD to use 
its existing authorities to allow PHAs to house and provide 
services to veterans in the interim. The Committee directs HUD 
to continue its coordination with the VA and issue guidance no 
later than one year after enactment of this Act on how PHAs can 
coordinate with local VA Medical Centers to improve service 
delivery and referrals for HUD-VASH eligible veterans awaiting 
a VA-issued referral to ensure no veteran goes unserved where 
housing and services remain available. The Committee 
recommendation provides $5,000,000 for PHAs administering 
temporary case management and supportive services for HUD-VASH 
eligible veterans awaiting a referral from the VA. The 
Committee encourages PHAs to work with the Department of 
Veterans Affairs to utilize the nearly 30,000 HUD-VASH vouchers 
that remain available.
    The Committee continues to direct HUD to work 
collaboratively with the VA to develop performance metrics to 
track and assess the impact of program flexibilities on 
utilization, ways to increase leasing, the effectiveness of the 
program, and the distribution of resources. The Committee 
continues to encourage HUD to use existing authority to 
recapture HUD-VASH voucher assistance from PHAs that 
voluntarily declare they no longer have a need for that 
assistance, and to reallocate such HUD-VASH voucher assistance 
to PHAs with an identified need. The Committee directs HUD to 
expeditiously provide the report required by the fiscal year 
2021 and 2022 Joint Explanatory Statements on methods to 
reallocate unused HUD-VASH vouchers, which shall include a 
determination of the feasibility of issuing a new solicitation 
of participation for unallocated HUD-VASH vouchers.
    Vouchers for homeless Native American veterans.--The 
Committee provides up to $5,000,000 for rental assistance and 
associated administrative costs for Tribal HUD-VASH to serve 
Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of 
homelessness living on or near a reservation, or other Indian 
area. The Committee anticipates that this funding will be 
needed to renew previously provided assistance. This program 
was first funded in fiscal year 2015, and because of the unique 
nature of the program, a separate renewal line is required. 
These resources are in addition to the HUD-VASH program.
    The Committee recognizes that the rural and remote nature 
of many tribal communities presents unique barriers to hiring 
and retaining qualified professionals who meet the VA's 
standards for case managers. The Committee encourages HUD to 
continue working collaboratively with the VA and Tribal HUD-
VASH funding recipients to implement their programs. In 
addition, the Committee urges HUD to ensure that Tribal HUD-
VASH funding recipients unable to fully implement their program 
due to challenges hiring and retaining case managers are not 
treated inequitably due to delays, particularly in performance 
evaluations and when applying for continued funding.
    Tenant protection vouchers.--The Committee provides 
$337,000,000 for tenant protection vouchers. In its annual 
notice of funding awards for tenant protection vouchers, the 
Department shall also include each specific property ID and 
name that experienced a triggering event to support each 
funding award. The notice should also identify which types of 
properties are initiating transfers and the contributing 
circumstances.
    Section 811 mainstream vouchers.--The Committee provides 
$686,000,000 for section 811 tenant-based subsidies. This level 
of funding is sufficient to renew previously awarded eligible 
vouchers.
    Supportive housing for people with mental illness pilot.--
The Committee is concerned that people with serious mental 
illness and people who struggle with addiction have inadequate 
access to housing and supportive services. Because of the 
frequency with which people with serious mental illness and 
people who struggle with addiction end up in hospitals and 
public institutions like jails, prisons, and emergency shelters 
and the resulting cost to the public, the Committee encourages 
HUD to include training and technical assistance on the 
implementation of restoration housing centers that provide 
psychiatric stabilization with long-acting medication and 
behavioral health treatment. In fiscal year 2021, the Committee 
requested a report from HUD and the Department of Health and 
Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration (SAMHSA) on the feasibility of such a program. 
In fiscal year 2023, the Committee provided up to $5,000,000 
for public housing agencies to partner with SAMHSA grantees 
under the projects for assistance in transition from 
homelessness (PATH) program to support new housing vouchers for 
individuals concurrently seeking housing and mental health 
supportive services. The Committee reminds HUD of this 
directive and requests a briefing for the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on HUD's progress within 180 days 
of enactment of this Act.
    Homeless veterans on the United States-Mexico border.--The 
Committee notes that there are many homeless veterans living on 
the United States-Mexico border, many of whom have not 
historically been counted in the point-in-time homelessness 
survey. The Committee directs HUD to ensure that HUD-VASH 
vouchers are made available to this population. The Committee 
looks forward to reviewing the work directed in House Report 
117-402 to develop strategies and recommendations for 
addressing and reducing veteran homelessness on the southern 
border. The Department is directed to brief the Committee on 
these efforts within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.

                        HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

    The housing certificate fund, until fiscal year 2005, 
provided funding for both the project-based and tenant-based 
components of the section 8 program. Project-based rental 
assistance and tenant- based rental assistance are now 
separately funded accounts. The housing certificate fund 
retains balances from previous years' appropriations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Act allows unobligated balances in the housing 
certificate fund to be used for the renewal of or amendments to 
section 8 project-based contracts and for performance-based 
contract administrators.

                          PUBLIC HOUSING FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $8,514,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     8,893,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     8,363,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -151,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -530,000,000
 

    The public housing fund provides funding for public housing 
capital programs, including public housing development and 
modernization. Examples of capital modernization projects 
include replacing roofs and windows, improving common spaces, 
upgrading electrical and plumbing systems, and renovating the 
interior of an apartment.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,363,000,000 for the public 
housing fund to support the operating and capital expenses of 
more than 917,000 public housing units in calendar year 2024.
    Operating and capital formula grants.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $5,103,000,000 to allocate to PHAs by 
formula to support the operating expenses of public housing. Of 
the funding provided for operating formula grants, the 
Committee recommendation includes up to $20,000,000 for 
resident participation activities, including capacity building 
and technical assistance. The Committee recommendation provides 
$3,180,000,000 to allocate to PHAs by formula to support the 
maintenance of public housing. This level of funding will 
address the estimated accrual need in calendar year 2024 to 
prevent the loss of any public housing unit to disrepair.
    Shortfall prevention.--The Committee recommendation 
provides $25,000,000 for shortfall prevention to reduce the 
risk of financial insolvency for high risk PHAs.
    Emergency and disaster grants.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $40,000,000 for emergency capital 
needs, excluding Presidentially-declared disasters.
    Administrative and judicial receiverships.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $15,000,000 to support the costs of 
administrative and judicial receiverships.
    Quality assurance of physical inspections.--The Committee 
is troubled by reports of deplorable living conditions found in 
some HUD-subsidized properties across the country. The scope of 
this issue spans geographic regions, highlights systemic 
problems, and calls into question the effectiveness of HUD's 
oversight, and the real estate assessment center (REAC) 
inspections of HUD-assisted housing. The Committee encourages 
the Department to work with the Committee on enforcement 
actions, including civil monetary penalties, that HUD can take 
to ensure PHAs and landlords maintain the physical quality of 
HUD-assisted units. Similarly, while the Committee is 
supportive of efforts to quickly issue tenant-protection 
vouchers, the issuance of these vouchers is a tacit 
acknowledgement that the Department has failed to ensure units 
are maintained as decent, safe, and sanitary. Additionally, 
failure to maintain the physical condition of HUD-assisted 
properties results in a loss of critical affordable housing and 
tenant protection vouchers are of questionable value to 
families that encounter a lack of affordable housing in their 
communities.
    The Committee is hopeful that the recently published final 
rule implementing National Standards for the Physical 
Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) will improve conditions for 
tenants in assisted housing. The Committee encourages the 
Department to work with stakeholders to address their concerns 
and respond to stakeholder concerns and questions in a timely 
manner. The Committee directs the Department to brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of 
enactment of this Act regarding the progress of the NSPIRE 
inspections and early trends and findings.

        OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND RISK ASSESSMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       $61,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        51,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +51,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -10,000,000
 

    The Operational Performance Evaluation and Risk Assessments 
(OPERA) account will support residents of HUD housing in 
providing financial, health, and safety inspections to over 2.4 
million units of subsidized and affordable housing.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $51,000,000 for the 
OPERA account. This will allow HUD's Real Estate Assessment 
Center to evaluate HUD rental housing assistance programs for 
which the new National Standards for the Physical Inspection of 
Real Estate apply. This activity was previously funded under 
the Public Housing Fund and multiple Office of Housing 
accounts, totaling $74,200,000 in fiscal year 2023.

                    CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $350,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       185,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -350,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -185,000,000
 

    The choice neighborhoods initiative leverages public and 
private funding to support locally driven strategies that 
transform underserved neighborhoods with distressed public and/
or HUD-assisted housing into neighborhoods of choice through a 
comprehensive approach.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends no new funds for this program.

                       SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $175,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       175,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       175,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The self-sufficiency programs account funds several 
programs which help low-income individuals and families living 
in subsidized housing enhance job skills, increase earnings, 
and improve their economic security. The family self-
sufficiency (FSS) program provides grants for FSS coordinators 
to public housing authorities (PHAs) and the Economic Growth, 
Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 115-174) 
expanded eligibility to residents of project-based rental 
assistance (PBRA) properties. The resident opportunity and 
self-sufficiency (ROSS) program funds service coordinators to 
work with residents of public and Indian housing, and the jobs-
plus initiative provides grants to PHAs, which are required to 
partner with Department of Labor jobs centers.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $175,000,000 for the 
self-sufficiency programs account. The following table provides 
funding levels for activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family self-sufficiency...........       $125,000,000       $125,000,000
Resident opportunity and self-             35,000,000         35,000,000
 sufficiency......................
Jobs-plus initiative..............         15,000,000         15,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................        175,000,000        175,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FSS performance measurement system.--In 2017, HUD issued a 
notice requesting comment on a proposed performance measurement 
system for PHAs receiving FSS program coordinator grants. On 
November 15, 2018, HUD issued a final notice on the new 
performance measurement system with revisions to the 
methodology used to compute FSS performance scores in response 
to public comments received to the notice. According to the 
final notice entitled ``Family Self-Sufficiency Performance 
Measurement System (``Composite Score'')'', a PHA's FSS 
performance score will be calculated based on an earnings 
performance measure, graduation rate, and participation rate. 
While HUD intended to begin using this performance measurement 
system in determining FSS funding awards in fiscal year 2019, 
section 236 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2020 (P.L. 116-94), section 233 of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), section 230 of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), and 
section 229 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 
117-328) prohibited HUD from considering performance measures 
or scores in making funding awards for the FSS program. The 
Committee supports the intent of HUD's efforts to evaluate 
individual FSS programs, which could provide HUD vital 
information on the FSS program overall and inform best 
practices and technical assistance. However, the Committee 
considers the focus on earnings, graduation rate, and 
participation rate to be too narrow in scope and insufficient 
in terms of measuring success and outcomes for individuals 
participating in the program. For example, while graduation 
rates are important such a metric does not provide insights 
into how graduation from the FSS program may result in 
individuals exiting HUD-assisted housing and no longer needing 
rental assistance. The Committee understands that HUD is 
working to make further improvements to the performance 
measurement system and directs HUD to consider additional 
metrics focused on social outcomes for individuals. Further, 
the Committee reminds HUD to brief the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on the proposed improvements to 
the performance measurement system no later than 30 days after 
its completion of this effort as directed in P.L. 117-103.
    FSS data.--The Committee directs HUD to include in its 
annual budget submission to Congress data showing FSS 
participation, escrow accumulation, and graduation rates for 
the FSS program, including data from participating entities 
without coordinator grants.
    FSS program.--The Committee expects HUD to continue to 
provide technical assistance and training as appropriate in 
order to share best-practices on the FSS program.
    Easing barriers to FSS participation.--For new families 
enrolling in the FSS program in 2024, the Committee directs 
that the income and rent amounts to be used in the ``Program 
Contract of Participation'' shall be taken from the amounts on 
the last reexamination or interim determination before the 
family's initial participation in the FSS program.
    Tribal participation.--The Committee reminds HUD, 
applicants, and residents of HUD-assisted housing that Tribes 
and tribally designated housing entities are eligible 
applicants for the ROSS program.

                        NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................     $1,020,000000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,053,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,344,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      +324,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      +291,000,000
 

    The Native American programs account funds the Native 
American housing block grants and Indian community development 
block grant programs. The Native American housing block grants 
program, authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance 
and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), provides funding 
to American Indian Tribes and tribally designated housing 
entities (TDHEs) to help address affordable housing needs in 
tribal communities. The Indian community development block 
grant program, authorized under title I of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1974, provides American Indian 
Tribes the opportunity to compete for funding to address tribal 
community development needs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $1,344,000,000 for 
the Native American programs account. The bill includes the 
legislative proposal referenced in the request to increase 
flexibility for new housing construction by Indian tribes in 
the Indian Community Development Block Grant program. The bill 
also includes added flexibility for tribes participating in the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program to use Formula Current Assisted Stock 
when needed.
    The following table provides funding levels for activities 
within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Native American housing block            $820,000,000     $1,110,000,000
 grants formula...................
Native American housing block             150,000,000        150,000,000
 grants competitive...............
Title VI loan program.............          1,000,000          2,000,000
Indian community development block         75,000,000         75,000,000
 grant............................
Training and technical assistance.          7,000,000          7,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      1,053,000,000      1,344,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Native American housing block grant formula.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $1,110,000,000 for Indian Housing Block 
Grant (IHBG) program formula grants. This historic level of 
funding allows the program to meet the buying power of its 
original funding level in 1998. The Committee understands the 
importance of taking inflation into account to ensure the 
program meets the needs of Tribes today. The Committee places a 
high priority on meeting the housing treaty and trust 
responsibilities of the Federal government to Tribes through 
its formula grants.
    Competitive grants.--A 2017 HUD report confirmed that 
homelessness in tribal areas translates into overcrowded homes, 
finding that between 42,000 and 85,000 Native Americans were 
living with friends or relatives only because they had no place 
of their own and to prevent homelessness. In addition, 23 
percent of households in tribal areas experienced plumbing, 
kitchen, heating, electrical, and maintenance problems which is 
significantly more than the five percent of all U.S. households 
experiencing similar issues. According to HUD's report, 33,000 
new units are needed in Indian country to eliminate 
overcrowding and another 35,000 new units are needed to replace 
units that are physically inadequate. Recognizing this 
significant need in tribal communities across the country, the 
Committee has appropriated $700,000,000 over the past six 
fiscal years for competitive grants to eligible recipients 
under NAHASDA to spur the construction and rehabilitation of 
housing. To date, HUD has awarded funding from fiscal years 
2018 through 2021, which is expected to result in approximately 
2,238 new and rehabilitated housing units. The Committee 
recommendation provides $150,000,000 to continue to assist 
tribal communities with expanding affordable housing and 
improving housing conditions through this competitive grant 
program.
    The Committee directs HUD to administer the fiscal year 
2024 funding as a stand-alone competition and to review and 
score each application in its entirety. HUD shall not combine 
the fiscal year 2024 NOFO with prior or future year 
appropriations for the same purpose, except that any remaining 
unobligated balances from prior fiscal year competitions may be 
included in the fiscal year 2024 NOFO. While the fiscal year 
2024 NOFO should require applicants to meet a capacity 
threshold, it shall not provide additional points for capacity 
above want is needed to successfully administer these grants. 
Further, the Committee notes that $1,727,000 in funding 
appropriated in fiscal year 2017 remains available in the 
section 184 loan guarantee program for the construction of 
rental housing for law enforcement, health care, educational, 
technical, and other skilled workers. The Committee appreciates 
the outreach efforts the Department has undertaken in 
consulting Tribes on this program and encourages Tribes and 
TDHEs to consider utilizing this support for workforce housing 
when developing projects for these competitive grants.
    Training and technical assistance.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $7,000,000 for training and technical 
assistance needs in Indian country to support the Native 
American housing block grants program, the Indian community 
development block grant program, and other HUD programs in 
order to meet the needs of Native American families and tribal 
communities. The Committee directs HUD to use this funding to 
aid Tribes with capacity challenges. The funding should be used 
for training, contract expertise, inspections, and other 
services necessary to address needs identified by Tribes. Of 
the total funding provided for training and technical 
assistance, not less than $2,000,000 shall be awarded to a 
national organization as authorized by section 703 of NAHASDA.
    Waitlists.--The Committee notes that some tribal 
communities face long waitlists for safe and affordable 
housing. The Committee encourages HUD to prioritize training 
and technical assistance to Tribes and TDHEs with long housing 
waitlists in order to assist such Tribes and TDHEs in 
maximizing their annual Native American housing block grants 
formula funding. In addition, the Committee encourages HUD to 
consider long housing waitlists as part of the assessment of 
need in the fiscal year 2024 NOFO for the Native American 
housing block grants competitive program.

           INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $5,521,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................           906,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,500,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -4,021,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................          +594,000
 

    Section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1992 established a loan guarantee program for Native American 
individuals, Tribes, and tribally designated housing entities 
to build new housing or purchase existing housing on trust 
land. This program provides access to private financing that 
otherwise might be unavailable because of the unique legal 
status of Indian trust land.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $1,500,000 for the 
Indian housing loan guarantee fund program account. The 
recommendation allows HUD to use prior year unobligated 
balances to support the cost of section 184 guaranteed loans. 
The fiscal year 2024 funding combined with the unobligated 
balances will support a total loan volume of up to 
$1,800,000,000. The bill includes the legislative proposal 
referenced in the request to remove geographic disparities and 
expand program service areas to all Tribal members and Native 
Hawaiians, regardless of where they purchase a home.
    Financial reporting and lending pause.--The Committee is 
concerned about the annual pause and delayed start in lending 
at the beginning of a fiscal year for the Indian Housing Loan 
Guarantee program because of HUD's financial system 
requirements. The Committee understands the need for robust 
financial controls but is concerned that tribal members are 
unfairly penalized when trying to secure mortgages in September 
and October, unlike their counterpart borrowers through non-
tribal federal guaranteed mortgage programs. The Committee 
directs HUD to pursue process improvements that would lessen 
the amount of time that this program is paused, to allow tribal 
members to close mortgages without delays. The Department is 
directed to brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on its findings and efforts within 270 days of 
enactment of this Act.
    Bureau of Indian Affairs coordination.--The Committee is 
concerned with reports of delays in processing Section 184 
mortgage packages by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of 
Indian Affairs (BIA). The Committee encourages HUD to work with 
BIA to improve coordination to decrease the delay for tribal 
members in closing a mortgage. The Committee directs HUD to 
brief the House and Senate Committees on progress and areas for 
improvement within 180 days of enactment of this Act.

                  NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $22,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        22,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        22,300,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created 
the Native Hawaiian housing block grant program to provide 
grants to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands 
(DHHL) for housing activities on Hawaiian home lands, in order 
to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing for 
eligible low-income Native Hawaiians.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $22,300,000 for the 
Native Hawaiian housing block grant program. The Committee 
directs the Department to continue to provide technical 
assistance to DHHL in developing and executing plans to meet 
the housing needs of low-income Native Hawaiians.

      NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

    Section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act 
of 1992 established a loan guarantee program for Native 
Hawaiians who are eligible to reside on Hawaiian home lands and 
would otherwise face barriers to acquiring such financing 
because of the unique legal status of the Hawaiian home lands.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Act provides up to $21,000,000 in loan guarantee 
commitment authority to make section 184A loans and provides 
the Secretary the authority to guarantee refinance loans.

                   Community Planning and Development


              HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $499,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       505,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       505,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +6,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The housing opportunities for persons with AIDS (HOPWA) 
program provides states and localities with resources to 
address the housing needs of low-income persons living with 
HIV/AIDS. Stable housing can reduce risky behavior, improve 
adherence to medication, and reduce HIV transmission. Funding 
is distributed primarily by formula to qualifying states and 
metropolitan areas based on the number of individuals living 
with HIV/AIDS reported to the Centers for Disease Control, 
housing costs, and poverty rates. Government grantees are 
required to have a HUD-approved comprehensive plan.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $505,000,000 for HOPWA to remain 
available until September 30, 2025, except that amounts 
allocated pursuant to 854(c)(5) shall remain available until 
September 30, 2026.

                       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $6,397,285,641
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     3,415,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     5,554,267,912
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -843,017,729
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    +2,139,267,912
 

    The community development fund, authorized by the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), 
provides funding, primarily through community development block 
grants (CDBG), to state and local governments and other 
eligible entities to carry out community and economic 
development activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $5,554,267,912 for the 
community development fund, to remain available until September 
30, 2026. Of the total, the Committee recommendation provides 
$3,300,000,000 for the CDBG formula program. In addition, the 
community development fund recommendation includes $30,000,000 
for activities authorized under the section 8071 of the SUPPORT 
for Patients and Communities Act. The Committee recommendation 
continues to require HUD to notify grantees of their formula 
allocation within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
    In addition, under this heading, the Community Development 
Fund total provides $2,224,267,912 for community project 
funding through the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) 
program in accordance with the table at the end of this report 
to finance a variety of targeted housing, economic, and 
community development initiatives.
    Hurricane Sandy disaster recovery.--The Committee notes 
section 420 of title IV of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2023 (P.L. 117-328) provided that funds provided by chapter 9 
of title X of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act (P.L. 113-
2, division A; 127 Stat. 36) are to remain available until 
expended. The Committee requests that HUD work with disaster 
relief grantees of P.L. 113-2 regarding any duplicative 
payments of assistance or other improper payments that may have 
occurred and to take steps to remedy such payments, consistent 
with the requirements of federal law. The Committee urges HUD 
to consider reallocating amounts equal to any duplication of 
benefits previosly recaptured and made available for use under 
such heading, unless the Secretary, upon the request of a 
grantee, determines that it is not in the best interest of the 
Federal Government to pursue such remedies. The Committee 
requests HUD provide an update on any actions taken to remedy 
the issue no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act.
    Interagency coordination.--In order to enhance program 
design and administration at the local level, the Committee 
encourages HUD to coordinate with other agencies including but 
not limited to DOT, the Department of Commerce, and the 
Department of Agriculture to target resources and program goals 
for infrastructure and other projects funded under CDBG.
    Recovery housing.--Within 180 days of enactment of this 
Act, the Committee requests a briefing from HUD on the number 
of people per state in need of recovery housing and the 
availability in each state to enhance recovery housing 
strategies.

