[House Report 118-584]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


118th Congress}                                            { REPORT

  2d Session  }         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	   { 118-584

======================================================================
 
                 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND 
                 HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
                 RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIA-
                 TIONS BILL, 2025

                               ----------                              

                              R E P O R T

                                 OF THE

                      COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [TO ACCOMPANY H.R. 9028]

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


 July 12, 2024.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed             
              
======================================================================

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

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 9028]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and 
Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Title I--Department of Transportation......................     2
                                                                      4
Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development......    89
                                                                     71
Title III--Related Agencies................................   185
                                                                    103
Title IV--General Provisions...............................   190
                                                                    108

                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2025, 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 
their 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 2025, and non-appropriated resources such as fee 
collections that are used to meet program requirements in 
fiscal year 2025.
    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, 2025. 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 2026 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 2026 
to the fiscal year 2025 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 
2026 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.

                 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 2024.......................      $191,295,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       209,916,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       199,152,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +7,857,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -10,764,000
 

    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 their 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 $199,152,000 for the 
salaries and expenses of the offices comprising the Office of 
the Secretary of Transportation (OST), to remain available 
until September 30, 2025. This funding level does not include 
pay raises or additional staff as requested. The Committee 
recommendation supports the requested IT modernization but does 
not support the consolidation of the Working Capital Fund 
shared services of OST.
    The following table shows a comparison of the budget 
request and the Committee recommendation by office.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Enacted         Request     Recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary.........................................      $3,770,000      $3,822,000      $3,955,000
Office of the Deputy Secretary..................................       1,370,000       1,371,000       1,419,000
Office of the General Counsel...................................      32,272,000      31,202,000      30,065,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Policy*.......................      20,064,000      24,109,000      25,363,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.......      22,274,000      22,973,000      22,857,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Government Affairs........       7,138,000       4,471,000       5,391,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration............      43,284,000      24,189,000      47,188,000
Office of Public Affairs and Public Engagement..................       6,244,000       6,486,000       6,293,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat.............................       2,515,000       2,434,000       2,504,000
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response........      16,506,000      16,146,000      16,748,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer.........................      33,879,000      20,063,000      29,405,000
Office of Tribal Government Affairs.............................       1,529,000       1,569,000       1,531,000
Working Capital Fund shared services............................             n/a      43,748,000           - - -
IT Modernization................................................             n/a       7,333,000       6,433,000
    Total.......................................................     191,295,000     209,916,000     199,152,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Includes the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy.