       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
Limitation, fiscal year 2023..........................      $300,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       400,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       300,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Limitation, fiscal year 2023......................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -100,000,000
 

    The section 108 loan guarantee program is a source of 
variable and fixed-rate financing for communities undertaking 
projects eligible under the CDBG program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation continues the section 108 loan 
guarantee program as a borrower-paid subsidy program, and 
therefore recommends providing no budget authority, but 
provides a limit on guaranteed loan volume of $300,000,000.
    Loan limitation.--The Committee acknowledges the 
Department's request to increase the limit on guaranteed loan 
volume. The Committee requests further details regarding the 
demand of the loan program and the impact of an increase in 
loan limitation on the fee structure.

                  HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $1,500,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,800,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       500,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    -1,000,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................    -1,300,000,000
 

    The HOME investment partnerships program (HOME) provides 
block grants to participating jurisdictions (states and units 
of general local government) to undertake activities that 
expand the supply of affordable housing. HOME block grants are 
distributed based on formula allocations. Upon receipt of these 
Federal funds, state and local governments develop a housing 
affordability strategy to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct 
new affordable housing, or to provide rental assistance to 
eligible families.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $500,000,000 for the HOME program. 
The Committee recommendation continues to require HUD to notify 
grantees of their formula allocation within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act.
    Affordable housing in rural communities.--The Committee 
directs the Department to brief the Committee within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act on the unique needs and challenges to 
increasing affordable housing stock in rural communities.
    Prioritization of activities to promote homeownership.--The 
Committee notes that American Rescue Plan (ARP, P.L. 117-2) 
provided $5,000,000,000 for specific HOME program activities 
related to rental housing construction and rental assistance. 
The Committee further notes that, to date, only one percent of 
HOME ARP program funding has been expended. Therefore, for 
funds provided in this Act, the Committee requests the 
Department to encourage participating jurisdictions to 
undertake activities listed within 42 U.S.C. 12742 not covered 
by the grant program included in section 3205 of P.L. 117-02 
(HOME-ARP).

   PRESERVATION AND REINVESTMENT INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $225,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -205,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       +20,000,000
 

    The Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community 
Enhancement (PRICE) program provides support for residents of 
manufactured housing, including manufactured home communities. 
The program provides grants for infrastructure, planning, 
resident and community services, resiliency, and other 
assistance, including land and site acquisition.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $20,000,000 for PRICE 
program. The Committee continues to direct the Department, to 
the extent practicable, to fund grants in a variety of 
geographic areas, including urban and rural communities, Tribal 
communities, and areas prone to natural disasters.
    PRICE implementation.--The Committee directs HUD to provide 
an update to the Committee no later than 60 days after 
enactment of this Act on the status of implementation of the 
PRICE program.

        SELF-HELP AND ASSISTED HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $62,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        60,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        60,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -2,500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity 
program account funds several programs. The self-help 
homeownership opportunity program (SHOP) supports low-income 
homeownership by providing funding to non-profit organizations 
and consortia that utilize the sweat-equity model to build 
housing for first-time homeowners. Funds are distributed 
through grants for land acquisition and improvements associated 
with developing new, quality housing for low-income persons. 
This account also funds the capacity building for affordable 
housing and community development program, known as section 4, 
and assistance to rural communities, as authorized by the HUD 
Demonstration Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-120), which provides grants 
to build and expand the capacity of non-profit organizations to 
develop affordable housing and carry out community development 
activities that benefit low-income persons. In addition, this 
account funds the veterans housing rehabilitation and 
modification pilot program, as authorized by the Carl Levin and 
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2015 (P.L. 113-291), which awards grants to 
non-profit organizations to assist in the rehabilitation and 
modification of the primary residence of veterans who have 
disabilities or low-incomes.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $60,000,000 for the 
self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity program 
account. The following table provides funding levels for 
activities within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Self-help homeownership                   $10,000,000        $10,000,000
 opportunity program..............
Section 4 capacity building.......         41,000,000         42,000,000
    Rural capacity building            [not less than     [not less than
     activities...................         5,000,000]         5,000,000]
National organizations rural                5,000,000          7,000,000
 capacity building................
Veterans housing rehabilitation             4,000,000          1,000,000
 and modification pilot program...
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................         60,000,000         60,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       HOMELESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $3,633,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     3,749,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,729,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +96,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -20,000,000
 

    Homeless assistance grants provide funding for programs 
under title IV of the McKinney Act, as amended by the Homeless 
Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) 
Act of 2009. HEARTH Act programs include the continuum of care 
(CoC) competitive grants, the emergency solutions grants (ESG) 
program, and the rural housing stability grants program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,729,000,000 for homeless 
assistance grants. Funding is provided in the amounts shown in 
the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emergency solutions grants................                  $290,000,000
Continuum of care (CoC) and rural housing                  3,350,000,000
 stability assistance.....................
    Projects to assist survivors of          [not less than $52,000,000]
     domestic violence, dating violence,
     sexual assault, or stalking..........
National homeless data analysis project...                     7,000,000
Comprehensive approach to serving homeless                    82,000,000
 youth....................................
    Youth homeless system improvement        [not less than $25,000,000]
     grants ..............................
    Technical assistance..................           [up to $10,000,000]
                                           -----------------------------
        Total.............................                 3,729,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Addressing the needs of survivors of domestic violence.--
The Committee recommendation includes not less than $52,000,000 
in competitive CoC grants for victim service to assist 
survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
assault, or stalking. The Committee recommends that such 
projects be eligible for renewal under the Continuum of Care 
program, subject to the same terms and conditions as other 
renewal applicants. It is the expectation of the Committee that 
HUD will work with continuums of care to ensure that such 
projects do not supplant projects eligible for renewal as part 
of the 2024 Continuum of Care grant competition.
    Annual homeless assessment report (AHAR) to Congress.--The 
Committee continues to be concerned that the AHAR does not 
include data on homelessness in tribal communities, as well as 
the U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. The Committee 
encourages the Department to take all reasonable steps to 
collect and publish homelessness estimates for these 
jurisdictions in forthcoming versions of the AHAR, in the same 
manner that such data is collected and published for states and 
the District of Columbia. The Committee also urges the 
Department to work with grantees on data quality, and to 
provide technical assistance when necessary.
    Data collection requirements.--The Committee notes that 
point-in-time (PIT) counts can pose a significant financial and 
logistical challenge to communities. Accordingly, the Committee 
requests HUD to provide a briefing on the data collection 
requirements of continuums of care. Specifically, this briefing 
should evaluate the benefits and challenges to relying on the 
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), along with other 
statistically reliable estimates and methods using available 
data to measure homeless populations, as opposed to PIT counts. 
The Committee requests this brief to occur within 120 days of 
enactment of this Act.
    Renewal calculation.--The Committee is aware that the CoC 
application process takes into account the estimated number and 
sizes of units for proposed projects and is used in the 
Department's determination of grant amount eligibility. 
Grantees have the ability to make changes to unit sizes by 
submitting to HUD an amendment to an existing grant agreement 
or by revising estimated needs through the renewal process in 
order to use grant amounts to support such units. The Committee 
encourages the Department to continue working with grantees 
through the renewal and grant agreement process to ensure grant 
amounts reflect the unit size under lease.
    Strategic funding for homelessness.--The Committee 
recognizes that although there are currently record-high 
Federal resources dedicated to addressing homelessness, the 
number of unhoused Americans has increased over the past ten 
years. In particular, there has been a rapid growth in the 
number of public encampments and individuals with substance use 
disorders. The Committee encourages the Department to evaluate 
the efficacy of current policies and consider new policies that 
lead toward better outcomes, prioritizing programs that require 
treatment for substance abuse and mental health, 
accountability, and a path to self-sufficiency.

                            Housing Programs


                    PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................   $13,937,580,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................    15,904,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    15,820,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................    +1,882,420,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -84,000,000
 

    The project-based rental assistance (PBRA) account provides 
a rental subsidy to private landlords tied to a specific 
housing unit so that the properties themselves, rather than the 
individual living in the unit, remain subsidized. PBRA provides 
safe, stable, and affordable housing to over 1,300,000 low-
income and very low-income households at approximately 17,700 
multifamily housing properties each year. Funding provided 
through this account supports the renewal of expiring project-
based contracts, including section 8, moderate rehabilitation, 
and single room occupancy contracts; amendments to section 8 
project-based contracts; and administrative costs for contract 
administration.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $15,820,000,000 for 
the project-based rental assistance account to support the 
annual renewals and amendments of project-based contracts. Of 
the total funds provided, up to $10,000,000 is for tenant 
education and outreach, which includes capacity building, 
technical assistance, and access to community services.
    Performance-based contract administrators (PBCAs).--The 
Department suspended PBCA management and occupancy reviews from 
2011 to 2016 in response to litigation filed against the 
Department over the procurement process. The Committee is 
troubled by the findings in the HUD OIG report 2020-FW-0001 
indicating that this suspension resulted in owners not meeting 
contract requirements and HUD incurring more than $5,600,000 in 
questionable costs. Furthermore, the Department's lack of 
monitoring resulted in ongoing compliance issues which have 
resulted in the physical deterioration of some properties and 
put the health and safety of residents at risk. The HUD OIG 
report demonstrates the important role PBCAs play in providing 
oversight and ensuring safety for residents. The Committee 
reiterates its concern about the Department's PBCA solicitation 
procedures, which have resulted in litigation, and due to the 
contract structure have increased costs. The Committee 
appreciates HUD's efforts to work with PBCAs to reinstate 
management and occupancy reviews and extend annual 
contributions contracts for existing PBCAs to prevent further 
disruptions to program operations. The Committee understands 
that HUD continues to work to develop a new solicitation for 
PBCA contracts that takes into account decisions by the Federal 
Circuit and Court of Appeals, complies with the Competition in 
Contracting Act, and meets requirements under the Federal 
Acquisition Regulations. The Committee reiterates that it is 
HUD's responsibility to implement a new competition and award 
procedure that includes stakeholder comments, full and open 
competition, and is compliant with all Federal laws and 
regulatory requirements.

                        HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................    $1,075,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................     1,023,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       913,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -162,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -110,000,000
 

    The housing for the elderly (section 202) program provides 
eligible private, non-profit organizations with capital grants 
to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of 
housing intended for low-income, elderly people. In addition, 
the program provides project-based rental assistance contracts 
(PRAC) to support operational costs for units constructed under 
the program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $913,000,000 for housing for the 
elderly, which will fully fund contract renewals and 
amendments. Within the total amount provided, up to 
$112,000,000 is provided for service coordinators and the 
continuation of congregate services grants to provide 
supportive services for residents, which will fully fund the 
renewal of approximately 1,600 existing service coordinator and 
congregate housing services grants plus new awards that will be 
determined based on the results of the fiscal year 2023 notice 
of funding opportunity (NOFO). In addition, up to $6,000,000 is 
to support preservation transactions of housing for the elderly 
originally developed by a capital advance and assisted by a 
project rental assistance contract.
    Investments in new construction.--From fiscal years 2018 to 
2023, the Committee has provided a total of $930,000,000 in 
funds for new construction. To date, the Department has awarded 
a total of $222,517,309 for 55 awards to create an estimated 
3,651 units for very low-income seniors. The Committee directs 
the Department to make all remaining funding provided in prior 
fiscal years available within 60 days of enactment of this Act, 
and to award that funding within 180 days of enactment of this 
Act.
    Intergenerational housing.--The Committee recognizes the 
critical need to provide housing opportunities for grandparents 
raising grandchildren in high poverty urban and rural areas. 
This need has only increased due to the opioid crisis and 
COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee provides up to $25,000,000 to 
expand the supply of intergenerational dwelling units as 
described in the Legacy Act (P.L. 108-186).

                 HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $360,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       356,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       208,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................      -152,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................      -148,000,000
 

    The housing for persons with disabilities (section 811) 
program provides eligible private, non-profit organizations 
with capital grants to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, 
or construction of supportive housing for disabled persons and 
provides project-based rental assistance to support operational 
costs for such units.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $208,000,000 for section 811 
activities, which will fully fund project rental assistance and 
project assistance contract renewals and amendments.
    Investments in new construction.--From fiscal years 2018 to 
2023, the Committee has provided a total of $515,055,000 for 
capital advances and project rental assistance contracts. The 
Department has awarded a total of $170,464,598 for 34 awards 
for housing for very low-income people with disabilities. The 
Committee directs the Department to expeditiously make all 
remaining funding provided in prior fiscal years available 
through a NOFO within 60 days of enactment of this Act and to 
award that funding within 180 days of enactment of this Act.

                     HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $57,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        66,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        57,500,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................        -8,500,000
 

    The Housing Counseling Assistance program, authorized under 
section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 
works with a nationwide network of housing counseling agencies 
and counselors to provide tools to current and prospective 
homeowners and renters so that they can make responsible 
choices to address their housing needs. Housing counseling 
services range from addressing homelessness and preventing 
foreclosures and evictions to planning for first-time home 
purchases. Housing counselors also provide assistance to 
victims of natural disasters.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For fiscal year 2024, the Committee recommends $57,500,000 
for Housing Counseling Assistance in the Office of Housing 
Counseling.
    Pre- and post-purchase homeownership counseling.--To 
improve the likelihood that an individual is ready for the 
long-term legal and financial responsibility of homeownership 
and that terms and conditions of a mortgage is well-matched 
with their personal and financial circumstances, not less than 
$5,000,000 of the funds made available under this heading is 
for HUD-approved housing counselors to provide pre- and post-
purchase counseling. The scope of pre-purchase counseling 
includes awareness of State and local property law and 
homeownership assistance programs such as down payment and 
closing cost assistance, gap financing, and sweat equity. The 
scope of post-purchase counseling includes home maintenance, 
repair, and safety to preserve the property and mortgage relief 
programs to preserve ownership where feasible.
    Public facing reporting.--The Committee directs the 
Department to, within 180 days of the enactment of this Act, 
make available electronically in a publicly accessible and 
downloadable format all HUD Form 9902 reports from Local 
Housing Counseling Agencies, Multi-State Housing Agencies, and 
State Housing Agencies from the previous fiscal quarter, and 
thereafter, in accordance with program regulatory reporting 
requirements.

            PAYMENT TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING FEES TRUST FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $14,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        14,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Office of Manufactured Housing Programs (OMHP) 
establishes and enforces Federal standards for the design and 
construction of manufactured homes to assure quality, 
durability, safety, and affordability. All manufactured homes 
are required to meet the Federal standards, and fees are 
charged to producers to cover the costs of administering the 
program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Manufactured housing energy standard.--The Committee 
directs the Department to coordinate with the Department of 
Energy when developing energy standards for manufactured 
housing. The goal of such coordination should be that any 
future energy standards would be agreed upon by both 
Departments prior to being adopted into the Manufactured 
Housing Construction and Safety Standards (24 CFR 3280). This 
coordination should ensure compliance with the statutory 
requirement that such standards are cost-effective with respect 
to housing affordability.

                     Federal Housing Administration


               MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Limitation of      Limitation of      Administrative
                                                            direct loans     guaranteed loans  contract expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023........................         $1,000,000   $400,000,000,000       $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024.......................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        165,000,000
Recommended in the bill................................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023....................              - - -              - - -              - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024...................              - - -              - - -        -15,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides mortgage 
insurance for the purchase, refinance, and rehabilitation of 
single- family homes. FHA mortgage insurance is designed to 
encourage lenders to make credit available to borrowers whom 
the conventional market perceives as bearing more risk, 
including first-time homebuyers, minorities, lower-income 
families, and residents of underserved areas.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    FHA small-dollar mortgages.--Despite the fact that lower-
priced homes constitute a disproportionate share of the housing 
stock in some areas of the country, many prospective homebuyers 
experience difficulty in securing traditional mortgage 
financing to purchase them. The Committee encourages the 
Department to continue researching single-family mortgage 
insurance policies, practices, and products for mortgages 
having an original principal obligation of $100,000 or less, 
including manufactured homes, and options for increasing the 
number of these loans submitted for Federal Housing Agency 
insurance endorsement.
    VA home loans.--The Committee recognizes that the 
Department of Veterans Affairs' home loan guaranty benefit is 
underutilized, and that many eligible veteran and servicemember 
homebuyers remain unaware of this benefit and the more 
favorable terms it can provide compared to a conventional 
mortgage loan. The Committee directs HUD to include a VA loan 
financing option in the existing Informed Consumer Choice 
Disclosure Notice which currently only compares conventional 
and FHA financing options.

                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Limitation of      Limitation of
                                       direct loans     guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...         $1,000,000    $35,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024..          1,000,000     35,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill...........          1,000,000     35,000,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year                  - - -              - - -
 2023.............................
    Budget request, fiscal year                 - - -              - - -
 2024.............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FHA's general insurance and special risk insurance (GI 
and SRI) program account includes 17 different programs 
administered by FHA. The GI fund includes a wide variety of 
insurance programs for special-purpose single and multifamily 
loans, including loans for property improvements, manufactured 
housing, multifamily rental housing, condominiums, housing for 
the elderly, hospitals, group practice facilities, and nursing 
homes. The SRI fund includes insurance programs for mortgages 
in older, declining urban areas that would not be otherwise 
eligible for insurance, mortgages with interest reduction 
payments, and mortgages for experimental housing and for high-
risk mortgagors who would not normally be eligible for mortgage 
insurance without housing counseling.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Multifamily loan program.--The U.S. has experienced 
nationwide supply-chain challenges for housing materials and 
labor shortages that continue to result in increased prices for 
construction. The Committee is concerned that FHA is not 
effectively utilizing the multifamily loan program to finance 
new construction and has not worked to mitigate the impact 
inflation is having on new construction and rehabilitation 
loans. The Committee directs the Department to brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of 
enactment of this Act on actions taken by the Department to 
respond to market conditions and increase volume of FHA 
multifamily lending for new construction and rehabilitation 
loans.

                Government National Mortgage Association


GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Limitation of         Administrative
                                  guaranteed loans     contract expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year           $900,000,000,000        $40,400,000
 2023.......................
Budget request, fiscal year           550,000,000,000         61,000,000
 2024.......................
Recommended in the bill.....          550,000,000,000         51,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal            -350,000,000,000        +10,600,000
 year 2023..................
    Budget request, fiscal                      - - -        -10,000,000
 year 2024..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Government National Mortgage Association guarantees the 
timely payment of principal and interest on mortgage-backed 
securities issued by private institutions such as mortgage 
companies and banks. The only loans in these privately issued 
securities are mortgages either issued or guaranteed by Federal 
Housing Administration and U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs 
and Agriculture.

                    POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $145,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       155,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       139,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -6,400,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -16,000,000
 

    Title V of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, 
as amended, directs the Secretary of the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development to undertake programs of research, 
evaluation, and reports relating to the Department's mission 
and programs. These functions are carried out internally and 
through grants and contracts with industry, nonprofit research 
organizations, educational institutions, and through agreements 
with state and local governments, and other Federal agencies. 
The research programs seek ways to improve the efficiency and 
effectiveness of HUD programs and to identify methods to 
achieve cost reductions. This appropriation is used to support 
HUD evaluation and monitoring activities and to conduct housing 
surveys. Finally, funds under this heading are used to support 
technical assistance activities to the various states, 
communities, and agencies that are charged with administering 
HUD's programs and funds.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $139,000,000 for this account. The 
recommendation includes up to $70,000,000 for the core research 
programs, including market surveys, research support and 
dissemination, data acquisition, housing finance studies, 
research partnerships, and housing technology, and $20,000,000 
for cooperative agreements and research partnerships with 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges 
and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Alaska 
Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. Within the 
amounts provided for core research, the Committee encourages 
HUD to provide competitive grants for cooperative research in 
housing technologies, including technologies to enable ``aging-
in-place'' strategies.
    The Committee recommends $19,000,000 for new and continuing 
studies and demonstration evaluations, including the:
           Moving to Work expansion (MTW);
           Native American Housing Block Grants 
        competitive program evaluation;
           Unsheltered and rural homelessness 
        evaluation;
           Rent reasonableness for the HCV program;
           Expanding eligible uses of the HCV Housing 
        Assistance Payment, including toward homeownership;
           Family options long term tracking study;
           VAWA Housing Protections;
           Section 811 long-term outcomes evaluation;
           Reducing regulatory barriers to affordable 
        housing;
           Managing land and investment in economically 
        distressed neighborhoods; and
           Home repairs and homeownership.
    Further, the Committee recommendation includes no less than 
$50,000,000 for technical assistance. Of the funds made 
available under technical assistance, $5,000,000 shall be 
available on a competitive basis to non-profit or private 
sector organizations to provide technical assistance, including 
outreach efforts, to local governments with persistent poverty 
tracts in their jurisdiction, and to units of general local 
government and non-profit partner organizations that serve 
distressed areas, prioritizing applications for jurisdictions 
containing persistent poverty census tracts. Of the amount 
provided for technical assistance, $10,000,000 is for training 
and technical assistance to support implementation of the 
Violence Against Women Act to be coordinated with entities 
whose primary purpose and expertise is in assisting survivors 
of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or 
stalking. The Committee directs HUD to coordinate with other 
Federal agencies responsible for covered housing programs, as 
well as the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), 
on this training and technical assistance to improve the 
timeliness of emergency transfers, local planning, and cross-
programmatic coordination on transfers.
    Manufactured housing.--Of the amounts made available under 
this heading for technical assistance, $2,500,000 shall be 
available on a competitive basis to non-profit organizations to 
provide technical assistance to resident-owned manufactured 
housing communities, owners and residents of manufactured 
housing and communities, and units of general local government 
or states that have manufactured housing in their community or 
are looking to expand manufactured housing opportunities.
    Higher education and community partnerships.--The Committee 
is aware that many localities across the country lack the 
staff, resources, or expertise to fully utilize the many 
opportunities available to them and supports the partnership 
and critical role that anchor institutions of higher education 
play in communities and in achieving the Department's mission. 
The Committee believes that investing in research partnerships 
between HUD and anchor institutions will ensure that HUD has 
access to innovative research and technology advances to best 
address housing problems in the 21st Century. The Committee 
encourages the Department to competitively award a cooperative 
agreement for institutions of higher education or nonprofit 
entities that train and support institutions of higher 
education to conduct research or provide technical assistance 
on matters related to economic opportunity, reducing 
homelessness, or stable homeownership. In addition, the 
Committee urges the Department to include funding for its 
Office of University Partnerships in its fiscal year 2025 
congressional budget justification.
    Demolition of abandoned properties.--Concentrations of 
abandoned properties negatively impact the long-term viability 
of the communities in which they are located and undermine the 
potential positive impacts of other infrastructure 
improvements. When undertaken strategically and directed by a 
coherent long-term strategy for addressing vacant and abandoned 
structures, demolition of abandoned properties can alleviate 
these challenges. The Committee looks forward to the report 
directed in fiscal year 2022 which will examine property 
demolition programs, including the neighborhood stabilization 
program, and the feasibility and reasonableness of these types 
of programs.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity


                        FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $86,355,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        90,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        85,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -1,355,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................        -5,000,000
 

    The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (OFHEO) is 
responsible for developing policies and guidance, and for 
providing technical support for enforcement of the Fair Housing 
Act and the civil rights statutes. OFHEO serves as the central 
point for the formulation, clearance and dissemination of 
policies, intra-departmental clearances, and public information 
related to fair housing issues. OFHEO receives, investigates, 
conciliates, and recommends the issuance of charges of 
discrimination and determinations of non-compliance for 
complaints filed under Title VIII and other civil rights 
authorities. Additionally, OFHEO conducts civil rights 
compliance reviews and compliance reviews under section 3.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $85,000,000 for the Office of Fair 
Housing and Equal Opportunity. The following table provides 
funding levels for fair housing activities undertaken by the 
office.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair housing assistance program           $27,500,000        $26,000,000
 (FHAP)...........................
Fair housing initiatives program           58,500,000         55,000,000
 (FHIP)...........................
Limited English proficiency                 1,000,000          1,000,000
 initiative.......................
National fair housing training              3,000,000          3,000,000
 academy..........................
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................         90,000,000         85,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes


                         LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $410,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       410,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       345,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       -65,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -65,000,000
 

    The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes 
(OLHCHH) is responsible for the administration of the Lead-
Based Paint Hazard Reduction program authorized by Title X of 
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992. Through the 
Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI), the office also addresses 
multiple housing-related hazards affecting the health of 
residents, particularly children. The office develops lead-
based paint regulations, guidelines, and policies applicable to 
HUD programs, and enforces the Lead Disclosure Rule issued 
under Title X. For both lead-related and healthy homes issues, 
the office designs and administers programs for grants, 
training, research, demonstration, and education.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $345,000,000 for the Office of 
Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.
    New financing mechanism pilot.--The Committee is aware of 
the need for new financing mechanisms to address lead and other 
residential environmental stressors in low-income communities 
with older housing stock. The Committee provides $10,000,000 
for the Department to establish a national financing pilot 
within the Healthy Homes Program, so that these communities can 
access a range of financial products and increase the pace of 
eliminating home-based hazards. HUD should collaborate with one 
or more financial institutions that serve low-income 
communities, and coordinate with the Department of the Treasury 
to leverage HUD's lending capabilities. The Committee requests 
a report on the progress of this pilot within 180 days of 
enactment of this Act.

                      INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $374,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       415,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       371,250,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        -3,500,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................       -43,750,000
 

    The Information Technology (IT) Fund finances the 
information technology systems that support departmental 
programs and operations, including mortgage insurance, housing 
assistance and grant programs, as well as core financial and 
general operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $371,250,000 for the information 
technology fund, a net reduction of $3,500,000 below the fiscal 
year 2023 enacted level.
    As requested in the budget, the recommendation includes an 
increase of $8,300,000 for cybersecurity and reflects a 
redirection of $11,800,000 to the salaries and expenses 
accounts for users to directly pay the Working Capital Fund for 
IT end-user devices and wireless support.
    The Committee is restoring some flexibility provided in 
prior years for the Office of the Chief Information Officer to 
manage the IT Fund. It is the Committee's belief that the 
restored flexibility will allow OCIO to manage IT resources 
more effectively and respond to unanticipated needs more 
efficiently.
    This increased flexibility comes with more accountability. 
The Committee will continue to conduct vigorous oversight over 
OCIO and HUD's IT portfolio.
    The Committee directs that not more than 10 percent of the 
amount planned for development, modernization, and enhancement 
(DME) may be obligated until 90 days after the plan required 
below has been submitted. The Committee expects the Department 
to identify DME amounts within the Operating Plan submission 
required by Section 405 of this Act which will establish the 
DME amounts subject to the reprogramming thresholds.
    HUD is directed in statutory language to submit an IT 
performance plan, with the same requirements as in fiscal year 
2023:
          (1) Identify for each development, modernization, and 
        enhancement project to be funded from available 
        balances, including carryover--
                  (A) plain language summaries of the project 
                scope;
                  (B) the estimated total project cost; and
                  (C) key milestones to be met.
          (2) Identify for each major modernization project--
                  (A) the functional and performance 
                capabilities to be delivered and the mission 
                benefits to be realized;
                  (B) the estimated life-cycle cost;
                  (C) key milestones to be met through the 
                project end date, including any identified 
                system decommissioning;
                  (D) a description of the procurement strategy 
                and governance structure for the project and 
                the number of HUD staff and contractors 
                supporting the project; and
                  (E) certification from the Chief Information 
                Officer that each project is compliant with the 
                Department's enterprise architecture, life-
                cycle management and capital planning
        and investment control requirements. HUD is also 
        directed to submit quarterly reports within 30 days 
        following the end of each quarter, as required in 
        fiscal year 2023. The report should summarize the 
        status, cost, and plan for all modernization projects; 
        and for each major modernization project with an 
        approved project plan, identify--
          (1) results and actual expenditures of the prior 
        quarter;
          (2) any variances in cost, schedule (including 
        procurement), or functionality from the previously 
        approved project plan, reasons for such variances and 
        estimated impact on total lifecycle costs; and
          (3) risks and mitigation strategies associated with 
        ongoing work.

                      Office of Inspector General


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $146,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       154,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       154,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +8,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides agency-wide 
audit and investigative functions to identify and correct 
management and administrative deficiencies that create 
conditions for waste, fraud, and mismanagement. The audit 
function provides internal audit, contract audit, and 
inspection services. Contract audits provide professional 
advice to agency contracting officials on accounting and 
financial matters relative to negotiation, award, 
administration, re-pricing, and settlement of contracts. 
Internal audits evaluate all facets of agency operations. 
Inspection services provide detailed technical evaluations of 
agency operations. The investigative function provides for the 
detection and investigation of improper and illegal activities 
involving programs, personnel, and operations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $154,000,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General.
    Audit reports.--The Committee directs the OIG to continue 
transmitting all audit reports to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations immediately after they are issued, 
and to make the Committee aware immediately of any review that 
recommends significant budgetary savings.
    Sexual harassment and assault investigations by the Office 
of Inspector General.--The Committee appreciates the recent 
efforts by the OIG to investigate sexual assault and other 
sexual misconduct in HUD-assisted housing. As these efforts 
continue, the Committee requests that the OIG brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on this work within 180 
days of enactment of this Act, and to continue to provide 
regular updates.
    Investigations related to HUD housing.--The Committee 
requests that the OIG brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations regarding the OIG's investigative initiatives 
and focuses related to HUD-assisted housing, including planned 
or completed audits related to the safety of tenants in such 
housing, within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
    Priority open recommendations.--The Committee finds the 
OIG's priority open recommendations to be a useful resource and 
encourages the OIG to update the report and accompanying 
dashboard on an ongoing basis.

    General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban Development


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

    Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between the Treasury 
and state HFAs.
    Section 202 prohibits funds from being used to investigate 
or prosecute lawful activities under the Fair Housing Act.
    Section 203 requires any grant or cooperative agreement to 
be made on a competitive basis, unless otherwise provided, in 
accordance with section 102 of the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development Reform Act of 1989.
    Section 204 relates to the availability of funds for 
services and facilities for GSEs and others subject to the 
Government Corporation Control Act and the Housing Act, and to 
the expenditure of funds for corporations and agencies subject 
to the Government Corporation Control Act.
    Section 205 prohibits the use of funds in excess of the 
budget estimates, unless provided otherwise.
    Section 206 relates to the expenditure of funds for 
corporations and agencies subject to the Government Corporation 
Control Act.
    Section 207 requires the Secretary to provide quarterly 
reports on uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess 
funds in each departmental program and activity.
    Section 208 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
    Section 209 authorizes HUD to transfer debt and use 
agreements from an obsolete project to a viable project, 
provided that no additional costs are incurred and other 
conditions are met.
    Section 210 sets forth requirements for section 8 
eligibility and includes consideration for persons with 
disabilities.
    Section 211 distributes Native American housing block 
grants to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in fiscal year 
2005.
    Section 212 instructs HUD on managing and disposing of any 
multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
    Section 213 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
requirements.
    Section 214 restricts the Secretary from imposing any 
requirements or guidelines relating to asset management that 
restrict or limit the use of capital funds for central office 
costs, up to the limits established in law.
    Section 215 requires that no employee of the Department be 
designated as an allotment holder unless the CFO determines 
that such employee has received certain training.
    Section 216 requires the Secretary to publish all notices 
of funding opportunities for competitively awarded funds, and 
establishes how such notification may occur.
    Section 217 requires attorney fees for programmatic 
litigation to be paid from the individual program office and 
Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses appropriations.
    Section 218 allows the Secretary to transfer up to 1 
percent of funds or $5,000,000, whichever is less, appropriated 
under the headings ``Administrative Support Offices'' or 
``Program Offices'' to any other office funded under such 
headings.
    Section 219 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe 
properties.
    Section 220 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
housing agency officials and employees.
    Section 221 requires the Secretary to notify the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business 
days before grant awards are announced, including information 
by state and congressional district.
    Section 222 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
    Section 223 prohibits the use of funds to terminate the 
status of a unit of general local government as a metropolitan 
city with respect to grants under section 106 of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974.
    Section 224 allows funding for research, evaluation, and 
statistical purposes that is unexpended at the time of 
completion of the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement to 
be reobligated for additional research.
    Section 225 prohibits funds for financial awards for 
employees subject to administrative discipline.
    Section 226 allows program income as an eligible match for 
2015 through 2024 continuum of care funds.
    Section 227 permits HUD to provide one year transition 
grants under the continuum of care program.
    Section 228 maintains current promise zone designations and 
agreements.
    Section 229 addresses the establishment of reserves for 
public housing agencies designated as MTW agencies.
    Section 230 prohibits funds from being used to make certain 
eligibility limitations as part of a notice of fund opportunity 
for competitive grant awards under the public housing fund.
    Section 231 prohibits funds from being used to issue rules 
or guidance in contravention of section 1210 of Public Law 115-
254 (132 Stat. 3442) or section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155).
    Section 232 makes programmatic changes to the Rental 
Assistance Demonstration.
    Section 233 prohibits funds from being used to implement, 
administer, or enforce the proposed ``Affirmatively Furthering 
Fair Housing'' rule.
    Section 234 addresses the manner in which HUD may make 
adjustments for formula allocation corrections.
    Section 235 allows for transfers to the Information 
Technology Fund.
    Section 236 requires compliance with all process 
requirements when revising any annual contributions contract.
    Section 237 establishes the ``Department of Housing and 
Urban Development Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.''
    Section 238 increases flexibility for tribes with 
qualifying loan-income housing dwellings participating in the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    Section 239 expands the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee 
program.
    Section 240 increases flexibility for the Indian Community 
Development Block Grant program.
    Section 241 restates current law regarding eligibility and 
ineligibility of immigrants to receive housing assistance.
    Section 242 rescinds $564,200,000 from the ``Office of Lead 
Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.''
    Section 243 prohibits the use of funds by HUD to issue a 
solicitation or accept bids on any solicitation that is 
substantially equivalent to the draft solicitation entitled 
``Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract Supports Services 
(HAPSS)''.
    Section 244 prohibits Federal funds for noncomplying 
jurisdictions.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES


                              Access Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $9,850,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         9,955,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,955,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          +105,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The United States Access Board (Access Board) was 
established by section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
with the mission of promoting equality for people with 
disabilities through accessible design and the development of 
accessibility guidelines and standards for the built 
environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic 
equipment, and information technology.
    The Access Board is responsible for developing guidelines 
under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Architectural 
Barriers Act, and the Communications Act, as well as for 
developing standards under the Rehabilitation Act for 
accessible electronic and information technology used by 
Federal agencies. The Access Board enforces the Architectural 
Barriers Act and provides training and technical assistance on 
its guidelines and standards. The Access Board serves on the 
election assistance commission's board of advisors and 
technical guidelines development committee to assist in 
developing voluntary guidelines for voting systems, including 
accessibility for people with disabilities. Additionally, the 
Access Board maintains a small research program that develops 
technical assistance materials and provides information needed 
for rulemaking.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $9,955,000 for the operations of 
the Access Board.

                      Federal Maritime Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $38,260,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        43,720,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        43,720,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +5,460,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    Established in 1961, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) 
is an independent agency responsible for the regulation of 
ocean-borne transportation in the foreign commerce of the 
United States. The FMC monitors ocean common carriers, marine 
terminal operators, conferences, ports, and ocean 
transportation intermediaries to ensure they maintain just and 
reasonable practices. Among other activities, the FMC also 
maintains a trade monitoring and enforcement program, monitors 
the laws and practices of foreign governments and their impacts 
on shipping conditions in the U.S., and enforces special 
regulatory requirements as they apply to controlled carriers.
    The principal shipping statutes administered by the FMC are 
the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101--44106), the Foreign 
Shipping Practices Act of 1988 (46 U.S.C. 42301--42307), 
section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 (46 U.S.C. 42101--
42109), sections 2 and 3 of Public Law 89-777, section 834 of 
the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 
115-82), and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-
146).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $43,720,000 as 
requested and authorized for the FMC. Of the total funds 
provided, up to $629,628 is available for the Office of 
Inspector General.
    The Committee notes that the amount of fines and penalties 
assessed for fiscal year 2022 was $2,082,000, the highest in 
five years. The Committee urges FMC to continue to assist U.S. 
exporters and importers, ocean transportation intermediaries, 
and truckers in engaging with vessel-operating common carriers 
and marine terminal operators, and as requested, intercede on 
their behalf in disputes with such entities.
    Vessel cargo space accommodations.--The Committee applauds 
the Commission's recent release of a Supplemental Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking related to the proposed rule ``Unreasonable 
Refusal to Deal or Negotiate with Respect to Vessel Space 
Accommodations Provided by an Ocean Common Carrier.'' 
Furthermore, the Committee urges the Commission to continue to 
work with American agricultural product and other exporters to 
develop a final regulation consistent with section 41104(a)(10) 
of Title 46 of the United States Code that establishes 
impartial and objective criteria on assessing the 
reasonableness of ocean common carriers providing cargo space 
accommodations on shipping vessels.

  National Railroad Passenger Corporation Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $27,935,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        30,410,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        30,410,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +2,475,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................             - - -
 

    The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent, 
objective unit responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, 
waste, abuse, and violations of law and for promoting 
efficiencies and effectiveness at Amtrak.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $30,410,000 for the 
OIG. The recommendation will allow the OIG to undertake audits, 
evaluations, and investigations and will ensure effective 
oversight of Amtrak's programs and operations. The OIG's 
efforts have resulted in valuable reports and recommendations 
for the Committee and for Amtrak that have yielded cost savings 
and management improvements.
    IIJA oversight.--The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(P.L. 117-58) provided $66,000,000,000 in advance 
appropriations across several rail programs over five years. 
Amtrak will be directly responsible for executing at least 
$21,585,000,000 of this funding, making capital improvements to 
the Northeast Corridor, state-supported, and long-distance 
routes. Recognizing this significant investment, the OIG issued 
a report on March 31, 2022 (OIG-SP-2022-008), highlighting the 
challenges Amtrak could encounter when implementing the IIJA. 
The Committee appreciates the OIG's initial review and directs 
the OIG to continue to monitor Amtrak's use, accounting, and 
reporting of the IIJA advance appropriations. Further, the 
Committee directs the OIG to notify the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations of any anomalies it finds through 
its monitoring of the IIJA. While this OIG has direct oversight 
of Amtrak, the DOT OIG conducts oversight of the FRA, and the 
FRA is in turn responsible for managing and overseeing grants 
to Amtrak. Given the close collaboration between Amtrak and the 
FRA on the IIJA projects and implementation, the Committee 
continues to direct the OIG to coordinate with the DOT OIG to 
promote information sharing appropriate to each other's 
jurisdiction; complement each other's audits and 
investigations, when appropriate and reasonable to do so, of 
Amtrak's IIJA-funded programs, projects, and overall 
management; and prevent duplication in oversight activities.

                  National Transportation Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $129,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       145,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       145,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................       +15,700,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an 
independent federal agency charged by Congress with 
investigating every civil aviation accident in the United 
States, as well as significant accidents in other modes of 
transportation--including railroad, highway, marine, and 
pipeline--and issuing safety recommendations aimed at 
preventing future accidents.
    In addition to its investigatory duties, the NTSB is 
responsible for maintaining the government's database of civil 
aviation accidents and conducting special studies of 
transportation safety issues of national significance. 
Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of international 
treaties, the NTSB supplies investigators to serve as U.S.-
accredited representatives for aviation accidents overseas 
involving U.S.-registered aircraft or involving aircraft or 
major components of U.S. manufacture.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $145,000,000 
for fiscal year 2024. This increase will allow NTSB to hire 
additional safety investigators, provide enhance training on 
emerging technologies, and upgrade critical infrastructure 
technologies that assist in investigative processes.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation


          PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................      $170,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................       172,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       172,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +2,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NRC) was created 
by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (title VI of 
the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978). The 
NRC now operates under the trade name ``NeighborWorks America'' 
and helps local communities establish working partnerships 
between residents and representatives of the public and private 
sectors. These partnership-based organizations are independent, 
tax-exempt, community-based nonprofit entities, often referred 
to as NeighborWorks organizations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $172,000,000 
for fiscal year 2024.
    GAO report.--The Committee appreciates the Government 
Accountability Office report (GAO-23-105944) on the significant 
improvements needed for NRC's policies and procedures relating 
to procurement, whistleblower complaints, and internal audits. 
The Committee directs NRC to provide quarterly written reports 
on the progress of recommendations outlined in such report. The 
first written report is due no later than 30 days after 
enactment of this Act.
    Grant notifications.--Consistent with the directive for 
fiscal year 2023 contained under this heading in the JES as 
adopted by Public Law 117-328, the NRC shall provide at least 
three days' advance notice to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations prior to the announcement of any grant 
exceeding $50,000 that is awarded to a NRC network 
organization.

                      Surface Transportation Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................       $41,429,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................        48,184,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        48,184,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................        +6,755,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................             - - -
 

    The Surface Transportation Board (STB) was created by the 
ICC Termination Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-88) and is the successor 
agency to the Interstate Commerce Commission. The STB is an 
economic regulatory and adjudicatory body charged by Congress 
with resolving railroad rate and service disputes and reviewing 
proposed railroad mergers, and the regulation of other surface 
transportation carriers, including the intercity bus industry 
and surface pipeline carriers, and household-good carriers. The 
Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015 (P.L. 
114-110) established the STB as a wholly independent agency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides an appropriation of 
$48,184,000 for the STB. The STB is estimated to collect 
$1,250,000 in fees, which will offset the appropriation for a 
total program cost of $46,934,000.

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2023.......................        $4,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2024......................         4,800,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,188,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2023...................          +188,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2024..................          -612,000
 

    The mission of the United States Interagency Council on 
Homelessness (USICH) is to coordinate multi-agency Federal 
response to homelessness.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $4,188,000 for continued 
operations of the United States Interagency Council on 
Homelessness. The Committee recommendation does not provide 
funding for the increase in full-time equivalents (FTEs) as 
requested by USICH.
    Annual reporting requirements.--The Committee directs USICH 
to provide an annual report to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations that compiles and summarizes all information 
required by section 203(c) of the McKinney Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act and identify any challenges in obtaining the 
required data, as well as the rationale behind any incomplete 
data. The Committee directs USICH to submit the fiscal year 
2024 report no later than September 30, 2024.
    Mental health care and homeless populations.--The Committee 
remains concerned about the number of individuals with a severe 
mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. The Committee 
looks forward to the report directed in House Report 117-402 
regarding best practices for collaboration between hospitals 
and community care providers.