    Advancing U.S. manufacturing of autonomous shared 
mobility.--The Committee believes that it is in the public 
interest to leverage autonomous shared mobility technology to 
solve critical, unmet mobility needs while the industry ramps 
up domestic production. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Department to brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriation on how DOT is utilizing the authority granted 
under 49 U.S.C. section 5323(j) to leverage Federal funds to 
encourage onshoring autonomous vehicle within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act.
    American-made equipment.--The Committee is concerned by the 
continued reliance on the People's Republic of China for goods, 
equipment, and materials needed domestically. The Committee 
urges DOT to develop a strategy for documenting and replacing 
this inventory with supplies either made in the United States, 
in allied or partnered nations, or by entities with no ties to 
entities within the PRC. Further, the Committee requests a 
briefing on this strategy within one year of enactment of this 
Act.
    Buy America.--The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) 
requires all Federal agencies to ensure that Federal financial 
assistance for infrastructure projects use domestically 
produced iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction 
materials. The Committee recognizes the efforts of DOT and the 
Office of Management and Budget to engage with transportation 
and transportation-adjacent industries regarding compliance 
with BABA. The Committee also recognizes the Department's 
issuance of a public interest waiver for de minimus costs and 
small grants as well as implementation guidance for 
construction materials. The Committee urges the Department to 
continue efforts to harmonize the regulatory regimes across 
modes, utilize existing authorities, and coordinate with 
stakeholders to ensure Buy America provisions are transparent.
    Cargo theft prevention.--The Committee recognizes the 
substantial increase in cargo theft that has affected the 
transportation supply chain over the last few years. The 
Committee directs DOT, utilizing existing resources within the 
Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, to 
coordinate with the FBI and Department of Justice, the 
Department of Homeland Security Supply Chain Resilience Center, 
and relevant stakeholders, including professional policing 
organizations. The Committee further directs DOT to provide a 
report on cargo theft trends in the transportation supply 
chain, along with a strategy to combat cargo theft, to the 
House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 180 days of 
enactment of this Act.
    Common applications.--The Committee recognizes completing 
multiple, different notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) 
can be challenging for applicants, particularly small, rural, 
and tribal communities. The Committee urges the Secretary to 
simplify the application process so that small, rural, and 
limited capacity communities can more easily access federal 
funds.
    Communications services for limited English proficient 
communities.--The Committee is supportive of efforts the 
Department is taking to improve 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 requests the Department report on expenditures 
related to local media advertising, including digital, 
television, and radio, no more than 90 days after the 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.
    Distressed coal communities.--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.
    Endpoint detection.--In accordance with Executive Order 
14028, which requires that all Federal agencies deploy endpoint 
detection and response capabilities the Committee directs the 
Secretary to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the status of the Department's deployment of 
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions and a timeline 
for full agency infrastructure coverage, and coverage in cloud 
environments as required by the FedRAMP program management 
office. The Committee expects the report to include how DOT 
plans to budget for EDR deployment and sustainment for the next 
two years and specify which costs are anticipated to be covered 
by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or 
the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program, if 
any.
    Enterprise service delivery.--The Committee is aware of 
measurable progress made by the Office of the Chief Information 
Officer (OCIO) toward specific IT oversight objectives, 
including improved IT project and asset lifecycle cost 
tracking, proactive cybersecurity posture, and increased 
efficiency of systems which serve employees' day to day human 
resources needs. The Committee encourages OCIO to continue 
these efforts.
    Foreign helicopter operators.--The Committee urges the 
Office of the General Counsel to investigate allegations of 
foreign carriers operating between two U.S. points in violation 
of 49 U.S.C. 41703(c) and to act on foreign carriers found to 
be operating in violation of existing law.
    Freight logistics optimization works.--The Committee 
supports the DOT's effort to improve supply chain resiliency 
through an industry-supported data-sharing network, the freight 
logistics optimization works (FLOW) program. Within the total 
appropriation for the Under Secretary of Transportation for 
Policy, the Committee provides $5,000,000 for the FLOW program.
    Infrastructure project standards.--The Committee recognizes 
the role standards play in the planning, design, construction, 
and maintenance of safe, sustainable, and resilient 
infrastructure. The Committee encourages the Department to 
consider the adoption of frameworks, guidelines, and standards 
for sustainable infrastructure projects.
    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. The Committee urges DOT to consider 
integrated project delivery under the ``innovation'' merit 
criteria within NOFOs issued by the Secretary.
    Major sporting events.--The Committee directs DOT to 
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of this Act 
outlining prospective transportation challenges and needs as 
they relate to North America's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 
2026 and the 2028 Olympics. The Committee expects this report 
to provide detail on the Federal role for supporting these 
events and how U.S. host cities can best be supported with 
recommendations, including through support to State and local 
transportation authorities.
    Multi-use fiber optic cable.--The Committee directs the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and 
Secretary of Commerce, to develop and publish guidelines on 
best practices for States, Tribes, and units of local 
government regarding the deployment of ``multi-use'' fiber 
optic cable within Federally-funded infrastructure projects.
    Oversight of union station.--The Committee notes that P.L. 
95-125 requires the Secretary to provide for the rehabilitation 
and redevelopment of Washington Union Station and established 
the need for the private sector to play a significant role in 
the redevelopment of the station. In 1983, DOT established the 
Union Station Redevelopment Corporation to fulfill this need, 
bringing together the Federal and local governments, private 
sector, and Amtrak. The Secretary of Transportation, not 
Amtrak, is the legal arbiter and fiduciary regarding management 
of Union Station. The Committee expects the Secretary to 
continue fulfilling this obligation. Further, the Committee 
directs DOT to provide a report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of 
this Act on its plans to maintain the existing public-private 
partnership for Union Station, as established by the Union 
Station Redevelopment Act of 1981.
    Pending applications for antitrust immunity.--The Committee 
is concerned that the Department's suspension in review of 
antitrust immunity for pending air carrier alliances is causing 
unjust harm to American carriers and consumers, and furthermore 
lacks effectiveness for imposing desired pressures on intended 
international parties. The Committee directs DOT within 60 days 
of enactment of this Act to provide a briefing on the cause of 
the delays in pending antitrust immunity review as well as an 
updated timeline for which pending applications can expect the 
required review under DOT authority.
    Statement of International Air Transportation Policy.--The 
Committee notes that the Department's Statement of 
International Air Transportation Policy has not been updated 
since 1995. The Committee requests DOT to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of this 
policy within 180 days of enactment of the Act.
    Transportation workforce outreach.--The Committee strongly 
supports initiatives to encourage young, midcareer, and 
experienced workers to consider careers in the transportation 
sector. The Committee urges 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.

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $49,040,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        61,930,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,203,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +1,163,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -11,727,000
 

    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 $50,203,000 for 
research and technology activities, of which $30,736,000 is 
available until expended. This funding level does not include 
pay raises as requested.
    Digital twin technology.--The Committee understands the 
potential that digital infrastructure technologies, including 
software and related services, have in modernizing our nation's 
existing infrastructure as well as future infrastructure. 
Digital infrastructure technology, such as digital twin 
technology, can enable engineering firms to work with 
commercial software developers to identify what new or 
different types of real-time data can be captured and fed into 
future digital twins for increased optimization. Digital twin 
development of Federally-owned or operated transportation 
networks could aid in visibility, management, and future 
operations and maintenance of infrastructure. The Committee 
encourages DOT to consider the benefits of digital twin 
technologies.
    Drone infrastructure inspection grant program.--The 
Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 to establish a 
drone infrastructure inspection grant program as authorized 
under section 912 of P.L. 118-63 to support the use of drones 
and other small, unmanned aircraft systems for inspecting, 
repairing, or constructing road infrastructure.
    Highly automated systems safety center of excellence (HASS 
COE).--The Committee 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.
    PNT and GPS backup technologies.--The Committee provides 
$9,000,000 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). DOT is 
directed to use these funds to expand field trials and 
utilization of established PNT proving grounds with 
Complementary PNT (CPNT) technology vendors and critical 
infrastructure owners and operators; implement a CPNT 
performance monitoring framework; and support the development 
of CPNT specifications and standards.
    Funding will allow for DOT to implement a Federal PNT 
Services Clearinghouse, as identified in the DOT Complementary 
PNT Action Plan, which will develop a schedule of Complementary 
PNT services to inform resilient PNT acquisition decisions for 
federal users and critical infrastructure owners and operators 
in support of Executive Order 13905. This work will facilitate 
widespread adoption of CPNT technologies through implementation 
of a procurement framework strategy through the PNT Contract 
Language Guideline recently published by DHS. The Guideline 
provides key actions for acquisitions personnel that leverage 
the NIST Foundational PNT Profile (NISTIR 8323) through the 
five-function Cybersecurity Framework.
    Tribal engagement in transportation safety.--The Committee 
notes the joint explanatory statement accompanying the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-42) provided 
$2,000,000 to establish a pilot program to evaluate traffic 
fatalities on tribal lands. The Committee directs DOT to 
provide the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations with 
an update on the implementation of this pilot program within 30 
days of enactment of this Act.
    University research on roadway design.--The Committee notes 
that certain roadway design can mitigate runoff and other 
materials that affect our nation's waterways. The Committee 
recommendation provides $1,000,000 for an accredited university 
of higher education, or consortia thereof, to conduct research 
to address and mitigate runoff from roadways through 
infrastructure planning and design. Such funding shall be 
awarded to a university of higher education with prior research 
experience and expertise on mitigation or a consortia that 
includes such a university.

                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $345,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025*.....................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -345,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*The Budget requests to repurpose $800,000,000 in unobligated
  Transportation Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act (TIFIA) funds
  from the Highway Trust Fund.

    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 the RAISE grant program receives $1,500,000,000 in 
annual advance appropriations and the Mega grant program 
receives $1,000,000,000 in annual advance appropriations 
through the IIJA.
    Inland ports.--Inland ports are an important element in the 
international supply chain, increasing intermodal capacity and 
efficiencies in the movement of global commerce from ships to 
major transportation networks for distribution. The Committee 
requests a briefing from DOT regarding public port project 
applications under the Mega program. This briefing should 
include the quantity and ratings of inland port project 
applications, as well as awarded public port projects under the 
2022 and 2023-2024 award rounds.

     NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $9,558,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        10,692,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,555,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          +997,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................          -137,000
 

    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 $10,555,000 for the 
Bureau. This funding level does not include pay raises as 
requested.
    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 urges the 
Department to continue providing technical assistance on the 
use of value capture, which may include guidance on state and 
local policies and procedures necessary to establish value 
capture districts.

              RURAL AND TRIBAL INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANCEMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $25,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -25,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    The rural and Tribal infrastructure advancement program 
authorized by section 21205 of Public Law 117-58 allows the 
Build America Bureau to provide financial, technical, and legal 
assistance to evaluate and support potential transportation 
projects reasonably expected to be eligible for Federal funding 
or financing.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation does not provide further 
funding for the rural and tribal infrastructure advancement 
program. The Committee notes that the program receives 
$2,200,000 in contract authority for fiscal year 2025.

       RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

    The railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing 
(RRIF) program provides direct loans and loan guarantees to 
State and local governments, government-sponsored entities, and 
railroads. Credit assistance under the RRIF program may be used 
for rehabilitating or developing rail equipment or facilities 
and developing or establishing intermodal facilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Act authorizes the Secretary to issue direct loans and 
loan guarantees pursuant to chapter 224 of title 49, United 
States Code.

                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 2024.......................       $49,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        74,600,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        74,600,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +25,600,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $74,600,000 to 
provide the necessary resources for DOT to enhance its cyber 
security program and capabilities.

                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $18,228,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        22,403,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        17,662,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          -566,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -4,741,000
 

    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 $17,662,000 for the 
Office of Civil Rights. This funding level does not include pay 
raises or increases for contractual services as requested.

           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $24,369,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        24,780,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        21,074,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -3,295,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -3,706,000
 

    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 $21,074,000 for 
transportation planning, research, and development activities, 
of which $7,758,000 is for the Interagency Infrastructure 
Permitting Improvement Center. The funding recommendation does 
not include pay raises as requested.
    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 utilize 
funds within the account to advance related infrastructure.
    Digital permitting.--The Committee continues to direct the 
Department to explore opportunities, such as a pilot program, 
guidance, or other approach to encourage the use of existing 
web-based, interactive platforms that facilitate concurrent, 
collaborative, online agency environmental reviews and public 
comment. The Committee directs DOT to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations regarding its efforts to 
use such technology for reviews of NEPA documents within 90 
days of enactment of this Act.
    Infrastructure durability.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of ensuring long-lasting transportation improvements 
that are capable of withstanding extreme events, natural 
disasters, and other potential impacts to ensure durability, 
efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Newly developed materials 
must meet all necessary state, local, federal, and industry-
based standards to address safety and interoperability. The 
Committee supports the Department's work to deploy building 
solutions that advance the performance, sustainability, 
reliability, and resiliency of building materials.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Limitation, fiscal year 2024..........................      $522,165,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025*.....................       495,645,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       495,645,000
Bill compared with:
  Limitation, fiscal year 2024........................       -26,520,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*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 $495,645,000 on 
the Department's WCF administrative and commodity information 
technology activities.

       SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $5,330,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         7,226,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,967,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          +637,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -1,259,000
 

    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 $5,967,000 for the 
small and disadvantaged business utilization and outreach 
account. This funding level does not include funding for the 
strategic plan, pay raises, or additional positions as 
requested. The recommendation includes funding for the Small 
Business Transportation Resources Centers and Customer 
Relationship Management initiative as requested.

                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $348,554,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       423,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       423,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +74,446,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY24 Enacted....................................................    $348,554,000    $154,411,000    $502,965,000
Request.........................................................     423,000,000     164,249,000     587,249,000
Recommendation..................................................     423,000,000     164,249,000     587,249,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee directs the Department to utilize all 
collected overflight fees, including accumulated unobligated 
balances, and provides an additional $423,000,000 for this 
vital service for small communities.
    Program updates.--The Department is directed to continue 
providing the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
quarterly updates 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 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 2025 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 allows the Secretary to transfer and 
consolidate administrative resources for certain programs.
    Section 109 allows the Operating Administrations to 
transfer funds to the Office of Tribal Government Affairs for 
recipients of the Tribal transportation self-governance 
program.
    Section 109A clarifies the criteria the Secretary may use 
in selecting grant recipients for the national infrastructure 
investments program in Public Law 117-58.
    Section 109B permits the Secretary to make transfers to the 
Operating Administrations for the cost of rent for the space 
vacated by the Office of the Inspector General.