                                TITLE IV


                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT


                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

    Section 401 prohibits the use of funds for the planning or 
execution of any program to pay the expenses of, or otherwise 
compensate, non-Federal parties intervening in regulatory or 
adjudicatory proceedings.
    Section 402 prohibits the obligation of funds beyond the 
current fiscal year and the transfer of funds to other 
appropriations, unless expressly provided.
    Section 403 limits consulting service expenditures through 
procurement contracts to those contracts contained in the 
public record, except where otherwise provided under existing 
law.
    Section 404 prohibits funds from being used for certain 
types of employee training.
    Section 405 specifies requirements for the reprogramming of 
funds and requires agencies to submit a report to establish the 
baseline for the application of reprogramming and transfer 
authorities.
    Section 406 provides that not to exceed 50 percent of 
unobligated balances for salaries and expenses may remain 
available until September 30, 2024, for each account for the 
purposes authorized, subject to the approval of the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 407 prohibits the use of funds for any project that 
seeks to use the power of eminent domain unless eminent domain 
is employed only for public use.
    Section 408 prohibits funds from being transferred to any 
department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, 
except where transfer authority is provided in this or any 
other appropriations act.
    Section 409 prohibits funds from being used by an entity 
unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
Act.
    Section 410 prohibits funds from being made available to 
any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the 
Buy American Act.
    Section 411 prohibits funds from being used for first-class 
airline accommodations in contravention of sections 301-10.122 
and 301-10.123 of title 41, CFR.
    Section 412 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
may send to international conferences unless such attendance is 
important to the national interest.
    Section 413 caps the amount of fees the STB can charge or 
collect for rate or practice complaints filed at the amount 
authorized for district court civil suit filing fees.
    Section 414 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
    Section 415 prohibits funds from being used to deny an 
Inspector General timely access to any records, documents, or 
other materials available to the department or agency over 
which that Inspector General has responsibilities, or to 
prevent or impede that Inspector General's access to such 
records, documents, or other materials.
    Section 416 prohibits funds from being used to pay award or 
incentive fees for contractors whose performance is below 
satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or failed to meet 
requirements of the contract, with exceptions.
    Section 417 prohibits funds from being used to permanently 
replace an employee intent on returning to his or her past 
occupation following completion of military service.
    Section 418 prohibits funds from being used for the 
approval of a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption 
application if that approval would contravene United States law 
or Article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport 
Agreement.
    Section 419 bans the purchase and procurement of Chinese 
drones manufactured and subsidized by state-owned enterprises, 
with exceptions for research programs.
    Section 420 rescinds funds from Internal Revenue Service 
provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.
    Section 421 prohibits funding in the bill to be used to 
provide any education, training, or professional development 
that uses, promotes, or teaches ``Critical Race Theory.''
    Section 422 requires the DOT and HUD Secretaries to provide 
written quarterly updates on reports to Congress.
    Section 423 prohibits funds made available to establish 
elevation requirements for the purposes of 42 U.S.C. 5121 et 
seq. that conflict with elevation standards required by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood 
Insurance Program.
    Section 424 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
42 U.S.C. 5155.
    Section 425 prohibits funds to be used for enforcing income 
thresholds with regard to waivers authorized under 42 U.S.C. 
5155(b)(4).
    Section 426 prohibits funds to facilitate scheduled air 
transportation to, or pass through, property confiscated by the 
Cuban government.
    Section 427 provides a technical correction to a fiscal 
year 2022 Community Project Funding grant.
    Section 428 prohibits funds from being used to implement 
certain tolling projects.
    Section 429 prohibits funds from being used for tolling on 
certain highways.
    Section 430 prohibits funds from being used to display 
extraneous flags at facilities of Departments or agencies.
    Section 431 prohibits the use of funds to discriminate 
against a person who speaks, or acts, in accordance with a 
sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that 
marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and 
one woman.
    Section 432 prohibits funds from being used in 
contravention of section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform 
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1966.
    Section 433 prohibits tolls on certain Federal highways and 
bridges.
    Section 434 provides a record of how much the bill's 302(b) 
allocation exceeds the amount of proposed new budget authority.

                          FULL COMMITTEE VOTES

    Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of 
the House of Representatives, the results of each roll call 
vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with 
the names of those voting for and those against, are printed 
below:


         STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of 
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure 
authorizes funding:
    The Committee on Appropriations considers program 
performance, including a program's success in developing and 
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing 
funding recommendations.

                          PROGRAM DUPLICATION

    No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a 
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of 
another Federal program, a program that was included in any 
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress 
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program 
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance.

                           TRANSFER OF FUNDS

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives and Section 6(f) of the Rules of the 
House Committee on Appropriations, the following statements are 
submitted describing the transfer of funds provided in the 
accompanying bill:
    In title I, under Transportation Planning, Research, and 
Development, language is included to transfer funds into this 
account from other Federal agencies for expenses incurred by 
the Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center 
that are not related to transportation infrastructure.
    In title I, under Working Capital Fund, language is 
included to limit the transfer of funds into this account from 
any agency of the Department of Transportation.
    In title I, under Section 109A, the Secretary may transfer 
awards to a Tribe under a funding agreement from the 
Department's Operating Administrations to the Office of Tribal 
Government Affairs.
    In title I, under Grant-in-Aid for Airports (Airport and 
Airway Trust Fund), language is included to transfer funds to 
the Office of the Secretary to carry out the Small Community 
Air Service Development Program.
    In title I, under Federal Highway Administration, 
Limitation on Administrative Expenses (Highway Trust Fund), 
language is included to transfer funds to the Appalachian 
Regional Commission.
    In title I, language is included in section 150 to transfer 
certain amounts made available in this and prior Acts to the 
Secretary of Transportation or the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA) to another FRA account to support the 
award, administration, project management oversight, and 
technical assistance of financial assistance administered by 
the FRA.
    In title I, under Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) 
Program Account, language is included to transfer funds to the 
Operations and Training account for program administration.
    In title II, under Working Capital Fund, language is 
included to transfer funds into this account from any other 
office or agencies of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development.
    In title II, under Native American Programs, language is 
included for transferring for the costs of administering and 
overseeing the obligations of additional funds.
    In title II, under Housing for the Elderly, language is 
included to allow the Secretary to transfer and merge amounts 
under the heading ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' an amount 
equal to the total cost of new incremental project-based 
subsidy contracts. Any unobligated balances remaining from 
funds transferred are available for the purposes authorized 
under that heading.
    In title II, under Housing for Persons with Disabilities, 
unobligated balances remaining from funds transferred to or 
appropriated under this heading can be used for the purposes 
for the reason these funds were originally appropriated. 
Additionally, at the Secretary's request, project funds held in 
residual receipts subject to a section 811 project rental 
assistance contract will be sent to the department and 
deposited in this account.
    In title II, under the Office of Lead Hazard Control and 
Healthy Homes, language is included to transfer funds to the 
Office of Policy Development and Research.
    In title II, language is included in Section 209 to allow 
the Secretary to transfer all or some project-based assistance, 
debt held or issued by the Secretary, and statutorily required 
low-income and very low-income use restrictions to another 
multifamily housing project or projects.
    In title II, language is included in section 218 to 
transfer funds between the Administrative Support Offices and 
Program Offices, with certain limitations.
    In title II, language is included in section 224 related to 
the transfer of funds to the Office of Policy Development and 
Research.
    In title II, language is included in section 232 to 
transfer amounts from the Project-based Rental Assistance 
account to the Department of the Treasury for liquidation of 
obligations.
    In title II, language is included in section 235 to 
transfer amounts made available for salaries and expenses under 
all headings to the heading ``Information Technology Fund'' for 
information technology needs.
    In title II, language is included in section 237 allowing 
for transfers under the new ``Department of Housing and Urban 
Development Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.''
    In title IV, language is included in section 408 related to 
transfer authorities.

                          RESCISSION OF FUNDS

    Pursuant to Clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives and section 6(f) of the Rules of the 
House Committee on Appropriations, the following statements are 
submitted describing the rescissions in the accompanying bill:
    In title I, section 110 rescinds $8,948,237.30 from the 
``Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program'' 
account under the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.
    In title I, section 125 rescinds $53,160,115 from funds 
available in the ``Surface Transportation Priorities Account;'' 
$1,839,130 from funds available in the ``Delta Regional 
Transportation Development Program'' account; $11,814,580 from 
funds available in the ``Appalachian Development Highway 
System'' account; $392,112 from funds available in the ``Bridge 
Capacity Improvements'' account; $30,640,100 from funds 
available in the ``Miscellaneous Highway Project'' account; and 
$7,063,307 from the ``Highway Projects'' account.
    In title I, under the Maritime Administration's Maritime 
Security Program, $6,000,000 are rescinded from unobligated 
balances from prior year appropriations.
    In title II, under Housing Certificate Fund, any obligated 
balances of contract authority from fiscal year 1974 and prior 
fiscal years that have been terminated are rescinded.
    In title II, section 201 rescinds 50 percent of funds that 
are recaptured from projects described in section 1012(a) of 
the Steward B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 
1998.
    In title II, section 242 rescinds $564,200,000 from the 
unobligated balances made available under the heading ``Office 
of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.''
    In title IV, section 420 rescinds $25,035,000,000 of the 
remaining unobligated balances made available in Public Law 
117-169.

          Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change 
is proposed is shown in roman):

  DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
DIVISION C--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED 
AGENCIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                                TITLE II


DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



                    RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION

  To conduct a demonstration designed to preserve and improve 
public housing and certain other multifamily housing through 
the voluntary conversion of properties with assistance under 
section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, 
(hereinafter, ``the Act''), or the moderate rehabilitation 
program under section 8(e)(2) of the Act, to properties with 
assistance under a project-based subsidy contract under section 
8 of the Act, which shall be eligible for renewal under section 
524 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and 
Affordability Act of 1997, or assistance under section 8(o)(13) 
of the Act, the Secretary may transfer amounts provided through 
contracts under section 8(e)(2) of the Act or under the 
headings ``Public Housing Capital Fund'' [and ``Public Housing 
Operating Fund''], ``Public Housing Operating Fund'' and 
``Public Housing Fund'' to the headings ``Tenant-Based Rental 
Assistance'' or ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' (herein the 
``First Component''):  Provided, That the initial long-term 
contract under which converted assistance is made available may 
allow for rental adjustments only by an operating cost factor 
established by the Secretary, and shall be subject to the 
availability of appropriations for each year of such term:  
Provided further, That project applications may be received 
under this demonstration [until September 30, 2024] for fiscal 
year 2012 and thereafter:  Provided further, That any increase 
in cost for ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' or ``Project-
Based Rental Assistance'' associated with such conversion in 
excess of amounts made available underthis heading shall be 
equal to amounts transferred from ``Public Housing Capital 
Fund'' and ``Public Housing Operating Fund'' or other account 
from which it was transferred: [Provided further, That not more 
than 455,000 units currently receiving assistance under section 
9 or section 8(e)(2) of the Act shall be converted under the 
authority provided under this heading: ] Provided further, That 
at properties with assistance under section 9 of the Act 
requesting to partially convert such assistance, and where an 
event under section 18 of the Act occurs that results in the 
eligibility for tenant protection vouchers under section 8(o) 
of the Act, the Secretary may convert the tenant protection 
voucher assistance to assistance under a project-based subsidy 
contract under section 8 of the Act, which shall be eligible 
for renewal under section 524 of the Multifamily Assisted 
Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997, or assistance 
under section 8(o)(13) of the Act, but only if the property 
meets any additional requirements established by the Secretary 
to facilitate conversion: Provided further, That to facilitate 
the conversion of assistance under the preceding proviso, the 
Secretary may transfer an amount equal to the total amount that 
would have been allocated for tenant protection voucher 
assistance for properties that have requested such conversions 
from amounts made available for tenant protection voucher 
assistance under the heading ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' 
to the heading ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'': Provided 
further, That at properties with assistance previously 
converted hereunder to assistance under the heading ``Project-
Based Rental Assistance,'' which are also separately assisted 
under section 8(o)(13) of the Act, the Secretary may, with the 
consent of the public housing agency and owner, terminate such 
project-based subsidy contracts and immediately enter into one 
new project-based subsidy contract under section 8 of the Act, 
which shall be eligible for renewal under section 524 of the 
Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 
1997, subject to the requirement that any residents assisted 
under section 8(o)(13) of the Act at the time of such 
termination of such project-based subsidy contract shall retain 
all rights accrued under section 8(o)(13)(E) of the Act under 
the new project-based subsidy contract and section 
8(o)(13)(F)(iv) of the Act shall not apply: Provided further, 
That to carry out the previous proviso, the Secretary may 
transfer from the heading ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' to 
the heading ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' an amount equal 
to the amounts associated with such terminating contract under 
section 8(o)(13) of the Act:  Provided further, That tenants of 
such properties with assistance converted from assistance under 
section 9 shall, at a minimum, maintain the same rights under 
such conversion as those provided under sections 6 and 9 of the 
Act:  Provided further, That the Secretary shall select 
properties from applications for conversion as part of this 
demonstration through a competitive process:  Provided further, 
That in establishing criteria for such competition, the 
Secretary shall seek to demonstrate the feasibility of this 
conversion model to recapitalize and operate public housing 
properties (1) in different markets and geographic areas, (2) 
within portfolios managed by public housing agencies of varying 
sizes, and (3) by leveraging other sources of funding to 
recapitalize properties:  Provided further, That the Secretary 
shall provide an opportunity for public comment on draft 
eligibility and selection criteria and procedures that will 
apply to the selection of properties that will participate in 
the demonstration:  Provided further, That the Secretary shall 
provide an opportunity for comment from residents of properties 
to be proposed for participation in the demonstration to the 
owners or public housing agencies responsible for such 
properties:  Provided further, That the Secretary may waive or 
specify alternative requirements for (except for requirements 
related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, 
and the environment) any provision of section 8(o)(13) or any 
provision that governs the use of assistance from which a 
property is converted under the demonstration or funds made 
available under the headings of ``Public Housing Capital 
Fund'', ``Public Housing Operating Fund'', ``Public Housing 
Fund'', ``Self-Sufficiency Programs'', ``Family Self-
Sufficiency'', ``Housing for the Elderly'', and ``Project-Based 
Rental Assistance'', under this Act or any prior Act or any Act 
enacted during the period of conversion of assistance under the 
demonstration for properties with assistance converted under 
the demonstration, upon a finding by the Secretary that any 
such waivers or alternative requirements are necessary for the 
effective conversion of assistance under the demonstration or 
the ongoing availability of services for residents:  Provided 
further, That the Secretary shall publish by notice in the 
Federal Register any waivers or alternative requirements 
pursuant to the previous proviso no later than 10 days before 
the effective date of such notice:  Provided further, That the 
demonstration may proceed after the Secretary publishes notice 
of its terms in the Federal Register:  Provided further, That 
notwithstanding sections 3 and 16 of the Act, the conversion of 
assistance under the demonstration shall not be the basis for 
re-screening or termination of assistance or eviction of any 
tenant family in a property participating in the demonstration, 
and such a family shall not be considered a new admission for 
any purpose, including compliance with income targeting 
requirements:  Provided further, That in the case of a property 
with assistance converted under the demonstration from 
assistance under section 9 of the Act, section 18 of the Act 
shall not apply to a property converting assistance under the 
demonstration for all or substantially all of its units, the 
Secretary shall require ownership or control of assisted units 
by a public or nonprofit entity except as determined by the 
Secretary to be necessary pursuant to foreclosure, bankruptcy, 
or termination and transfer of assistance for material 
violations or substantial default, in which case the priority 
for ownership or control shall be provided to a capable public 
or nonprofit entity, then a capable entity, as determined by 
the Secretary, shall require long-term renewable use and 
affordability restrictions for assisted units, and may allow 
ownership to be transferred to a for-profit entity to 
facilitate the use of tax credits only if the public housing 
agency or a nonprofit entity preserves an interest in the 
property in a manner approved by the Secretary, and upon 
expiration of the initial contract and each renewal contract, 
the Secretary shall offer and the owner of the property shall 
accept renewal of the contract subject to the terms and 
conditions applicable at the time of renewal and the 
availability of appropriations each year of such renewal:  
Provided further, That the Secretary may permit transfer of 
assistance at or after conversion under the demonstration to 
replacement units subject to the requirements in the previous 
proviso:  Provided further, That the Secretary may establish 
the requirements for converted assistance under the 
demonstration through contracts, use agreements, regulations, 
or other means:  Provided further, That the Secretary shall 
assess and publish findings regarding the impact of the 
conversion of assistance under the demonstration on the 
preservation and improvement of public housing, the amount of 
private sector leveraging as a result of such conversion, and 
the effect of such conversion on tenants: Provided further,That 
conversions of assistance under the following provisos herein 
shall be considered as the ``Second Component'' and shall be 
authorized for fiscal year 2012 and thereafter: Provided 
further,That owners of properties assisted under section 101 of 
the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, section 
236(f)(2) of the National Housing Act, or section 8(e)(2) of 
the United States Housing Act of 1937, for which an event after 
October 1, 2006 has caused or results in the termination of 
rental assistance or affordability restrictions and the 
issuance of tenant protection vouchers under section 8(o) of 
the Act shall be eligible, subject to requirements established 
by the Secretary, for conversion of assistance available for 
such vouchers or assistance contracts to assistance under a 
long term project-based subsidy contract under section 8 of the 
Act: Provided further,, That owners of properties with a 
project rental assistance contract under section 202(c)(2) of 
the Housing Act of 1959 shall be eligible, subject to 
requirements established by the Secretary, including but not 
limited to the subordination, restructuring, or both, of any 
capital advance documentation, including any note, mortgage, 
use agreement or other agreements, evidencing or securing a 
capital advance previously provided by the Secretary under 
section 202(c)(1) of the Housing Act of 1959 as necessary to 
facilitate the conversion of assistance while maintaining the 
affordability period and the designation of the property as 
serving elderly persons, and tenant consultation procedures, 
for conversion of assistance available for such assistance 
contracts to assistance under a long term project-based subsidy 
contract under section 8 of the Act: Provided further, That 
owners of properties with a senior preservation rental 
assistance contract under section 811 of the American 
Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000 (12 U.S.C. 
1701q note), shall be eligible, subject to requirements 
established by the Secretary as necessary to facilitate the 
conversion of assistance while maintaining the affordability 
period and the designation of the property as serving elderly 
families, and tenant consultation procedures, for conversion of 
assistance available for such assistance contracts to 
assistance under a long-term project-based subsidy contract 
under section 8 of the Act: Provided further,, That owners of 
properties with a project rental assistance contract under 
section 811(d)(2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable 
Housing Act, shall be eligible, subject to requirements 
established by the Secretary, including but not limited to the 
subordination, restructuring, or both, of any capital advance 
documentation, including any note, mortgage, use agreement or 
other agreements, evidencing or securing a capital advance 
previously provided by the Secretary under section 811(d)(2) of 
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act as 
necessary to facilitate the conversion of assistance while 
maintaining the affordability period and the designation of the 
property as serving persons with disabilities, and tenant 
consultation procedures, for conversion of assistance contracts 
to assistance under a long term project-based subsidy contract 
under section 8 of the Act:  Provided further, That long term 
project-based subsidy contracts under section 8 of the Act 
which are established under this Second Component shall have a 
term of no less than 20 years, with rent adjustments only by an 
operating cost factor established by the Secretary, which shall 
be eligible for renewal under section 524 of the Multifamily 
Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 
U.S.C. 1437f note), or, subject to agreement of the 
administering public housing agency, to assistance under 
section 8(o)(13) of the Act, to which the limitation under 
subsection (B) of section 8(o)(13) of the Act shall not apply 
and for which the Secretary may waive or alter the provisions 
of subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 8(o)(13) of the Act: 
Provided further, That contracts provided to properties 
converting assistance from section 101 of the Housing and Urban 
Development Act of 1965 or section 236(f)(2) of the National 
Housing Act located in high-cost areas shall have initial rents 
set at comparable market rents for the market area:  Provided 
further, That the Secretary may waive or alter the requirements 
of section 8(c)(1)(A) of the Act for contracts provided to 
properties converting assistance from section 202(c)(2) of the 
Housing Act of 1959, section 811 of the American Homeownership 
and Economic Opportunity Act of 2000, or section 811(d)(2) of 
the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act as 
necessary to ensure the ongoing provision and coordination of 
services or to avoid a reduction in project subsidy: Provided 
further, That conversions of assistance under the Second 
Component may not be the basis for re-screening or termination 
of assistance or eviction of any tenant family in a property 
participating in the demonstration and such a family shall not 
be considered a new admission for any purpose, including 
compliance with income targeting:  Provided further, That 
amounts made available under the heading ``Rental Housing 
Assistance'' during the period of conversion under the Second 
Component, except for conversion of section 202 project rental 
assistance contracts, shall be available for project-based 
subsidy contracts entered into pursuant to the Second 
Component:  Provided further, That amounts, including contract 
authority, recaptured from contracts following a conversion 
under the Second Component, except for conversion of section 
202 project rental assistance contracts, are hereby rescinded 
and an amount of additional new budget authority, equivalent to 
the amount rescinded is hereby appropriated, to remain 
available until expended for such conversions:  Provided 
further, That the Secretary may transfer amounts made available 
under the heading``Rental Housing Assistance'', amounts made 
available for tenant protection vouchers under the heading 
``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' and specifically associated 
with any such conversions, and amounts made available under the 
previous proviso as needed to the account under the ``Project-
Based Rental Assistance''heading to facilitate conversion under 
the Second Component, except for conversion of section 202 
project rental assistance contracts, and any increase in cost 
for ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' associated with such 
conversion shall be equal to amounts so transferred:  Provided 
further, That the Secretary may transfer amounts made available 
under the headings ``Housing for the Elderly'' and ``Housing 
for Persons with Disabilities'' to the accounts under the 
headings ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' or ``Tenant-Based 
Rental Assistance'' to facilitate [any section 202 project 
rental assistance contract or section 811 project rental 
assistance contract conversions] the conversion of assistance 
from section 202(c)(2) of the Housing Act of 1959, section 811 
of the American Homeownership and Economic Opportunity Act of 
2000, or section 811(d)(2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National 
Affordable Housing Act under the Second Component, and any 
increase in cost for ``Project-Based Rental Assistance'' or 
``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' associated with such 
conversion shall be equal to amounts so transferred:  Provided 
further, That with respect to the previous four provisos, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study 
of the long-term impact of the fiscal year 2012 and 2013 
conversion of tenant protection vouchers to assistance under 
section8(o)(13) of the Act on the ratio of tenant-based 
vouchers to project-based vouchers.

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             HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1992




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE I--HOUSING ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle E--Homeownership Programs

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 184. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INDIAN HOUSING.

  [(a) Authority.--To provide access to sources of private 
financing to Indian families, Indian housing authorities, and 
Indian tribes, who otherwise could not acquire housing 
financing because of the unique legal status of Indian lands, 
the Secretary may guarantee not to exceed 100 percent of the 
unpaid principal and interest due on any loan eligible under 
subsection (b) made to an Indian family, Indian housing 
authority, or Indian tribe.]
  (a) Authority.--To provide access to sources of private 
financing to Indian families, Indian housing authorities, and 
Indian tribes, who otherwise could not acquire housing 
financing because of the unique legal status of Indian lands 
and the unique nature of tribal economies; and to expand 
homeownership opportunities to Indian families, Indian housing 
authorities and Indian tribes on fee simple lands, the 
Secretary may guarantee not to exceed 100 percent of the unpaid 
principal and interest due on any loan eligible under 
subsection (b) made to an Indian family, Indian housing 
authority, or Indian tribe on trust land and fee simple land.
  (b) Eligible Loans.--Loans guaranteed pursuant to this 
section shall meet the following requirements:
          (1) Eligible borrowers.--The loans shall be made only 
        to borrowers who are Indian families, Indian housing 
        authorities, or Indian tribes.
          [(2) Eligible housing.--The loan shall be used to 
        construct, acquire, refinance, or rehabilitate 1- to 4-
        family dwellings that are standard housing and are 
        located on trust land or land located in an Indian or 
        Alaska Native area.]
          (2) Eligible housing.--The loan shall be used to 
        construct, acquire, refinance, or rehabilitate 1- to 4-
        family dwellings that are standard housing.
          (3) Security.--The loan may be secured by any 
        collateral authorized under existing Federal law or 
        applicable State or tribal law.
          (4) Lenders.--The loan shall be made only by a lender 
        approved by and meeting qualifications established by 
        the Secretary, except that loans otherwise insured or 
        guaranteed by an agency of the Federal Government or 
        made by an organization of Indians from amounts 
        borrowed from the United States shall not be eligible 
        for guarantee under this section. The following lenders 
        are deemed to be approved under this paragraph:
                  (A) Any mortgagee approved by the Secretary 
                of Housing and Urban Development for 
                participation in the single family mortgage 
                insurance program under title II of the 
                National Housing Act.
                  (B) Any lender whose housing loans under 
                chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code are 
                automatically guaranteed pursuant to section 
                1802(d) of such title.
                  (C) Any lender approved by the Secretary of 
                Agriculture to make guaranteed loans for single 
                family housing under the Housing Act of 1949.
                  (D) Any other lender that is supervised, 
                approved, regulated, or insured by any agency 
                of the Federal Government.
          (5) Terms.--The loan shall--
                  (A) be made for a term not exceeding 30 
                years;
                  (B) bear interest (exclusive of the guarantee 
                fee under section 404 and service charges, if 
                any) at a rate agreed upon by the borrower and 
                the lender and determined by the Secretary to 
                be reasonable, which may not exceed the rate 
                generally charged in the area (as determined by 
                the Secretary) for home mortgage loans not 
                guaranteed or insured by any agency or 
                instrumentality of the Federal Government;
                  (C) involve a principal obligation not 
                exceeding--
                          (i) 97.75 percent of the appraised 
                        value of the property as of the date 
                        the loan is accepted for guarantee (or 
                        98.75 percent if the value of the 
                        property is $50,000 or less); and
                          (ii) the amount approved by the 
                        Secretary under this section; and
                  (D) involve a payment on account of the 
                property (i) in cash or its equivalent, or (ii) 
                through the value of any improvements to the 
                property made through the skilled or unskilled 
                labor of the borrower, as the Secretary shall 
                provide.
  (c) Certificate of Guarantee.--
          (1) Approval process.--Before the Secretary approves 
        any loan for guarantee under this section, the lender 
        shall submit the application for the loan to the 
        Secretary for examination. If the Secretary approves 
        the loan for guarantee, the Secretary shall issue a 
        certificate under this paragraph as evidence of the 
        guarantee.
          (2) Standard for approval.--The Secretary may approve 
        a loan for guarantee under this section and issue a 
        certificate under this paragraph only if the Secretary 
        determines there is a reasonable prospect of repayment 
        of the loan.
          (3) Effect.--A certificate of guarantee issued under 
        this paragraph by the Secretary shall be conclusive 
        evidence of the eligibility of the loan for guarantee 
        under the provisions of this section and the amount of 
        such guarantee. Such evidence shall be incontestable in 
        the hands of the bearer and the full faith and credit 
        of the United States is pledged to the payment of all 
        amounts agreed to be paid by the Secretary as security 
        for such obligations.
          (4) Fraud and misrepresentation.--This subsection may 
        not be construed to preclude the Secretary from 
        establishing defenses against the original lender based 
        on fraud or material misrepresentation or to bar the 
        Secretary from establishing by regulations in effect on 
        the date of issuance or disbursement, whichever is 
        earlier, partial defenses to the amount payable on the 
        guarantee.
          (5) Trailing documents.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary may issue a 
                certificate of guarantee under this subsection 
                for a loan involving a security interest in 
                Indian trust land before the Secretary receives 
                the trailing documents required by the 
                Secretary from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
                including the final certified title status 
                report showing the recordation by the Bureau of 
                Indian Affairs of the mortgage relating to the 
                loan, if the originating lender agrees to 
                indemnify the Secretary for any losses that may 
                result when--
                          (i) a claim payment is presented to 
                        the Secretary due to the default of the 
                        borrower on the loan; and
                          (ii) the required trailing documents 
                        are outstanding.
                  (B) Termination of indemnification 
                agreement.--An indemnification agreement 
                between an originating lender and the Secretary 
                described in subparagraph (A) shall only 
                terminate upon receipt by the Secretary of the 
                trailing documents described in that 
                subparagraph in a form and manner that is 
                acceptable to the Secretary.
                  (C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
                paragraph shall be construed as authorizing the 
                Bureau of Indian Affairs to delay the issuance 
                of a final certified title status report and 
                recorded mortgage relating to a loan closed on 
                Indian trust land.
  (d) Guarantee Fee.--The Secretary shall establish and 
collect, at the time of issuance of the guarantee, a fee for 
the guarantee of loans under this section, in an amount not 
exceeding 3 percent of the principal obligation of the loan. 
The Secretary may also establish and collect annual premium 
payments in an amount not exceeding 1 percent of the remaining 
guaranteed balance (excluding the portion of the remaining 
balance attributable to the fee collected at the time of 
issuance of the guarantee). The Secretary shall establish the 
amount of the fees and premiums by publishing a notice in the 
Federal Register. The Secretary shall deposit any fees and 
premiums collected under this subsection in the Indian Housing 
Loan Guarantee Fund established under subsection (i).
  (e) Liability Under Guarantee.--The liability under a 
guarantee provided under this section shall decrease or 
increase on a pro rata basis according to any decrease or 
increase in the amount of the unpaid obligation under the 
provisions of the loan agreement.
  (f) Transfer and Assumption.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, any loan guaranteed under this section, 
including the security given for the loan, may be sold or 
assigned by the lender to any financial institution subject to 
examination and supervision by an agency of the Federal 
Government or of any State or the District of Columbia.
  (g) Disqualification of Lenders and Civil Money Penalties.--
          (1) In general.--If the Secretary determines that any 
        lender or holder of a guarantee certificate under 
        subsection (c) has failed to maintain adequate 
        accounting records, to adequately service loans 
        guaranteed under this section, to exercise proper 
        credit or underwriting judgment, or has engaged in 
        practices otherwise detrimental to the interest of a 
        borrower or the United States, the Secretary may--
                  (A) refuse, either temporarily or 
                permanently, to guarantee any further loans 
                made by such lender or holder;
                  (B) bar such lender or holder from acquiring 
                additional loans guaranteed under this section; 
                and
                  (C) require that such lender or holder assume 
                not less than 10 percent of any loss on further 
                loans made or held by the lender or holder that 
                are guaranteed under this section.
          (2) Civil money penalties for intentional 
        violations.--If the Secretary determines that any 
        lender or holder of a guarantee certificate under 
        subsection (c) has intentionally failed to maintain 
        adequate accounting records, to adequately service 
        loans guaranteed under this section, or to exercise 
        proper credit or underwriting judgment, the Secretary 
        may impose a civil money penalty on such lender or 
        holder in the manner and amount provided under section 
        536 of the National Housing Act with respect to 
        mortgagees and lenders under such Act.
          (3) Payment on loans made in good faith.--
        Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary 
        may not refuse to pay pursuant to a valid guarantee on 
        loans of a lender or holder barred under this 
        subsection if the loans were previously made in good 
        faith.
  (h) Payment Under Guarantee.--
          (1) Lender options.--
                  (A) In general.--In the event of default by 
                the borrower on a loan guaranteed under this 
                section, the holder of the guarantee 
                certificate shall provide written notice of the 
                default to the Secretary. Upon providing such 
                notice, the holder of the guarantee certificate 
                shall be entitled to payment under the 
                guarantee (subject to the provisions of this 
                section) and may proceed to obtain payment in 
                one of the following manners:
                          (i) Foreclosure.--The holder of the 
                        certificate may initiate foreclosure 
                        proceedings (after providing written 
                        notice of such action to the Secretary) 
                        and upon a final order by the court 
                        authorizing foreclosure and submission 
                        to the Secretary of a claim for payment 
                        under the guarantee, the Secretary 
                        shall pay to the holder of the 
                        certificate the pro rata portion of the 
                        amount guaranteed (as determined 
                        pursuant to subsection (e)) plus 
                        reasonable fees and expenses as 
                        approved by the Secretary. The 
                        Secretary shall be subrogated to the 
                        rights of the holder of the guarantee 
                        and the lender holder shall assign the 
                        obligation and security to the 
                        Secretary.
                          (ii) No foreclosure.--Without seeking 
                        foreclosure (or in any case in which a 
                        foreclosure proceeding initiated under 
                        clause (i) continues for a period in 
                        excess of 1 year), the holder of the 
                        guarantee may submit to the Secretary a 
                        request to assign the obligation and 
                        security interest to the Secretary in 
                        return for payment of the claim under 
                        the guarantee. The Secretary may accept 
                        assignment of the loan if 
                        the Secretary determines that the 
                        assignment is in the best interests of 
                        the United States. Upon assignment, the 
                        Secretary shall pay to the holder of 
                        the 
                        guarantee the pro rata portion of the 
                        amount guaranteed (as determined under 
                        subsection (e)). The 
                        Secretary shall be subrogated to the 
                        rights of the holder of the guarantee 
                        and the holder shall assign the 
                        obligation and security to the 
                        Secretary.
                  (B) Requirements.--Before any payment under a 
                guarantee is made under subparagraph (A), the 
                holder of the guarantee shall exhaust all 
                reasonable possibilities of collection. 
                Exhausting all reasonable possibilities of 
                collection by the holder of the guarantee shall 
                include a good faith consideration of loan 
                modification as well as meeting standards for 
                servicing loans in default, as determined by 
                the Secretary. Upon payment, in whole or in 
                part, to the holder, the note or judgment 
                evidencing the debt shall be assigned to the 
                United States and the holder shall have no 
                further claim against the borrower or the 
                United States. The Secretary shall then take 
                such action to collect as the Secretary 
                determines appropriate.
          (2) Limitations on liquidation.--In the event of a 
        default by the borrower on a loan guaranteed under this 
        section involving a security interest in restricted 
        Indian land, the mortgagee or the Secretary shall only 
        pursue liquidation after offering to transfer the 
        account to an eligible tribal member, the tribe, or the 
        Indian housing authority serving the tribe or tribes. 
        If the mortgagee or the Secretary subsequently proceeds 
        to liquidate the account, the mortgagee or the 
        Secretary shall not sell, transfer, or otherwise 
        dispose of or alienate the property except to one of 
        the entities described in the preceding sentence.
  (i) Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund.--
          (1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
        Treasury of the United States the Indian Housing Loan 
        Guarantee Fund for the purpose of providing loan 
        guarantees under this section.
          (2) Credits.--The Guarantee Fund shall be credited 
        with--
                  (A) any amounts, claims, notes, mortgages, 
                contracts, and property acquired by the 
                Secretary under this section, and any 
                collections and proceeds therefrom;
                  (B) any amounts appropriated under paragraph 
                (7);
                  (C) any guarantee fees collected under 
                subsection (d); and
                  (D) any interest or earnings on amounts 
                invested under paragraph (4).
          (3) Use.--Amounts in the Guarantee Fund shall be 
        available, to the extent provided in appropriation 
        Acts, for--
                  (A) fulfilling any obligations of the 
                Secretary with respect to loans guaranteed 
                under this section, including the costs (as 
                such term is defined in section 502 of the 
                Congressional Budget Act of 1974) of such 
                loans;
                  (B) paying taxes, insurance, prior liens, 
                expenses necessary to make fiscal adjustment in 
                connection with the application and transmittal 
                of collections, and other expenses and advances 
                to protect the Secretary for loans which are 
                guaranteed under this section or held by the 
                Secretary;
                  (C) acquiring such security property at 
                foreclosure sales or otherwise;
                  (D) paying administrative expenses in 
                connection with this section; and
                  (E) reasonable and necessary costs of 
                rehabilitation and repair to properties that 
                the Secretary holds or owns pursuant to this 
                section.
          (4) Investment.--Any amounts in the Guarantee Fund 
        determined by the Secretary to be in excess of amounts 
        currently required to carry out this section may be 
        invested in obligations of the United States.
          (5) Limitation on commitments to guarantee loans and 
        mortgages.--
                  (A) Requirement of appropriations.--The 
                authority of the Secretary to enter into 
                commitments to guarantee loans under this 
                section shall be effective for any fiscal year 
                to the extent or in such amounts as are or have 
                been provided in appropriations Acts, without 
                regard to the fiscal year for which such 
                amounts were appropriated.
                  (B) Limitations on costs of guarantees.--The 
                authority of the Secretary to enter into 
                commitments to guarantee loans under this 
                section shall be effective for any fiscal year 
                only to the extent that amounts in the 
                Guarantee Fund are or have been made available 
                in appropriation Acts to cover the costs (as 
                such term is defined in section 502 of the 
                Congressional Budget Act of 1974) of such loan 
                guarantees for such fiscal year. Any amounts 
                appropriated pursuant to this subparagraph 
                shall remain available until expended.
                  (C) Limitation on outstanding aggregate 
                principal amount.--Subject to the limitations 
                in subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary may 
                enter into commitments to guarantee loans under 
                this section in each of fiscal years 2008 
                through 2012 with an aggregate outstanding 
                principal amount not exceeding such amount as 
                may be provided in appropriation Acts for such 
                fiscal year.
          (6) Liabilities.--All liabilities and obligations of 
        the assets credited to the Guarantee Fund under 
        paragraph (2)(A) shall be liabilities and obligations 
        of the Guarantee Fund.
          (7) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Guarantee Fund to 
        carry out this section such sums as may be necessary 
        for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
  (j) Requirements for Standard Housing.--The Secretary shall, 
by regulation, establish housing safety and quality standards 
for use under this section. Such standards shall provide 
sufficient flexibility to permit the use of various designs and 
materials in housing acquired with loans guaranteed under this 
section. The standards shall require each dwelling unit in any 
housing so acquired to--
          (1) be decent, safe, sanitary, and modest in size and 
        design;
          (2) conform with applicable general construction 
        standards for the region;
          (3) contain a heating system that--
                  (A) has the capacity to maintain a minimum 
                temperature in the dwelling of 65 degrees 
                Fahrenheit during the coldest weather in the 
                area;
                  (B) is safe to operate and maintain;
                  (C) delivers a uniform distribution of heat; 
                and
                  (D) conforms to any applicable tribal heating 
                code or, if there is no applicable tribal code, 
                an appropriate county, State, or National code;
          (4) contain a plumbing system that--
                  (A) uses a properly installed system of 
                piping;
                  (B) includes a kitchen sink and a partitional 
                bathroom with lavatory, toilet, and bath or 
                shower; and
                  (C) uses water supply, plumbing, and sewage 
                disposal systems that conform to any applicable 
                tribal code or, if there is no applicable 
                tribal code, the minimum standards established 
                by the applicable county or State;
          (5) contain an electrical system using wiring and 
        equipment properly installed to safely supply 
        electrical energy for adequate lighting and for 
        operation of appliances that conforms to any applicable 
        tribal code or, if there is no applicable tribal code, 
        an appropriate county, State, or National code;
          (6) be not less than--
                  (A)(i) 570 square feet in size, if designed 
                for a family of not more than 4 persons;
                  (ii) 850 square feet in size, if designed for 
                a family of not less than 5 and not more than 7 
                persons; and
                  (iii) 1020 square feet in size, if designed 
                for a family of not less than 8 persons, or
                  (B) the size provided under the applicable 
                locally adopted standards for size of dwelling 
                units;
        except that the Secretary, upon the request of a tribe 
        or Indian housing authority, may waive the size 
        requirements under this paragraph; and
          (7) conform with the energy performance requirements 
        for new construction established by the Secretary under 
        section 526(a) of the National Housing Act.
  (k) Environmental Review.--For purposes of environmental, 
review, decisionmaking, and action under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
any other law that furthers the purposes of that Act, a loan 
guarantee under this section shall--
          (1) be treated as a grant under the Native American 
        Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 
        (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.); and
          (2) be subject to the regulations promulgated by the 
        Secretary to carry out section 105 of the Native 
        American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act 
        of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4115).
  (l) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
          (1) The term ``family'' means 1 or more persons 
        maintaining a household, as the Secretary shall by 
        regulation provide.
          (2) The term ``Guarantee Fund'' means the Indian 
        Housing Loan Guarantee Fund established under 
        subsection (i).
          (3) The term ``Indian'' means person recognized as 
        being Indian or Alaska Native by an Indian tribe, the 
        Federal Government, or any State.
          (4) The term ``Indian area'' means the area within 
        which an Indian housing authority or Indian tribe is 
        authorized to provide housing.
          (5) The term ``Indian housing authority'' means any 
        entity that--
                  (A) is authorized to engage in or assist in 
                the development or operation of--
                          (i) low-income housing for Indians; 
                        or
                          (ii) housing subject to the 
                        provisions of this section; and
                  (B) is established--
                          (i) by exercise of the power of self-
                        government of an Indian tribe 
                        independent of State law; or
                          (ii) by operation of State law 
                        providing specifically for housing 
                        authorities for Indians, including 
                        regional housing authorities in the 
                        State of Alaska.
        The term includes tribally designated housing entities 
        under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
        Determination Act of 1996.
          (6) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Housing and Urban Development.
          (7) The term ``standard housing'' means a dwelling 
        unit or housing that complies with the requirements 
        established under subsection (j).
          (8) Tribe; indian tribe.--The term ``tribe'' or 
        ``Indian tribe'' means any Indian tribe, band, nation, 
        or other organized group or community of Indians, 
        including any Alaska Native village or regional or 
        village corporation as defined in or established 
        pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 
        that is recognized as eligible for the special programs 
        and services provided by the United States to Indians 
        because of their status as Indians pursuant to the 
        Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
        of 1975.
          (9) The term ``trust land'' means land title to which 
        is held by the United States for the benefit of an 
        Indian or Indian tribe or title to which is held by an 
        Indian tribe subject to a restriction against 
        alienation imposed by the United States.