                    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 2024.......................   $12,729,627,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................    13,603,399,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    13,587,949,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      +858,322,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -15,450,000
 

    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aviation Safety (AVS).............     $1,832,078,000     $1,832,078,000
Air Traffic Organization (ATO)....     10,105,678,000     10,105,678,000
Commercial Space (AST)............         57,130,000         57,130,000
Finance and Management (AFN)......      1,004,787,000      1,004,787,000
NextGen (ANG).....................         73,556,000         73,556,000
Security and Hazardous Materials          176,988,000        176,988,000
 Safety (ASH).....................
Staff Offices.....................        353,182,000        337,732,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................     13,603,399,000     13,587,949,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Staff offices reductions.--The recommendation includes the 
following reductions to non-safety related activities for 
fiscal year 2025:
          (1) -$8,200,000 from the Office of the Chief Counsel, 
        reducing by half the plan to increase the number of 
        attorneys in the Office by 81 attorneys over the FY24 
        level.
          (2) -$1,200,000 Office of Policy, International 
        Affairs, and Environment from activities associated 
        with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for 
        International Aviation.
          (3) -$1,200,000 from the Office of Civil Rights 
        activities associated with implementation of the FAA's 
        Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and 
        Environmental Justice activities.
          (4) -$4,850,000 from FAA's Electric Vehicle Fleet 
        initiative.
    Aircraft certification service.--The recommendation 
supports the budget request of $365,753,000, 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.
    Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability 
implementation.--The Committee expects the FAA to prioritize 
resources for aircraft certification to implement the Aircraft 
Certification Safety and Accountability Act of 2020 and to 
ensure sufficient technical expertise and workforce training is 
made available to strengthen safety oversight. The Committee 
also directs the FAA to provide an update to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations by June 1, 2025, on the 
progress made on the Congressionally-directed review and study 
of continuous safety improvements in the certification system 
including advancing digital and modeling requirements for the 
certification process.
    Certification workforce.--The Committee directs the FAA to 
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations no later than June 1, 2025, on the personnel 
levels and funding for the International Validation Branch of 
the Compliance and Airworthiness Division and other offices of 
the Aircraft Certification Service compared to validation 
workload and goals. The Committee expects the FAA to outline 
its performance metrics and results for the number and types of 
projects, timeline milestones, and the validating authority 
level of involvement and trends.
    Certification of military use aircraft.--The Committee 
directs the FAA to review the certification requirements for 
aircraft or aircraft engines that are first certified as civil 
but then converted to military use by the U.S. Armed Forces or 
its allies. The FAA should explore legislative or regulatory 
changes that would address necessary exemptions from the 
standards set under 42 U.S.C. 7571 or 7572, and report its 
findings to the Committee no later than 90 days after enactment 
of this Act.
    Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight 
(BVLOS) rulemaking.--The Committee is significantly concerned 
at the lack of progress on the BVLOS Rulemaking. It has been 
two years since Congress directed the FAA to develop a 
rulemaking plan, and two years since FAA received a recommended 
pathway for rulemaking. The Committee is concerned that despite 
this direction and the tools to see the rulemaking advance, no 
visible progress has been made. The lack of a comprehensive 
nationwide regulatory framework for BVLOS operations poses a 
significant risk to public safety and hinders the potential 
economic benefits provided by this technology. The Committee 
urges the FAA to prioritize efforts to publish a final rule by 
September 30, 2025.
    UAS environmental reviews.--As the use of small drones 
expands across the country, consistent with FAA approved use of 
commercial drones as directed by Congress, it is important for 
the FAA to conduct any required environmental reviews as 
efficiently as possible. The Committee is encouraged that the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made progress toward 
broader, area-wide environmental reviews for UAS operations. 
The Committee directs the FAA to continue to streamline area- 
or region-wide environmental reviews and requests a briefing 
from the FAA on this progress within 90 days of enactment of 
this Act.
    Integration of advanced air mobility.--The Committee 
supports the cross-agency effort in the certification and 
integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) operations and 
electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, 
consistent with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (P.L. 118-
63). The Committee encourages the FAA to provide the Associate 
Administrator for Aviation Safety with the resources and 
organizational authorities necessary to oversee and prioritize 
the cross-agency efforts and ensure those efforts remain on 
schedule.
    UAS/AAM implementation.--The Committee is mindful that the 
proliferation of UAS deployments around the country will 
require careful coordination with AAM aircraft as new AAM 