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                              ----------                              


             HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974

TITLE I--COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                          eligible activities

  Sec. 105. (a) Activities assisted under this title may 
include only--
          (1) the acquisition of real property (including air 
        rights, water rights, and other interests therein) 
        which is (A) blighted, deteriorated, deteriorating, 
        undeveloped, or inappropriately developed from the 
        standpoint of sound community development and growth; 
        (B) appropriate for rehabilitation or conservation 
        activities; (C) appropriate for the preservation or 
        restoration of historic sites, the beautification of 
        urban land, the conservation of open spaces, natural 
        resources, and scenic areas, the provision of 
        recreational opportunities, or the guidance of urban 
        development; (D) to be used for the provision of public 
        works, facilities, and improvements eligible for 
        assistance under this title; or (E) to be used for 
        other public purposes;
          (2) the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or 
        installation (including design features and 
        improvements with respect to such construction, 
        reconstruction, or installation that promote energy 
        efficiency) of public works, facilities (except for 
        buildings for the general conduct of government), and 
        site or other improvements;
          (3) code enforcement in deteriorated or deteriorating 
        areas in which such enforcement, together with public 
        or private improvements or services to be provided, may 
        be expected to arrest the decline of the area;
          (4) clearance, demolition, removal, reconstruction, 
        and rehabilitation (including rehabilitation which 
        promotes energy efficiency) of buildings and 
        improvements (including interim assistance, and 
        financing public or private acquisition for 
        reconstruction or rehabilitation, and reconstruction or 
        rehabilitation, of privately owned properties, and 
        including the renovation of closed school buildings);
          (5) special projects directed to the removal of 
        material and architectural barriers which restrict the 
        mobility and accessibility of elderly and handicapped 
        persons;
          (6) payments to housing owners for losses of rental 
        income incurred in holding for temporary periods 
        housing units to be utilized for the relocation of 
        individuals and families displaced by activities under 
        this title;
          (7) disposition (through sale, lease, donation, or 
        otherwise) of any real property acquired pursuant to 
        this title or its retention for public purposes;
          (8) provision of public services, including but not 
        limited to those concerned with employment, crime 
        prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, 
        energy conservation, welfare or recreation needs, if 
        such services have not been provided by the unit of 
        general local government (through funds raised by such 
        unit, or received by such unit from the State in which 
        it is located) during any part of the twelve-month 
        period immediately preceding the date of submission of 
        the statement with respect to which funds are to be 
        made available under this title, and which are to be 
        used for such services, unless the Secretary finds that 
        the discontinuation of such services was the result of 
        events not within the control of the unit of general 
        local government, except that not more that 15 per 
        centum of the amount of any assistance to a unit of 
        general local government (or in the case of nonentitled 
        communities not more than 15 per centum statewide) 
        under this title including program income may be used 
        for activities under this paragraph unless such unit of 
        general local government used more than 15 percent of 
        the assistance received under this title for fiscal 
        year 1982 or fiscal year 1983 for such activities 
        (excluding any assistance received pursuant to Public 
        Law 98-8), in which case such unit of general local 
        government may use not more than the percentage or 
        amount of such assistance used for such activities for 
        such fiscal year, whichever method of calculation 
        yields the higher amount, except that of any amount of 
        assistance under this title (including program income) 
        in each of fiscal years 1993 through 2003 to the City 
        of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles, each such 
        unit of general government may use not more than 25 
        percent in each such fiscal year for activities under 
        this paragraph, and except that of any amount of 
        assistance under this title (including program income) 
        in each of fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, to the 
        City of Miami, such city may use not more than 25 
        percent in each fiscal year for activities under this 
        paragraph;
          (9) payment of the non-Federal share required in 
        connection with a Federal grant-in-aid program 
        undertaken as part of activities assisted under this 
        title;
          (10) payment of the cost of completing a project 
        funded under title I of the Housing Act of 1949;
          (11) relocation payments and assistance for displaced 
        individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and 
        farm operations, when determined by the grantee to be 
        appropriate;
          (12) activities necessary (A) to develop a 
        comprehensive community development plan, and (B) to 
        develop a policy-planning-management capacity so that 
        the recipient of assistance under this title may more 
        rationally and effectively (i) determine its needs, 
        (ii) set long-term goals and short-term objectives, 
        (iii) devise programs and activities to meet these 
        goals and objectives, (iv) evaluate the progress of 
        such programs in accomplishing these goals and 
        objectives, and (v) carry out management, coordination, 
        and monitoring of activities necessary for effective 
        planning implementation;
          (13) payment of reasonable administrative costs 
        related to establishing and administering federally 
        approved enterprise zones and payment of reasonable 
        administrative costs and carrying charges related to 
        (A) administering the HOME program under title II of 
        the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; 
        and (B) the planning and execution of community 
        development and housing activities, including the 
        provision of information and resources to residents of 
        areas in which community development and housing 
        activities are to be concentrated with respect to the 
        planning and execution of such activities, and 
        including the carrying out of activities as described 
        in section 701(e) of the Housing Act of 1954 on the 
        date prior to the date of enactment of the Housing and 
        Community Development Amendments of 1981;
          (14) provision of assistance including loans (both 
        interim and long-term) and grants for activities which 
        are carried out by public or private nonprofit 
        entities, including (A) acquisition of real property; 
        (B) acquisition, construction, reconstruction, 
        rehabilitation, or installation of (i) public 
        facilities (except for buildings for the general 
        conduct of government), site improvements, and 
        utilities, and (ii) commercial or industrial buildings 
        or structures and other commercial or industrial real 
        property improvements; and (C) planning;
          (15) assistance to neighborhood-based nonprofit 
        organizations, local development corporations, 
        nonprofit organizations serving the development needs 
        of the communities in nonentitlement areas, or entities 
        organized under section 301(d) of the Small Business 
        Investment Act of 1958 to carry out a neighborhood 
        revitalization or community economic development or 
        energy conservative project in furtherance of the 
        objectives of section 101(c), and assistance to 
        neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations, or other 
        private or public nonprofit organizations, for the 
        purpose of assisting, as part of neighborhood 
        revitalization or other community development, the 
        development of shared housing opportunities (other than 
        by construction of new facilities) in which elderly 
        families (as defined in section 3(b)(3) of the United 
        States Housing Act of 1937) benefit as a result of 
        living in a dwelling in which the facilities are shared 
        with others in a manner that effectively and 
        efficiently meets the housing needs of the residents 
        and thereby reduces their cost of housing;
          (16) activities necessary to the development of 
        energy use strategies related to a recipient's 
        development goals, to assure that those goals are 
        achieved with maximum energy efficiency, including 
        items such as--
                  (A) an analysis of the manner in, and the 
                extent to, which energy conservation objectives 
                will be integrated into local government 
                operations, purchasing and service delivery, 
                capital improvements, budgeting, waste 
                management, district heating and cooling, land 
                use planning and zoning, and traffic control, 
                parking, and public transportation functions; 
                and
                  (B) a statement of the actions the recipient 
                will take to foster energy conservation and the 
                use of renewable energy resources in the 
                private sector, including the enactment and 
                enforcement of local codes and ordinances to 
                encourage or mandate energy conservation or use 
                of renewable energy resources, financial and 
                other assistance to be provided (principally 
                for the benefit of low- and moderate-income 
                persons) to make energy conserving improvements 
                to residential structures and any other 
                proposed energy conservation activities;
          (17) provision of assistance to private, for-profit 
        entities, when the assistance is appropriate to carry 
        out an economic development project (that shall 
        minimize, to the extent practicable, displacement of 
        existing businesses and jobs in neighborhoods) that--
                  (A) creates or retains jobs for low- and 
                moderate-income persons;
                  (B) prevents or eliminates slums and blight;
                  (C) meets urgent needs;
                  (D) creates or retains businesses owned by 
                community residents;
                  (E) assists businesses that provide goods or 
                services needed by, and affordable to, low- and 
                moderate-income residents; or
                  (F) provides technical assistance to promote 
                any of the activities under subparagraphs (A) 
                through (E);
          (18) the rehabilitation or development of housing 
        assisted under section 17 of the United States Housing 
        Act of 1937;
          (19) provision of technical assistance to public or 
        nonprofit entities to increase the capacity of such 
        entities to carry out eligible neighborhood 
        revitalization or economic development activities, 
        which assistance shall not be considered a planning 
        cost as defined in paragraph (12) or administrative 
        cost as defined in paragraph (13);
          (20) housing services, such as housing counseling in 
        connection with tenant-based rental assistance and 
        affordable housing projects assisted under title II of 
        the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, 
        energy auditing, preparation of work specifications, 
        loan processing, inspections, tenant selection, 
        management of tenant-based rental assistance, and other 
        services related to assisting owners, tenants, 
        contractors, and other entities, participating or 
        seeking to participate in housing activities assisted 
        under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National 
        Affordable Housing Act;
          (21) provision of assistance by recipients under this 
        title to institutions of higher education having a 
        demonstrated capacity to carry out eligible activities 
        under this subsection for carrying out such activities;
          (22) provision of assistance to public and private 
        organizations, agencies, and other entities (including 
        nonprofit and for-profit entities) to enable such 
        entities to facilitate economic development by--
                  (A) providing credit (including providing 
                direct loans and loan guarantees, establishing 
                revolving loan funds, and facilitating peer 
                lending programs) for the establishment, 
                stabilization, and expansion of 
                microenterprises;
                  (B) providing technical assistance, advice, 
                and business support services (including 
                assistance, advice, and support relating to 
                developing business plans, securing funding, 
                conducting marketing, and otherwise engaging in 
                microenterprise activities) to owners of 
                microenterprises and persons developing 
                microenterprises; and
                  (C) providing general support (such as peer 
                support programs and counseling) to owners of 
                microenterprises and persons developing 
                microenterprises;
          (23) activities necessary to make essential repairs 
        and to pay operating expenses necessary to maintain the 
        habitability of housing units acquired through tax 
        foreclosure proceedings in order to prevent abandonment 
        and deterioration of such housing in primarily low- and 
        moderate-income neighborhoods;
          (24) provision of direct assistance to facilitate and 
        expand homeownership among persons of low and moderate 
        income (except that such assistance shall not be 
        considered a public service for purposes of paragraph 
        (8)) by using such assistance to--
                  (A) subsidize interest rates and mortgage 
                principal amounts for low- and moderate-income 
                homebuyers;
                  (B) finance the acquisition by low- and 
                moderate-income homebuyers of housing that is 
                occupied by the homebuyers;
                  (C) acquire guarantees for mortgage financing 
                obtained by low- and moderate-income homebuyers 
                from private lenders (except that amounts 
                received under this chapter may not be used 
                under this subparagraph to directly guarantee 
                such mortgage financing and grantees under this 
                chapter may not directly provide such 
                guarantees);
                  (D) provide up to 50 percent of any 
                downpayment required from low- or moderate-
                income homebuyer; or
                  (E) pay reasonable closing costs (normally 
                associated with the purchase of a home) 
                incurred by a low- or moderate-income 
                homebuyer;
          (25) the construction or improvement of tornado-safe 
        shelters for residents of manufactured housing, and the 
        provision of assistance (including loans and grants) to 
        nonprofit and for-profit entities (including owners of 
        manufactured housing parks) for such construction or 
        improvement, except that--
                  (A) a shelter assisted with amounts provided 
                pursuant to this paragraph may be located only 
                in a neighborhood (including a manufactured 
                housing park) that--
                          (i) contains not less than 20 
                        manufactured housing units that are 
                        within such proximity to the shelter 
                        that the shelter is available to the 
                        residents of such units in the event of 
                        a tornado;
                          (ii) consists predominantly of 
                        persons of low and moderate income; and
                          (iii) is located within a State in 
                        which a tornado has occurred during the 
                        fiscal year for which the amounts to be 
                        used under this paragraph were made 
                        available or any of the 3 preceding 
                        fiscal years, as determined by the 
                        Secretary after consultation with the 
                        Director of the Federal Emergency 
                        Management Agency;
                  (B) such a shelter shall comply with 
                standards for construction and safety as the 
                Secretary, after consultation with the Director 
                of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
                shall provide to ensure protection from 
                tornadoes;
                  (C) such a shelter shall be of a size 
                sufficient to accommodate, at a single time, 
                all occupants of manufactured housing units 
                located within the neighborhood in which the 
                shelter is located; and
                  (D) amounts may not be used for a shelter as 
                provided under this paragraph unless there is 
                located, within the neighborhood in which the 
                shelter is located (or, in the case of a 
                shelter located in a manufactured housing park, 
                within 1,500 feet of such park), a warning 
                siren that is operated in accordance with such 
                local, regional, or national disaster warning 
                programs or systems as the Secretary, after 
                consultation with the Director of the Federal 
                Emergency Management Agency, considers 
                appropriate to ensure adequate notice of 
                occupants of manufactured housing located in 
                such neighborhood or park of a tornado; and
          (26) lead-based paint hazard evaluation and 
        reduction, as defined in section 1004 of the 
        Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 
        1992.
  (b) Upon the request of the recipient of assistance under 
this title, the Secretary may agree to perform administrative 
services on a reimbursable basis on behalf of such recipient in 
connection with loans or grants for the rehabilitation of 
properties as authorized under subsection (a)(4).
  (c)(1) In any case in which an assisted activity described in 
paragraph (14) or (17) of subsection (a) is identified as 
principally benefiting persons of low and moderate income, such 
activity shall--
          (A) be carried out in a neighborhood consisting 
        predominately of persons of low and moderate income and 
        provide services for such persons; or
          (B) involve facilities designed for use predominately 
        by persons of low and moderate income; or
          (C) involve employment of persons, a majority of whom 
        are persons of low and moderate income.
  (2)(A) In any case in which an assisted activity described in 
subsection (a) is designed to serve an area generally and is 
clearly designed to meet identified needs of persons of low and 
moderate income in such area, such activity shall be considered 
to principally benefit persons of low and moderate income if 
(i) not less than 51 percent of the residents of such area are 
persons of low and moderate income; (ii) in any metropolitan 
city or urban county, the area served by such activity is 
within the highest quartile of all areas within the 
jurisdiction of such city or county in terms of the degree of 
concentration of persons of low and moderate income; or (iii) 
the assistance for such activity is limited to paying 
assessments (including any charge made as a condition of 
obtaining access) levied against properties owned and occupied 
by persons of low and moderate income to recover the capital 
cost for a public improvement.
  (B) The requirements of subparagraph (A) do not prevent the 
use of assistance under this title for the development, 
establishment, and operation for not to exceed 2 years after 
its establishment of a uniform emergency telephone number 
system if the Secretary determines that--
          (i) such system will contribute substantially to the 
        safety of the residents of the area served by such 
        system;
          (ii) not less than 51 percent of the use of the 
        system will be by persons of low and moderate income; 
        and
          (iii) other Federal funds received by the grantee are 
        not available for the development, establishment, and 
        operation of such system due to the insufficiency of 
        the amount of such funds, the restrictions on the use 
        of such funds, or the prior commitment of such funds 
        for other purposes by the grantee.
The percentage of the cost of the development, establishment, 
and operation of such a system that may be paid from assistance 
under this title and that is considered to benefit low and 
moderate income persons is the percentage of the population to 
be served that is made up of persons of low and moderate 
income.
  (3) Any assisted activity under this title that involves the 
acquisition or rehabilitation of property to provide housing 
shall be considered to benefit persons of low and moderate 
income only to the extent such housing will, upon completion, 
be occupied by such persons.
  (4) For the purposes of subsection (c)(1)(C)--
          (A) if an employee resides in, or the assisted 
        activity through which he or she is employed, is 
        located in a census tract that meets the Federal 
        enterprise zone eligibility criteria, the employee 
        shall be presumed to be a person of low- or moderate-
        income; or
          (B) if an employee resides in a census tract where 
        not less than 70 percent of the residents have incomes 
        at or below 80 percent of the area median, the employee 
        shall be presumed to be a person of low or moderate 
        income.
  (d) Training Program.--The Secretary shall implement, using 
funds recaptured pursuant to section 119(o), an on-going 
education and training program for officers and employees of 
the Department, especially officers and employees of area and 
other field offices of the Department, who are responsible for 
monitoring and administering activities pursuant to paragraphs 
(14), (15), and (17) of subsection (a) for the purpose of 
ensuring that (A) such personnel possess a thorough 
understanding of such activities; and (B) regulations and 
guidelines are implemented in a consistent fashion.
  (e) Guidelines for Evaluating and Selecting Economic 
Development Projects.--
          (1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, by 
        regulation, guidelines to assist grant recipients under 
        this title to evaluate and select activities described 
        in section 105(a) (14), (15), and (17) for assistance 
        with grant amounts. The Secretary shall not base a 
        determination of eligibility of the use of funds under 
        this title for such assistance solely on the basis that 
        the recipient fails to achieve one or more of the 
        guidelines' objectives as stated in paragraph (2).
          (2) Project costs and financial requirements.--The 
        guidelines established under this subsection shall 
        include the following objectives:
                  (A) The project costs of such activities are 
                reasonable.
                  (B) To the extent practicable, reasonable 
                financial support has been committed for such 
                activities from non-Federal sources prior to 
                disbursement of Federal funds.
                  (C) To the extent practicable, any grant 
                amounts to be provided for such activities do 
                not substantially reduce the amount of non-
                Federal financial support for the activity.
                  (D) Such activities are financially feasible.
                  (E) To the extent practicable, such 
                activities provide not more than a reasonable 
                return on investment to the owner.
                  (F) To the extent practicable, grant amounts 
                used for the costs of such activities are 
                disbursed on a pro rata basis with amounts from 
                other sources.
          (3) Public benefit.--The guidelines established under 
        this subsection shall provide that the public benefit 
        provided by the activity is appropriate relative to the 
        amount of assistance provided with grant amounts under 
        this title.
  (f) Assistance to For-Profit Entities.--In any case in which 
an activity described in paragraph (17) of subsection (a) is 
provided assistance such assistance shall not be limited to 
activities for which no other forms of assistance are available 
or could not be accomplished but for that assistance.
  (g) Microenterprise and Small Business Program 
Requirements.--In developing program requirements and providing 
assistance pursuant to paragraph (17) of subsection (a) to a 
microenterprise or small business, the Secretary shall--
          (1) take into account the special needs and 
        limitations arising
          (2) not consider training, technical assistance, or 
        other support services costs provided to small 
        businesses or microenterprises or to grantees and 
        subgrantees to develop the capacity to provide such 
        assistance, as a planning cost pursuant to section 
        105(a)(12) or an administrative cost pursuant to 
        section 105(a)(13).
  (h) Prohibition on Use of Assistance for Employment 
Relocation Activities.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
law, no amount from a grant under section 106 made in fiscal 
year 1999 or any succeeding fiscal year may be used to assist 
directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial 
plant, facility, or operation, from 1 area to another area, if 
the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of 
employment in the labor market area from which the relocation 
occurs.
  (i) Special Activities by Indian Tribes.--Indian tribes 
receiving grants under section 106(a)(1) of this Act are 
authorized to carry out activities described in subsection 
(a)(15) of this section directly.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the following statements are 
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the 
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the 
application of existing law:

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' which specifies certain amounts for 
the Office of the Secretary and official reception and 
representation expenses, specifies the period of availability 
of those funds, specifies transfer authority among individual 
offices of the Office of the Secretary, and allows up to 
$2,500,000 in user fees to be credited to the account.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Research and Technology'' which limits the availability of 
funds, changes the availability of funds, allows funds received 
from other entities to be credited to the account, and deems 
the title of the office.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance 
Bureau'' which makes funding available until expended, allows 
fees received from other entities to be credited to the 
account, and authorizes the Secretary to use funds for 
departmental administrative costs.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program'' 
which authorizes the Secretary to issue direct loans and loan 
guarantees under chapter 224 of title 49, United States Code.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Financial Management Capital'' which provides funds for 
financial systems and business process upgrades and changes the 
availability of funds.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Cyber Security Initiatives'' which provides funds for 
information technology security upgrades and changes the 
availability of funds.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Office of Civil Rights'' which provides funds for enforcing 
Federal civil rights laws and regulations.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Transportation Planning, Research, and Development'' which 
provides funds for conducting transportation planning, 
research, and development activities and making grants, changes 
the availability of funds, and specifies funding minimums for 
and authorities related to the Interagency Infrastructure 
Permitting Improvement Center.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary that 
limits operating costs and capital outlays of the Working 
Capital Fund (WCF) for the Department of Transportation (DOT); 
provides that services shall be provided on a competitive 
basis, except for non-DOT entities or funds provided in Public 
Law 117-58; restricts the transfer for any funds to the Working 
Capital Fund with certain approvals; and limits special 
assessments or reimbursable agreements levied against any 
program, project, or activity funded in this Act to only those 
assessments or reimbursable agreements that are presented to 
and approved by the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Outreach'' 
limiting the availability of funds, specifying that funds may 
be used for business opportunities related to any mode of 
transportation, and specifying that funds may be used for 
activities previously under the heading ``Office of the 
Secretary--Minority Business Resource Center''.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
``Payments to Air Carriers'' which allows the Secretary of 
Transportation to consider subsidy requirements when 
determining service to a community, eliminates the requirement 
that carriers use at least 15-passenger aircraft, prohibits 
funds for communities within a certain distance of a small hub 
airport without a cost-share, allows amounts to be made 
available from the Federal Aviation Administration, and allows 
the reimbursement of such amounts from overflight fees.
    Section 101 prohibits the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation from approving assessments or reimbursable 
agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the operating 
administrations in this Act unless such assessments or 
agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for 
congressional notification.
    Section 102 requires the Secretary to post on the internet 
a schedule of all Council on Credit and Finance meetings, 
agendas, and meeting minutes.
    Section 103 allows the Department's WCF to provide payments 
in advance to vendors for the Federal transit pass fringe 
benefit program and to provide full or partial payments to, and 
to accept reimbursements from, Federal agencies for transit 
benefit distribution services.
    Section 104 allows the Department's WCF to utilize not more 
than $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 unused transit and van pool 
benefits to provide contractual services in support of section 
189 of this Act.
    Section 105 prohibits the use of funds for certain employee 
bonuses without the prior written approval of the Assistant 
Secretary for Administration.
    Section 106 permits the WCF to transfer certain information 
technology, equipment, software, and systems under certain 
circumstances.
    Section 107 requires congressional notification before the 
Department provides credit assistance under the Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
    Section 108 rescinds certain unobligated balances from the 
RRIF Cohort 3 Modification provided in the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2022.
    Section 109 increases the set-aside for certain eligible 
recipients of the RAISE grant program.
    Section 109A allows the Operating Administrations to 
transfer funds to the Office of Tribal Government Affairs for 
tribal entities who receive funding under an intergovernmental 
compact through the Tribal Transportation Self Governance 
program.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
``Operations'' that specifies funds for certain activities; 
limits the availability of funds; derives funds from the 
General Fund and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; specifies 
reprogramming authorities among activities; requires various 
staffing plans by a certain date with financial penalties for 
late submissions; permits the use of funds to enter into a 
grant agreement with a nonprofit standard setting organization 
to develop aviation safety standards; prohibits the use of 
funds for new applicants of the second career training program; 
prohibits funds to plan, finalize, or implement any regulation 
that would promulgate new aviation user fees not specifically 
authorized by law; credits funds received from other entities 
for expenses incurred in the provision of agency services; 
specifies funds for the contract tower program; prohibits funds 
from certain activities coordinated through the Working Capital 
Fund; and prohibits funds to eliminate the Contract Weather 
Observer program.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
``Facilities and Equipment'' that specifies funds for certain 
activities; derives funds from the Airport and Airway Trust 
Fund; limits the availability of funds; credits funds received 
from other entities for expenses incurred in the modernization 
of air navigation systems; and requires a capital investment 
plan.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
``Research, Engineering, and Development'' that derives funds 
from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; limits the availability 
of funds; credits funds received from other entities for 
expenses incurred for in research, engineering, and development 
to the account; requires funds to be used in accordance with 
the report accompanying this Act; and specifies reprogramming 
authorities among amounts in the report subject to section 405 
of this Act.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
``Grants-in-aid for Airports'' that provides funds from the 
Airport and Airway Trust Fund and from the General Fund; 
specifies the availability of funds; prohibits funds for 
certain activities; sets a cost share requirement on certain 
airport construction projects; limits the availability of funds 
for certain activities; allows the participation of certain 
additional airports; allows the Federal share of certain grants 
to be 95 percent; allows funds to be used for administrative 
expenses, research, and the ``Small Community Air Service 
Development Program''; and defines airport eligibility.
    Section 110 allows no more than 600 technical staff-years 
at the center for advanced aviation systems development.
    Section 111 prohibits funds from being used to adopt 
guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to provide 
FAA ``without cost'' building construction or space.
    Section 112 allows reimbursement for fees collected and 
credited under 49 U.S.C. 45303.
    Section 113 allows reimbursement of funds for providing 
technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be 
credited to the operations account.
    Section 114 prohibits funds from being used for Sunday 
premium pay unless work was actually performed on a Sunday.
    Section 115 prohibits funds from being used to buy store 
gift cards with Government-issued credit cards.
    Section 116 requires, upon the request of an owner or 
operator, the Secretary to block the identifying information of 
an owner or operator's aircraft in any flight tracking display 
to the public.
    Section 117 prohibits funds from being used for salaries 
and expenses of more than nine political and Presidential 
appointees in the FAA.
    Section 118 prohibits funds from being used to increase 
fees under 49 U.S.C. 44721 until the FAA provides a report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations that 
justifies all fees related to aeronautical navigation products 
and explains how such fees are consistent with Executive Order 
13642.
    Section 119 requires the FAA to notify the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations at least 90 days before closing a 
regional operations center or reducing the services provided.
    Section 119A prohibits funds from being used to change 
weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro 
Airport in New Jersey.
    Section 119B prohibits funds from being used to withhold 
from consideration and approval certain applications for 
participation in the contract tower program or for certain 
reevaluations of cost-share program participation.
    Section 119C prohibits funds from being used to open, 
close, re-designate, or reorganize a regional office, 
aeronautical center, or technical center subject to the normal 
reprogramming requirements outlined under section 405 of this 
Act.
    Section 119D simplifies the administration of the franchise 
fund.
    Section 119E limits the use of authorities under 49 U.S.C. 
44502(e) for transferring certain equipment to the FAA.
    Section 119F allows funds from the ``Grants-in-Aid for 
Airports'' account to reimburse airports affected by temporary 
flight restrictions for residences of the President.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, ``Limitation on Administrative Expenses'' which 
limits the amount to be paid, together with advances and 
reimbursements received, for the administrative expenses of the 
agency or transferred to the Appalachian Regional Commission 
for administrative expenses associated with the Appalachian 
Development Highway System.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, ``Federal-aid Highways'' which limits the 
obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety 
construction programs.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, ``Federal-aid Highways'' which liquidates 
contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, ``Highway Infrastructure Programs'' which 
authorizes and appropriates additional amounts. Language 
applies and waives various statutory requirements for certain 
funding and specifies the availability of funds.
    Section 120 distributes obligation authority among Federal-
aid highways programs.
    Section 121 credits funds received by the Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics to the Federal-aid highways account.
    Section 122 provides requirements for any waiver of the Buy 
America requirements.
    Section 123 requires 60-day notification to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations of any grants as authorized 
under 23 U.S.C. 117.
    Section 124 allows state departments of transportation to 
repurpose certain highway project funding to be used within 25 
miles of its original designation.
    Section 125 rescinds certain unobligated balances.
    Section 126 prohibits the implementation of the FHWA's 
proposed greenhouse gas rule.
    Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration, ``Motor Carrier Safety Operations and 
Programs'' which provides a limitation on obligations and 
liquidation of contract authorization, changes the availability 
of funds, and specifies amounts available for specific 
activities.
    Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration, ``Motor Carrier Safety Grants'' which provides 
limitation on obligations and liquidation of contract 
authorization, modifies the availability of certain funds, and 
specifies amounts available for various programs.
    Section 130 specifies certain notification requirements for 
violations of certain Federal Regulations.
    Section 131 prohibits funds from being used to promulgate 
any rule or regulation that would require certain commercial 
vehicles to be equipped with a speed limiting device.
    Section 132 prohibits funds from being used to require the 
use of inward facing cameras as a condition for the 
apprenticeship pilot program.
    Section 133 prohibits funds from being used to implement 
certain registration requirements for the apprenticeship pilot 
program.
    Section 134 prohibits funds from being used to enforce the 
electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers 
transporting livestock or insects.
    Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, ``Operations and Research'' which provides 
funds for vehicle safety activities and modifies the period of 
availability of certain funds.
    Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, ``Operations and Research'' which provides a 
limitation on obligations and a liquidation of contract 
authorization from the Highway Trust Fund, specifies amounts 
for various programs, modifies the period of availability of 
certain funds; and specifies that amounts for certain 
activities are in addition to any other funds provided for such 
purposes in this Act.
    Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration ``Highway Traffic Safety Grants'' which provides 
a limitation on obligations, changes the availability of funds, 
provides a liquidation of contract authorization from the 
Highway Trust Fund, specifies the amounts for various programs, 
prohibits and limits funds for specific purposes, and requires 
certain congressional notifications.
    Section 140 exempts from the current fiscal year's 
obligation limitation any obligation authority that was made 
available in previous public laws.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
``Safety and Operations'' which provides funds and funding 
availability.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
``Railroad Research and Development'' which provides funds, 
provides funding availability, and allows the use of funding 
for specific purposes.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
``Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements'' 
which provides funds and funding availability, sets aside 
amounts for specified purposes, expands project eligibility, 
and modifies preference relating to the Federal share of 
projects receiving awards.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
``Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation'' which provides funds and funding availability and 
allows the Secretary to withhold funding for specified 
purposes.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
``National Network Grants to the National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation'' which provides funding and funding availability.
    Section 150 allows the Federal Railroad Administration to 
transfer certain amounts made available in this and prior Acts 
to the financial assistance oversight and technical assistance 
account to support the award, administration, project 
management oversight, and technical assistance of grants 
administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, with an 
exception.
    Section 151 specifies certain restrictions and reporting 
requirements for the use of funds to pay for certain overtime 
costs.
    Section 152 prohibits the National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation from using funds to reduce the total number of 
uniformed Amtrak Police Department officers below the staffing 
level on May 1, 2019.
    Section 153 prohibits funds from being used for a high-
speed rail corridor development project in California.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
``Transit Formula Grants'' which provides a limitation on 
obligations from the Highway Trust Fund, and for the 
liquidation of contract authority.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
``Transit Infrastructure Grants'' which provides funding and 
funding availability and clarifies that such funding is not 
subject to any limitation on obligations.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
``Technical Assistance and Training'' which provides funding 
and funding availability for certain activities, specifies that 
such funding is in addition to any other amounts for such 
purposes, and clarifies that such funding is not subject to any 
limitation on obligations.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
``Capital Investment Grants'' which provides funding and 
funding, specifies amounts for activities authorized by section 
5309 of title 49, United States Code, and section 3005(b) of 
the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
``Grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit 
Authority'' which provides funding and funding availability, 
requires the Secretary to review projects before a grant is 
made, and requires the Secretary to place the highest priority 
on safety investments.
    Section 160 exempts previously made transit obligations 
from limitations on obligations.
    Section 161 allows funds provided in this Act that remain 
unobligated by September 30, 2027, for capital investment 
grants projects to be available for other projects to use the 
funds for the purposes for which they were originally provided.
    Section 162 allows for the transfer of appropriations made 
prior to October 1, 2023, from older accounts to be merged into 
new accounts with similar, current activities.
    Section 163 prohibits the enforcement of the Rostenkowski 
test.
    Language is included under Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway 
Development Corporation which authorizes expenditures, 
contracts, and commitments as may be necessary.
    Language is included under Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway 
Development Corporation, ``Operations and Maintenance'' which 
provides funds derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund 
and specifies a certain amount for the seaway infrastructure 
program. Language allows the Secretary to use unobligated 
balances from prior Acts for a specified purpose.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Maritime Security Program'' which provides funds and funding 
availability. It also includes a rescission of funds.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``Cable 
Security Fleet'' which provides funds and funding availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Tanker Security Program'' which provides funds and funding 
availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Operations and Training'' which provides funds for specific 
purposes, limits funding availability, requires submission of 
the annual report on sexual assault and harassment at the 
United States Merchant Marine Academy, and allows the use of 
prior year recoveries for specific purposes.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``State 
Maritime Academy Operations'' which provides funds for specific 
purposes, limits funding availability, and specifies certain 
requirements for reimbursable funds.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Assistance to Small Shipyards'' which provides funds and 
funding availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``Ship 
Disposal'' which provides funds and funding availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account'' which 
provides funds, and transfers and merges funds with ``Maritime 
Administration--Operations and Training''.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``Port 
Infrastructure Development Program'' for funding.
    Section 170 authorizes the Maritime Administration to 
furnish utilities and services and to make necessary repairs in 
connection with any lease, contract, or occupancy involving 
government property under control of the Maritime 
Administration and allows payments received to be credited to 
the Treasury and to remain available until expended.
    Section 171 provides funding and funding availability for 
the Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, ``Operational Expenses'' which provides 
funding and funding availability.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, ``Hazardous Materials Safety'' which 
provides funding and funding availability, allows fees 
collected under section 5108(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, to be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and 
allows credits to this appropriation for funds received from 
other entities for certain expenses.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, ``Pipeline Safety'' which specifies 
amounts derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, the 
Pipeline Safety Fund, the Liquefied Natural Gas Siting Account, 
and the Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety 
Account; limits availability of funds; specifies a minimum 
amount for certain activities; specifies notification 
requirements for certain activities; requires the Secretary to 
complete certain reports and plans; and limits funding for 
certain purposes pending approval of such reports and plans.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, ``Emergency Preparedness Grants'' which 
specifies the amount derived from the Emergency Preparedness 
Fund, limits the availability of funds, allows up to four 
percent of funds for administrative costs, and allows the use 
of prior year recoveries for certain activities.
    Language is included under Office of Inspector General, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' which provides funding and provides 
the Inspector General with all necessary, independent authority 
to investigate allegations of fraud by any person or entity 
that is subject to regulation by the Department of 
Transportation. It also grants the IG independent authority 
over all personnel issues within this office.
    Section 180 provides authorization for the Department of 
Transportation to maintain and operate aircraft, hire passenger 
motor vehicles and aircraft, purchase liability insurance, pay 
for uniforms, and purchase and operate unmanned aircraft 
systems.
    Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, up to the rate 
permitted for an executive level IV.
    Section 182 prohibits recipients of funds in this Act from 
disseminating personal information obtained by state DMVs in 
connection to motor vehicle records with an exception.
    Section 183 prohibits funds in this Act for salaries and 
expenses of more than 125 political and presidential appointees 
in the Department of Transportation.
    Section 184 stipulates that revenue collected by the 
Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Railroad 
Administration from states, counties, municipalities, other 
public authorities, and private sources for training may be 
credited to specific accounts within the agencies with an 
exception for state rail safety inspectors participating in 
training.
    Section 185 prohibits the Department of Transportation from 
using funds made available by this Act or in title VIII of 
division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 
117-58) to make a loan, loan guarantee, line of credit, letter 
of intent, Federally funded cooperative agreement, full funding 
grant agreement, or discretionary grant unless the Department 
of Transportation gives a 3-day advance notice to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations. The provision requires the 
Department of Transportation to provide a comprehensive list of 
all such loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, letters of 
intent, Federally funded cooperative agreements, full funding 
grant agreements, and discretionary grants that will be 
announced with a 3-day advance notice to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations. The provision also requires 
concurrent notice of any ``quick release'' of funds from the 
Federal Highway Administration's emergency relief program and 
prohibits notifications from involving funds not available for 
obligation.
    Section 186 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of the 
Department of Transportation.
    Section 187 requires reprogramming actions to be approved 
or denied by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 
and reprogramming notifications shall be transmitted solely to 
the Appropriations Committees.
    Section 188 allows funds appropriated to operating 
administrations to be obligated for the Office of the Secretary 
for costs related to assessments only when such funds provide a 
direct benefit to the operating administrations.
    Section 189 authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program 
that establishes uniform standards for developing and 
supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits, including 
distribution of transit benefits.
    Section 190 allows the use of funds to assist a contract 
utilizing geographic, economic, or other hiring preference not 
otherwise authorized by law, only if certain requirements are 
met related to availability of local labor, displacement of 
existing employees, and delays in transportation plans.
    Section 191 directs the Secretary of Transportation to work 
with the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that best 
practices for industrial control systems procurement are up to 
date and that systems procured with funds provided under this 
title were procured using such practices.
    Section 192 prohibits the use of funds to develop, 
implement, or administer the Department's Equity Action Plan.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Management and Administration'', ``Executive 
Offices'' which provides funding and funding availability for 
Executive Offices and limits funds available for reception and 
representation expenses.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Management and Administration'', 
``Administrative Support Offices'' which specifies funds for 
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of the 
General Counsel, the Office of Administration, the Office of 
the Chief Human Capital Officer, the Office of the Chief 
Procurement Officer, the Office of Field Policy and Management, 
the Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity, and 
the Office of the Chief Information Officer; allows funds for 
certain administrative expenses; and allows funds to be used 
for advertising and promotional activities.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Management and Administration'', ``Program 
Offices'' which specifies funds for the Office of Public and 
Indian Housing, Office of Community Planning and Development, 
Office of Housing, Office of Policy Development and Research, 
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and Office of 
Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Working Capital Fund'' which specifies the 
shared services to be used by the Department, specifies the 
conditions for reimbursement, allows for additional salaries 
and expenses amounts to be transferred to the Working Capital 
Fund, and requires notification in advance of such transfers.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' which specifies 
funds for certain programs, activities and purposes and limits 
the use and availability of certain funds; specifies the 
methodology for allocation of renewal funding (including 
renewals of enhanced vouchers); directs the Secretary to 
provide renewal funding based on validated voucher system 
leasing and cost data for the prior year; directs the 
Secretary, to the extent necessary, to prorate each public 
housing agencies (PHA) allocation; directs the Secretary to 
notify PHAs of their annual budget the later of 60 days after 
enactment of the Act or March 1, 2024; allows the Secretary to 
extend the notification period with the prior approval of the 
House and Senate appropriations committees; specifies the 
amounts available to the Secretary to allocate to PHAs that 
need additional funds and for fees; specifies the amount for 
additional rental subsidy due to unforeseen emergencies and 
portability; provides funding for public housing agencies with 
vouchers that were not in use during the previous 12 month 
period in order to be available to meet a commitment pursuant 
to section 8(o)(13); provides funding for various adjustments 
in the allocations for public housing agencies; allows the 
total number of unit months under lease to exceed a Moving to 
Work (MTW) PHA's authorized level of units under contract; 
provides funding for public housing agencies that despite 
taking reasonable measures, would otherwise be required to 
terminate assistance for families as a result of insufficient 
funding; and provides funding for public housing agencies that 
have experienced increased costs or loss of units in an area 
with a Presidentially declared disaster.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' which provides 
funds for tenant protection vouchers; sets certain conditions 
for the Secretary to provide such vouchers; provides funds for 
residents of multi-family properties that would not otherwise 
have been eligible for tenant-protection vouchers; sets 
eligibility requirements for multi-family properties to 
participate in the program; requires the Secretary to issue 
guidance on requirements; and sets conditions for the 
reissuance of vouchers.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Tenant-Based Rental Assistance'' which provides 
funds for administrative and other expenses of public housing 
agencies to administer the section 8 tenant-based rental 
assistance program; sets an amount to be available to PHAs that 
need additional funds to administer their section 8 programs, 
including fees to administer tenant protection assistance, 
disaster related vouchers, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing 
vouchers and other special purpose vouchers; provides for the 
distribution of funds; provides for a uniform percentage 
decrease of amounts to be allocated if funds are not 
sufficient; establishes that MTW agencies be funded pursuant to 
their MTW agreements and in accordance with the requirements of 
the MTW program; provides funds for section 811 mainstream 
vouchers (and allows for adjustments in allocations for public 
housing agencies under certain circumstances); provides funds 
for rental assistance and administrative costs associated with 
tribal veteran vouchers subject to certain conditions; and 
requires the Secretary to track special purpose vouchers.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Housing Certificate Fund'' which rescinds prior 
year funds and allows the Secretary to use recaptures to fund 
project-based contracts and performance-based contract 
administrators.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Public Housing Fund'' which specifies the total 
amount available for certain activities; limits the 
availability of funds; limits the delegation of certain waiver 
authorities; specifies an amount for administrative and 
judicial receiverships; and specifies an amount for emergency 
capital needs, and for safety and security measures.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Operational Performance Evaluation and Risk 
Assessments'' which provides funding, limits availability of 
funds, and allows certain unobligated balances under the 
heading ``Public Housing Fund'' to be used for ongoing public 
housing and physical assessment activities.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Self-Sufficiency Programs'' which provides 
funding, limits availability of funds, allows the Secretary to 
waive or specify certain requirements, establishes entities 
eligible to compete for funding, allows the establishment of 
escrow funds and utilization of rent incentives, and includes 
Project-based Rental Assistance properties as eligible entities 
for funding provided in this and prior Acts for family self-
sufficiency coordinators.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Native American Programs'' which provides 
funding and limits availability of funds. Language specifies 
amounts and conditions for the Native American Housing Block 
Grants formula program, guaranteed notes and obligations as 
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, 
the Indian Community Development Block Grant program, and 
training and technical assistance. Language authorizes and 
appropriates funding for competitive grants through the Native 
American Housing Block Grants program to be awarded at the 
discretion of the Secretary, specifies considerations for the 
Secretary in making funding awards, and authorizes the use of 
additional amounts in prior Acts for administrative expenses.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program 
Account'' which specifies the amount and availability of funds 
to subsidize total loan principal, specifies how to define the 
costs of modifying loans, sets a total loan principal, and 
allows the use of unobligated balances remaining from amounts 
made available under prior Acts for the cost of guaranteed 
loans.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant'' which 
provides funding, limits availability of funds, and prevents 
and authorizes certain activities.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund 
Program Account'' which sets a total loan principal and allows 
the Secretary to make commitments to refinance loans.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS'' 
which limits availability of funds and requires grantee 
notification of formula allocations.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Community Development Fund'' which limits the 
use and availability of certain funds; specifies the allocation 
of certain funds; prohibits grant recipients from selling, 
trading, or transferring funds; prohibits the provision of 
funds to for-profit entities for economic development projects 
unless certain conditions are met; specifies an amount for 
activities authorized under section 8071 of the SUPPORT Act; 
requires grantee notification of formula allocations; and 
provides funding for certain community projects specified in 
the report.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Community Development Loan Guarantees Program 
Account'' which limits the principal amount of loan guarantees, 
directs the Secretary to collect fees from borrowers adequate 
to result in credit subsidy cost of zero, allows the Section 
108 loan guarantee program to guarantee notes or other 
obligations issued by any State on behalf of non-entitlement 
communities in the State, and provides funds for competitive 
economic development grants for certain projects.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Home Investment Partnerships Program'' which 
limits the availability of funds; specifies the allocation of 
certain funds for certain purposes; requires grantee 
notification; and prohibits sections 218(g) and 231(b) of the 
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act from applying 
with respect to the right of a jurisdiction to draw HOME funds 
that otherwise expired or would expire, or uninvested funds 
that were deducted or would be deducted, in 2018 through 2026.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for 
Community Enhancement'' which authorizes and appropriates 
funding for competitive grants for the preservation and 
revitalization of manufactured housing; limits availability of 
funds; specifies eligible entities, activities, and 
communities; requires the Secretary to prioritize certain 
applications; defines resiliency activities; and provides the 
Secretary with waiver authority for certain statutory or 
regulatory requirements.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Self-help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity 
Program'' which provides funding; limits availability of funds; 
specifies funding amounts for certain programs, rural 
activities, and organizations; and allows multiyear agreements 
for certain programs subject to the availability of annual 
appropriations.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Homeless Assistance Grants'' which limits the 
availability of funds, specifies the allocation of certain 
funds for certain purposes, specifies matching requirements, 
requires the Secretary to establish minimum performance 
thresholds for projects, requires the Secretary to prioritize 
funding to grant applicants that demonstrate a capacity to 
reallocate funding to higher performing projects, requires the 
Secretary to provide incentives for grantees to integrate 
homeless programs with other social service providers, and 
requires notification of formula allocations. It also provides 
for homeless data and particularly discusses homeless youth.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Project-based Rental Assistance'' which provides 
funds and funding availability, provides for some advance 
appropriations, specifies eligible activities, specifies 
amounts for certain purposes, and allows the Secretary to 
recapture residual receipts from certain properties.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Housing for the Elderly'' which limits the 
availability of funds; specifies the allocation of certain 
funds; designates certain funds to be used only for certain 
grants; allows funds to be used to renew certain contracts; 
allows the Secretary to waive certain provisions governing 
contract terms and for intergenerational dwelling units; allows 
excess funds held in residual receipts accounts, after contract 
termination, to be deposited in this account for transferred 
purposes; allows for funding to be used for service 
coordinators, and limits the availability and use of these 
funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Housing for Persons with Disabilities'' which 
limits the availability of funds, specifies the allocation of 
certain funds, allows for certain repurposing of transferred 
funds, and allows funds to be used to renew certain contracts.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Housing Counseling Assistance'' which provides 
funds for described purposes, limits the availability of funds, 
specifies amounts to be used for specified purposes, and allows 
multiyear agreements subject to the availability of annual 
appropriations.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Payment to Manufactured Housing Fees Trust 
Fund'' which permits fees to be assessed, modified, and 
collected for dispute resolution and installation programs; 
permits temporary borrowing authority from the general fund of 
the Treasury; provides that general fund amounts from 
collections offset the appropriation so that the resulting 
appropriation is a specified amount; requires fees collected to 
be deposited into the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund; 
allows fees to be used for necessary expenses and limits their 
availability; and allows the Secretary to use approved service 
providers.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program Account'' 
which limits new commitments to issue guarantees, limits new 
obligations to make direct loans, specifies that the Secretary 
may insure specific mortgages only under certain conditions, 
and limits the availability of funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``General and Special Risk Program Account'' which 
limits new commitments to issue guarantees, limits new 
obligations to make direct loans, and limits the availability 
of funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Government National Mortgage Association'' which 
limits new commitments to issue guarantees, provides funds for 
salaries and expenses derived from offsetting collections, 
allows specified receipts to be credited as offsetting 
collections, and limits the availability of funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Policy Development and Research'' which limits 
the availability of funds, specifies authorized uses, allows 
the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements under 
specified circumstances, directs the submission of a spend 
plan, and prohibits funding for a specified use.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity'' which 
provides or prohibits funds for certain purposes, limits the 
availability of funds, authorizes the Secretary to assess and 
collect fees, and for other purposes.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy 
Homes'' which specifies the period of availability of funds, 
specifies the amount of funds for specific purposes, specifies 
the treatment of certain grants, establishes a pilot program to 
address lead and other residential environmental hazards, 
requires the Secretary to conduct a demonstration, specifies a 
matching requirement for grants, requires a certification of 
adequate capacity, and authorizes the transfer of funds for the 
purposes of conducting research and studies.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Information Technology Fund'' which specifies 
the period of availability and purpose of funds and requires 
the Secretary to submit a spend plan and quarterly reports to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations before 
obligating a certain amount of funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, ``Office of Inspector General'' which specifies 
the use of funds and directs that the Inspector General shall 
have independent authority over all personnel issues within the 
office.
    Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between the Treasury 
and state HFAs.
    Section 202 prohibits funds from being used to investigate 
or prosecute lawful activities under the Fair Housing Act 
solely for the purpose of achieving or preventing action by a 
government entity or a court of competent jurisdiction.
    Section 203 requires any grant or cooperative agreement to 
be made on a competitive basis, unless otherwise provided, in 
accordance with section 102 of the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development Reform Act of 1989.
    Section 204 relates to the availability of funds for 
services and facilities for GSEs and others subject to the 
Government Corporation Control Act and the Housing Act, and to 
the expenditure of funds for corporations and agencies subject 
to the Government Corporation Control Act.
    Section 205 prohibits the use of funds in excess of the 
budget estimates, unless provided otherwise.
    Section 206 authorizes and sets conditions for certain HUD 
agencies and corporations to make expenditures for new loan or 
mortgage purchase commitments.
    Section 207 requires the Secretary to provide quarterly 
reports on uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess 
funds in each departmental program and activity.
    Section 208 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
    Section 209 authorizes HUD to transfer debt and use 
agreements from an obsolete project to a viable project, 
provided that no additional costs are incurred, and other 
conditions are met.
    Section 210 sets forth requirements for section 8 
eligibility.
    Section 211 distributes Native American housing block 
grants to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in fiscal year 
2005.
    Section 212 instructs HUD on how to manage and dispose of 
any multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
    Section 213 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
requirements in connection with the operating fund rule.
    Section 214 restricts the Secretary from imposing any 
requirements or guidelines relating to asset management that 
restrict or limit the use of capital funds for central office 
costs, up to the limits established in law.
    Section 215 requires that no employee of the Department be 
designated as an allotment holder unless the Chief Financial 
Officer determines that such employee has received certain 
training.
    Section 216 requires the Secretary to publish all notices 
of funding opportunities for competitively awarded funds and 
establishes how such notification may occur.
    Section 217 requires attorney fees for programmatic 
litigation to be paid from the individual program office and 
Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses appropriations.
    Section 218 allows the Secretary to transfer up to 10 
percent of funds or $5,000,000, whichever is less, appropriated 
under the headings ``Administrative Support Offices'', or 
``Program Offices'' to any other office.
    Section 219 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe and 
sanitary properties.
    Section 220 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
housing agency officials and employees.
    Section 221 requires the Secretary to notify the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business 
days before grant awards are announced, including information 
by state and congressional district.
    Section 222 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
    Section 223 prohibits the use of funds to terminate the 
status of a unit of general local government as a metropolitan 
city with respect to grants under section 106 of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974.
    Section 224 allows funding for research, evaluation, and 
statistical purposes that is unexpended at the time of 
completion of the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement to 
be reobligated for additional research.
    Section 225 prohibits funds for financial awards for 
employees subject to administrative discipline.
    Section 226 allows program income as an eligible match for 
2015 through 2024 continuum of care funds.
    Section 227 permits HUD to provide one year transition 
grants under the Continuum of Care program.
    Section 228 maintains current Promise Zone designations and 
agreements.
    Section 229 addresses the establishment of reserves for 
public housing agencies designated as ``Moving to Work'' 
agencies.
    Section 230 prohibits funds from being used to make certain 
eligibility limitations as part of a notice of fund opportunity 
for competitive grant awards under the ``Public Housing Fund.''
    Section 231 prohibits funds from being used to issue rules 
or guidance in contravention of section 1210 of Public Law 115-
254 (132 Stat. 3442) or section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155).
    Section 232 further amends the language under the heading 
``Rental Assistance Demonstration'' in the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2012.
    Section 233 prohibits funds from being used to implement, 
administer, or enforce the proposed ``Affirmatively Furthering 
Fair Housing'' rule.
    Section 234 addresses the manner in which HUD may make 
adjustments for formula allocation corrections.
    Section 235 allows the Secretary to transfer certain 
amounts for salaries and expenses from all headings under this 
title (excluding those made available under the heading 
``Office of Inspector General'') to the heading ``Information 
Technology Fund'' under certain conditions.
    Section 236 requires the Secretary to comply with all 
process requirements when seeking to revise any annual 
contributions contract.
    Section 237 establishes a nonrecurring expense fund for HUD 
in the Treasury with certain conditions and notice requirements 
for use of the funds.
    Section 238 prohibits the reduction of qualifying low-
income housing units due to the placement of a Native American 
veteran assisted through the Tribal HUD-VASH Program.
    Section 239 amends a certain section of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1992.
    Section 240 amends the Housing and Community Development 
Act of 1992 by adding a new subsection on ``Special Activities 
by Indian Tribes.''
    Section 241 prohibits the use of funds in contravention of 
existing Federal law regarding non-citizen eligibility.
    Section 242 rescinds certain unused balances for the 
``Office of Lead Hazard Control and Health Homes.''
    Section 243 prohibits HUD from issuing a solicitation or 
accepting bids that is substantially equivalent to the draft 
solicitation entitled ``Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) 
Contract Support Services.''
    Section 244 prohibits Federal funds for noncomplying 
jurisdictions.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

    Language is included under Access Board, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'' which limits funds for necessary expenses.
    Language is included under Federal Maritime Commission, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' which provides funds for services 
authorized by 46 U.S.C. 46107 and 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of 
passenger motor vehicles, and uniforms or allowances therefor; 
and limits funds for official reception and representation 
expenses.
    Language is included under National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation Office of Inspector General, ``Salaries and 
Expenses'' which provides funds for an independent, objective 
unit responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, waste, 
abuse, and violations of law. Language allows the Inspector 
General (IG) to enter contracts and to select, appoint, or 
employ officers and employees to carry out its functions, and 
requires the IG to submit its budget request concurrently with 
the President's budget.
    Language is included under National Transportation Safety 
Board, ``Salaries and Expenses'' which provides funds for hire 
of passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, services authorized 
by 5 U.S.C. 3109, uniforms or allowances therefor, and limits 
funds for official reception and representation expenses.
    Language is included under Neighborhood Reinvestment 
Corporation, ``Payment to the Neighborhood Reinvestment 
Corporation'' which provides funds for activities authorized by 
42 U.S.C. 8101-8107.
    Language is included under Surface Transportation Board, 
``Salaries and Expenses'' which provides funds, specifies 
amounts for certain purposes, allows the collection of a 
specified level of fees established by the Surface 
Transportation Board, and provides that the sum appropriated 
from the general fund of the Treasury shall be reduced on a 
dollar-for-dollar basis as such fees are received.
    Language is included under United States Interagency 
Council on Homelessness, ``Operating Expenses'' which provides 
funds to carry out functions pursuant to title II of the 
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and places limitations 
on the use of funds.

                 TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT

    Section 401 prohibits the use of funds for the planning or 
execution of any program to pay the expenses of, or otherwise 
compensate, non-Federal parties intervening in regulatory or 
adjudicatory proceedings.
    Section 402 prohibits the obligation of funds beyond the 
current fiscal year and the transfer of funds to other 
appropriations, unless expressly provided.
    Section 403 limits consulting service expenditures through 
procurement contracts to those contracts contained in the 
public record, except where otherwise provided under existing 
law.
    Section 404 prohibits funds from being used for certain 
types of employee training.
    Section 405 specifies requirements for the reprogramming of 
funds and requires agencies to submit a report to establish the 
baseline for the application of reprogramming and transfer 
authorities.
    Section 406 provides that not to exceed 50 percent of 
unobligated balances for salaries and expenses may remain 
available until September 30, 2024, for each account for the 
purposes authorized, subject to the approval of the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 407 prohibits the use of funds for any project that 
seeks to use the power of eminent domain unless eminent domain 
is employed only for a public use.
    Section 408 prohibits funds from being transferred to any 
department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, 
except where transfer authority is provided in this or any 
other appropriations act.
    Section 409 prohibits funds from being used by an entity 
unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
Act.
    Section 410 prohibits funds from being made available to 
any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the 
Buy American Act.
    Section 411 prohibits funds from being used for first-class 
airline accommodations in contravention of sections 301-10.122 
and 301-10.123 of title 41, CFR.
    Section 412 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
may send to international conferences unless such attendance is 
important to the national interest.
    Section 413 caps the amount of fees the STB can charge or 
collect for rate or practice complaints filed at the amount 
authorized for district court civil suit filing fees.
    Section 414 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
    Section 415 prohibits funds from being used to deny an 
Inspector General timely access to any records, documents, or 
other materials available to the department or agency over 
which that Inspector General has responsibilities, or to 
prevent or impede that Inspector General's access to such 
records, documents, or other materials.
    Section 416 prohibits funds to be used to pay award or 
incentive fees for contractors whose performance is below 
satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or failed to meet 
requirements of the contract, with exceptions.
    Section 417 prohibits funds from being used to permanently 
replace an employee intent on returning to his or her past 
occupation following completion of military service.
    Section 418 prohibits funds from being used for the 
approval of a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption 
application if that approval would contravene United States law 
or Article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport 
Agreement.
    Section 419 bans the purchase and procurement of Chinese 
drones manufactured and subsidized by state-owned enterprises, 
with exceptions for research programs.
    Section 420 rescinds funds from certain previously enacted 
legislation.
    Section 421 prohibits funding in the bill to be used to 
provide any education, training, or professional development 
that uses, promotes, or teaches ``Critical Race Theory.''
    Section 422 requires the DOT and HUD Secretaries to provide 
written quarterly updates on reports to Congress.
    Section 423 prohibits funds made available to establish 
elevation requirements for the purposes of 42 U.S.C. 5121 et 
seq. that conflict with elevation standards required by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency under the National Flood 
Insurance Program.
    Section 424 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
42 U.S.C. 5155.
    Section 425 prohibits funds to be used for enforcing income 
thresholds with regard to waivers authorized under 42 U.S.C. 
5155(b)(4).
    Section 426 prohibits funds to facilitate scheduled air 
transportation to, or pass through, property confiscated by the 
Cuban government.
    Section 427 provides a technical change to a Community 
Project Funding grant.
    Section 428 prohibits funds from being used to implement 
certain tolling projects.
    Section 429 prohibits funds from being used for tolling on 
certain highways.
    Section 430 prohibits funds from being used to display 
extraneous flags at facilities of Departments or agencies.
    Section 431 prohibits the use of funds to discriminate 
against a person who speaks, or acts, in accordance with a 
sincerely held religious belief, or moral conviction, that 
marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and 
one woman.
    Section 432 prohibits funds from being used in 
contravention of section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform 
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
    Section 433 prohibits tolls on certain Federal highways and 
bridges.
    Section 434 provides a record of how much the bill's 302(b) 
allocation exceeds the amount of proposed new budget authority.

                  APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the 
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not 
authorized by law for the period concerned:


BUDGETARY IMPACT OF THE TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, 
      AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024, PREPARED IN 
 CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 
             308(A) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974

                        [In millions of dollars]


                   COMPARISON WITH BUDGET RESOLUTION

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares 
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with 
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget 
Act.

                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         302(b) Allocation                   This Bill
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Budget                          Budget
                                                     Authority    Budget Outlays     Authority        Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
 allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee
 on Transportation, Housing and Urban
 Development, and Related Agencies
    Discretionary...............................          65,208         179,944       \1\65,208         178,371
    Mandatory...................................               0               0            \1\0               0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

                      FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 
308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 
following table contains five-year projections associated with 
the budget authority provided in the accompanying bill as 
provided to the Committee by the Congressional Budget Office.

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projection of outlays associated with the
 recommendation:
    2024.............................................          \1\69,704
    2025.............................................             47,860
    2026.............................................             19,421
    2027.............................................              7,410
    2028 and future years............................             -3,272
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

          FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following 
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the 
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local 
governments.

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Budget Authority       Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and           \1\40,746             41,982
 local governments for 2024.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

                           COMMITTEE HEARINGS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following hearings were used to 
develop or consider the Transportation, Housing and Urban 
Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Date                Title of Hearing        Witnesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 28, 2023.................  Oversight          The Honorable Rae
                                  Hearing--Inspect   Oliver Davis,
                                  ors General of     Inspector General,
                                  the Department     Department of
                                  of Housing and     Housing and Urban
                                  Urban              Development.
                                  Development and   The Honorable Eric
                                  Department of      J. Soskin,
                                  Transportation.    Inspector General,
                                                     Department of
                                                     Transportation.
March 30, 2023.................  Fiscal Year 2024   The Honorable Greg
                                  Member Day.        Landsman (OH-01).
                                                    The Honorable Kim
                                                     Schrier (WA-08).
April 18, 2023.................  Budget Hearing--   The Honorable Marcia
                                  Fiscal Year 2024   L. Fudge,
                                  Request for the    Secretary,
                                  Department of      Department of
                                  Housing and        Housing and Urban
                                  Urban              Development.
                                  Development.
April 20, 2023.................  Budget Hearing--   The Honorable Pete
                                  Fiscal Year 2024   Buttigieg,
                                  Request for the    Secretary,
                                  Department of      Department of
                                  Transportation.    Transportation.
April 26, 2023.................  Oversight And      Billy Nolen, Acting
                                  Budget Hearing--   Administrator,
                                  FY2024 Request     Federal Aviation
                                  for the Federal    Administration.
                                  Aviation
                                  Administration.
April 28, 2023.................  Oversight          Gary Bohnee, Special
                                  Hearing--Tribal    Assistant, Office
                                  Perspectives on    of Congressional
                                  Housing and        and Legislative
                                  Transportation.    Affairs, Salt River
                                                     Pima-Maricopa
                                                     Indian Community.
                                                    Barbara Little Owl,
                                                     Executive Director,
                                                     Standing Rock
                                                     Housing Authority.
                                                    Tonya Plummer,
                                                     Director of Native
                                                     American Housing
                                                     Programs,
                                                     Enterprise.
                                                    Leo Sisco, Chairman,
                                                     Santa Rosa Indian
                                                     Community of the
                                                     Santa Rosa
                                                     Rancheria Tachi-
                                                     Yokut Tribe.
                                                    Russell Sossamon,
                                                     Executive Director,
                                                     Comanche Nation
                                                     Housing Authority.
                                                    Alex Wesaw,
                                                     Treasurer, Pokagon
                                                     Band of Potawatomi
                                                     Indians.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS

    The following table is submitted in compliance with clause 
9 of rule XXI, and lists the congressional earmarks (as defined 
in paragraph (e) of clause 9) contained in the bill or in this 
report. Neither the bill nor the report contains any limited 
tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in 
paragraphs (f) or (g) of clause 9 of rule XXI.


                             MINORITY VIEWS

    This bill represents a step in the wrong direction for 
America. The Republican majority's Fiscal Year 2024 
appropriations bill for the Subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (T-HUD) cuts 
discretionary spending by $26 billion for critical 
transportation, housing, and community development programs-
while cutting $25 billion from the Internal Revenue Service's 
(IRS) Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding used to ensure 
billionaires pay taxes. This year's grossly short-sighted T-HUD 
allocation of $65 billion, combined with $25 billion in offsets 
from IRS funding that Democrats in neither chamber can support, 
is still insufficient to address our nation's housing and 
infrastructure challenges. Not merely insufficient with respect 
to future investments, the bill goes even further by pulling 
back $564 million in previously appropriated funding to 
remediate health hazards, including leadbased paint, in low-
income housing. This bill does not represent what our 
constituents have called on us to do, which is to maintain and 
upgrade our nation's transportation and housing infrastructure 
and protect jobs.
    Despite recently passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 
2023, a bipartisan debt deal that included a path forward on 
spending levels and a way to get us back to regular order, the 
majority has chosen to turn their back on those promises and 
proceed with a partisan bill. This bill demonstrates 
Republicans' continued attempts to not just undermine the 
agreement, but also to double down on their broken promises by 
injecting unrealistic efforts to repeal prior funding 
agreements into already-partisan appropriations legislation. 
The majority's bill has no chance to garner Democratic support 
as it is written now.Throughout America, we are seeing outdated 
infrastructure continue to impact the safety of our 
transportation workers and communities. Americans also 
experience constant congestion on our roads, delays at our 
airports, and bottlenecks at train stations. Yet, this bill 
cuts funding for the Department of Transportation by more than 
$7 billion, which means fewer workers improving our roads, 
bridges, and rail lines and longer delays. The American Society 
of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) most recent report gave U.S. 
infrastructure an overall ``C-minus'', with 43 percent of our 
public roadways in poor or mediocre condition. Yet, this is an 
improvement; it took this country more than 20 years just to 
get out of the ``D'' range. The Republican majoritycannot 
honestly believe that either grade is satisfactory when it 
comes to safety. In order to bring our transportation into a 
state of good repair, ASCE estimates $2.59 trillion is required 
over 10 years.
    While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) 
provides for historic investments in transportation, it is not 
without limitation. The backlog of capital improvements for our 
airport runways and terminals, subways, and railways cannot be 
transformed with those resources alone. The IIJA was never 
intended to replace the necessary investments we provide 
through this bill. Instead, this bill would expect governors 
and mayors to make impossible decisions on how to prioritize 
labor and local resources--as state and local budgets are still 
recovering from the effects of COVID--against the laundry list 
of must-do projects that span transportation modes and increase 
safety. If the Republican majority continues to neglect 
infrastructure that is crumbling before our very eyes, it will 
only get more expensive to address in the future and will 
become more dangerous for all Americans.
    Meanwhile, more than 580,000 people experience homelessness 
on any given day and millions of families struggle to pay rent 
as incomes struggle to keep pace with rising housing costs. 
Yet, the allocation for this bill diminishes investments in the 
HOME program, which funds the construction of new affordable 
housing for renters and those seeking homeownership, cutting it 
by $1 billion. The bill also makes housing less safe for low-
income children and families, cutting resources for mold, 
carbon monoxide, lead, and radon exposures, which would 
devastate our young families dealing with lead exposure and 
cause harmful effects on our local health care and education 
systems. We should be investing in programs that put people to 
work to build more affordable housing, repair and make more 
accessible aging housing, and create healthy environments that 
help communities thrive.
    During full Committee consideration of this bill, Democrats 
offered amendments to remove harmful riders that would reverse 
progress to address climate change, unnecessarily attack high 
speed rail, roll back transportation safety protections for the 
traveling public, and reverse progress on meaningful efforts to 
advance civil rights and equity in this country. Republicans 
rejected these amendments.
    The austerity of the prejudice and discrimination in the 
Republican majority's policies became even more evident when an 
amendment was offered by Chairman Cole to intentionally 
eliminate funding to support brick and mortar projects for 
organizations that provide critical housing and services for 
the LGBTQI+ and ally communities. Eligible projects that met 
the House rules, statutory requirements, and published 
Republican guidance were intentionally targeted and singled out 
because of the inclusion of ``LGBTQI+'' or related terms in 
their intended recipients' names and subsequently eliminated 
upon adoption of the amendment. These projects include the 
``Senior Affordable Housing'' project for LGBTQ Senior Housing, 
Inc. sponsored by Rep. Pressley (MA-07); the ``William Way 
Renovation and Expansion Project'' for the Gay Community Center 
of Philadelphia d/b/a William Way LGBT Center sponsored by 
Rep.Boyle (PA-02); and the ``Center of Greater Reading--
Transitional Housing Program Berks County'' project for the 
LGBT Center of Greater Reading sponsored by Rep. Houlahan (PA-
06).
    This discriminatory amendment removed a combined $3.62 
million for these projects that were favorably reported out of 
Subcommittee by Republican Representatives Cole (OK-04), Diaz-
Balart (FL-26), Womack (AR-03), Rutherford (FL-05), Gonzales 
(TX-23), Valadao (CA-22), Cline (VA-06), Zinke (MT-01), and 
Ciscomani (AZ-06), when they voted by voice to advance these 
projects. Ranking Member Quigley offered an amendment during 
full Committeemarkup to restore funding for these projects 
which was supported by all 27 Democrats on the Committee and 
rejected by all 30 Republican majority members present, and 
ultimately not adopted.
    The T-HUD bill impacts the day-to-day lives of every person 
in our country in a positive way, but this measure does the 
opposite. To date, Republicans have chosen to close ranks 
around a partisan effort to cut spending and target already 
marginalized communities, which will be to the detriment of 
millions of Americans, even though the Republican majority 
knows it will precipitate another forced crisis that will lead 
to a government shutdown. We all know thatDemocratic votes will 
be needed to reach a spending agreement that can be enacted. 
When Republicans get serious about meeting the true needs of 
most Americans, we will be ready and willing to work with our 
colleagues to make sure this bill better funds initiatives that 
Americans rely on to pursue the American dream.

                                   Rosa DeLauro.
                                   Mike Quigley.