entrants are certified and begin to operate in the NAS. FAA 
should work with public and private stakeholders that are 
actively testing and advancing the operation of UAS and AAM 
aircraft as a tool to connect small communities to improve the 
delivery of goods and services. FAA should also continue to 
advance enhanced visual detection safety technologies that 
utilize sensors to identify, control and manage these new 
entrants from the final approach to the ground. The Committee 
directs FAA to identify one or more state partners with broad 
expertise in aviation manufacturing, research and innovation to 
demonstrate the application of these air traffic management 
technologies. Qualified state partners should also have 
demonstrated experience in defense and commercialization uses 
of AAM, supporting technologies and infrastructure.
    Aircraft noise.--The Committee directs the FAA to 
prioritize the reduction of aircraft noise and engage regularly 
with communities affected by aircraft noise, including 
residents, business owners and local elected officials. The 
Committee further directs the FAA to complete and 
operationalize a central repository for constituent complaints 
regarding airport noise. This repository should annually 
collect and publicly release data on noise complaints and 
annoyance levels, including aggregated information from the FAA 
Noise Portal.
    Technical Operations Workforce Plan.--The Committee notes 
FAA's lack of progress on an annual Technical Operations 
Workforce Plan as required in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 
appropriations acts and its disregard for providing workforce 
plans in the fiscal year 2025 Congressional budget 
justification as requested. Rather than using the old technical 
operations staffing model which has not worked in the past, the 
FAA should utilize stakeholders to 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 and needed support staff. If 
the FAA is unable to develop a workforce plan within 60 days of 
enactment of this Act, the FAA is directed to utilize a third 
party to work with stakeholders and develop a comprehensive 
workforce plan.
    Space launch and reentry airspace integration.--The 
recommendation includes $7,018,000 above the enacted level 
within the Air Traffic Organization to expedite the 
development, acquisition, and deployment of technologies and 
capabilities, including automation where appropriate, to aid in 
space launch and reentry integration into the national airspace 
and to enable near real-time dynamic rerouting of commercial 
aircraft during and following commercial space launch and 
reentry operations. FAA is directed to provide a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 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.
    Near-term real-time hazard area generation (RTHAG).--The 
Committee directs the FAA to investigate the usage of a Near-
Term RTHAG system to address the growing number of launches in 
the short term while the space launch and reentry airspace 
integration system is being developed. FAA is directed to 
report to the Committees, no later than 120 days after 
enactment of this Act, with a plan to implement the temporary 
measure.
    Commercial space licensing.--The Committee is concerned by 
continued licensing delays at the Office of Commercial Space 
Transportation (AST) for space launches and reentries. In its 
fiscal year 2025 budget request, AST acknowledged that these 
delays have become a hindrance for the national space launch 
enterprise, including key NASA priorities like Space Station 
crew and cargo transportation and the Artemis Program to return 
to the Moon, and that ``AST must be dynamic'' to address these 
challenges. The Committee agrees. Accordingly, the Committee 
directs AST to ensure as its top priority the timely and 
efficient completion of licensing for launches and reentries. 
AST is reminded that Congress has not granted the office 
additional new regulatory authority beyond its existing 
responsibility to protect public safety during launches and 
reentries and that it should not divert resources away to 
evaluating new activities outside of its current statutory 
bounds.
    AST should utilize NASA's expertise and collaborate with 
NASA in the development of Means of Compliance methodology for 
reentry licenses. Further, AST is directed to expeditiously 
publish Advisory Circulars on the steps required to meet 
regulatory requirements. The Committee recognizes AST's 
responsibility to collaborate with stakeholders in the process 
of safely and efficiently issuing licenses. Therefore, the 
Committee directs AST to formalize processes for reviewing 
submissions to provide timely response to its key stakeholders.
    Special use airspace (SUA).--The Committee is encouraged by 
the recent outcomes and success of the expanded use of the 
Holiday Airspace Release Program implemented by DoD, in 
coordination with the FAA. The Committee also 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. This should include establishing a 
collaborative forum for regular exchange between FAA, DoD, and 
aircraft operators on priorities for operational requirements 
for real time scheduling and the scope of SUA. The Committee 
directs the FAA to work with the DoD to develop a best 
practices approach to releasing airspace in real-time and 
provide a report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment 
of this act. The report will include whether funding or 
technical systems already exist that would support the release 
of this airspace, and, if not, what additional funding or 
systems are required.
    Crew complements.--The presence of a minimum of two well-
trained, qualified pilots in commercial aircraft is another 
example of safety through redundancy. Funding made available in 
this Act shall not support reductions in flight deck crew in 
commercial operations as provided under 14 CFR Part 121. This 
direction is not intended to limit FAA's research and 
development activities related to unmanned aerial vehicles.
    Electric aircraft.--The Committee urges FAA to identify and 
prioritize technical assistance, research, workforce 
development, and funding opportunities to support air carriers 
transitioning to electric aircraft. The FAA should also 
coordinate with outside stakeholders to identify opportunities 
to advance electrification of current and future aircraft.
    Airport codes.--The Committee urges the FAA to work with 
the City of Arlington, Texas and the International Air 
Transport Association IATA to determine the feasibility of 
transferring one of the 3-letter IATA airport codes, `ATX' or 
`ARL', to Arlington Municipal Airport in Arlington, Texas.
    Parts manufacturer approval (PMA).--The Committee believes 
that FAA should be held accountable to follow its own 
regulations including remaining objective in the assessment of 
safety critical technology and applications for PMA parts. The 
Committee acknowledges the defined PMA process within FAA 
regulations and emphasizes that proprietary information 
specific to individual PMA applications should not be disclosed 
to competitors. The FAA must ensure that any third-party input 
is fact-based and justified by operational data and technical 
merit, with documented rationale for such input. The Committee 
directs FAA to provide a report to the committee, no later than 
90 days after enactment of this act on significant meetings and 
discussions related to the PMA process, with focus on 
transparency through the Instructions for Continue 
Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee, consistent with 
Section 349 of the FAA reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 
118-63).
    Aviation worker mental health.--The Committee directs the 
FAA to provide a briefing on actions resulting from 
recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical 
Clearances Rulemaking Committee no later than 90 days after 
enactment. Furthermore, the Committee supports the Aviation 
Workforce Mental Health Task Group established in Section 411 
of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization and directs the agency to 
provide the committee with findings and recommendations 
associated with the Task Group.
    Mobile clearances for general aviation.--The Committee 
directs FAA to implement Section 614 of the 2024 
Reauthorization consistent with direction to establish a pilot 
program within 18 months for mobile clearances for general 
aviation and Part 135 air carriers at five airports or 
heliports which do not have Towered Data Link services to test 
and set security, safety, and operational requirements. The 
Committee is aware that the FAA has sponsored research and 
conducted trials to advance a safe and secure mobile platform 
for delivering clearances to pilots with the aim of reducing 
controller workload and enabling fuel savings.
    Two-way radios.--The Committee is aware of risks of midair 
collision occurring around non-towered airports. The Committee 
directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration to conduct a study to determine cost and 
feasibility of requiring all aircraft operating in certain 
United States airspace to be equipped with a two-way radio, 
including aircraft operating near airports without operating 
control towers. The FAA is further directed to report to the 
Committee within one year of enactment of this Act on the 
status of the study.
    Powered lift special federal aviation regulation (SFAR).--
The Committee commends the FAA for issuing its proposed Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) entitled ``Integration of 
powered-lift: Pilot certification and operations; Miscellaneous 
Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes.'' The Committee 
strongly believes that timely implementation of this regulation 
is key to ensuring that the United States remains the global 
leader in powered-lift technology. As such, the Committee urges 
FAA to ensure that the SFAR is fully implemented by January 
2025, and that it shall, to the maximum extent possible, ensure 
a path for existing pilot transition, consistent with 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards 
(ICAO Annex 1, 2.1.1.4 and ICAO Doc. 10103).
    Small aviation businesses.--The Committee acknowledges the 
pivotal role qualified small businesses play in bolstering 
local economies and their ability to operate in underserved 
regions across the nation. For aircraft support engagements 
involving aircraft on ground repairs, and the management of 
maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, the committee 
strongly encourages agencies to prioritize contracting with 
small businesses. Furthermore, recognizing the paramount 
importance of aviation safety, the Committee firmly recommends 
that any vendor providing these services be a Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) Section 145 compliant entity. By fostering 
opportunities for small businesses while upholding stringent 
safety regulations, the committee aims to strike a balance 
between economic growth and unwavering commitment to aircraft 
safety. This approach not only supports local economies and job 
creation but also maintains the highest standards of 
operational excellence.
    Safety management systems.--The Committee understands that 
FAA expects to release its final rule to update and expand the 
requirements for safety management systems. As the FAA 
finalizes the rule on this important safety function, the 
Committee expects the FAA to ensure that SMS requirements are 
appropriately scaled to the size and complexity of each 
operator.
    Human intervention motivation study (HIMS) and the flight 
attendant drug and alcohol program (FADAP).--The Committee 
recognizes the effectiveness of the HIMS and the FADAP in 
mitigating drug and alcohol misuse through a peer 
identification and intervention program. The Committee 
recommends that the FAA continue to prioritize these programs 
and urges the FAA to continue this program from within 
available resources.
    Know before you fly.--The Committee supports FAA's Know 
Before You Fly public-private partnership to improve the safety 
of UAS operations.

                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $3,191,250,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     3,600,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,549,200,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      +357,950,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -50,800,000
 

    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):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Budget Line Item                Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering,
 Development, Test and Evaluation
    Advanced Technology                   $31,900,000        $31,900,000
     Development and Prototyping..
    William J. Hughes Technical            23,400,000         23,400,000
     Center Laboratory Sustainment
    William J. Hughes Technical            39,000,000         39,000,000
     Center Infrastructure
     Sustainment..................
    NextGen--Separation Management         11,000,000         11,000,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen--Traffic Flow                   9,000,000          9,000,000
     Management Portfolio.........
    NextGen--On Demand NAS                  9,000,000          9,000,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen--NAS Infrastructure            12,500,000         12,500,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen Support Portfolio.....          8,000,000          8,000,000
    NextGen--Unmanned Aircraft             20,000,000         20,000,000
     Systems (UAS)................
    NextGen--Enterprise, Concept           10,000,000         10,000,000
     Development, Human Factors, &
     Demonstrations Portfolio.....
                                   =====================================
          Total Activity 1........        173,800,000        173,800,000
Activity 2--Air Traffic Control
 Facilities and Equipment
a. En Route Programs
    En Route Automation                   $70,000,000        $70,000,000
     Modernization (ERAM)--System
     Enhancements and Tech Refresh
    Next Generation Weather Radar           3,000,000          3,000,000
     (NEXRAD).....................
    Air Route Traffic Control              99,700,000         99,700,000
     Center (ARTCC) & Combined
     Control Facility (CCF)
     Building Improvements........
    Air/Ground Communications               7,700,000          7,700,000
     Infrastructure...............
    Air Traffic Control En Route            8,100,000          8,100,000
     Radar Facilities Improvements
    Oceanic Automation System.....         12,500,000         12,500,000
    Next Generation Very High              53,200,000         53,200,000
     Frequency Air/Ground
     Communications (NEXCOM)......
    System-Wide Information                80,900,000         80,900,000
     Management...................
    ADS -B NAS Wide Implementation         92,700,000         92,700,000
    Air Traffic Management                 41,700,000         41,700,000
     Implementation Portfolio.....
    Time Based Flow Management             15,700,000         15,700,000
     Portfolio....................
    NextGen Weather Processor.....         29,800,000         32,800,000
    Airborne Collision Avoidance            1,700,000          1,700,000
     System X (ACASX).............
    Data Communications in Support          5,000,000          5,000,000
     of NextGen Air Transportation
     System.......................
    Offshore Automation...........         30,000,000         30,000,000
    En Route Service Improvements.          2,000,000          2,000,000
    Commercial Space Integration..          4,500,000          4,500,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal En Route Programs        558,200,000        561,200,000
b. Terminal Programs
    Standard Terminal Automation          136,800,000        147,200,000
     Replacement System (STARS)
     (TAMR Phase 1)...............
    Terminal Automation Program...          8,400,000          8,400,000
    Terminal Air Traffic Control           63,000,000         63,000,000
     Facilities--Replace..........
    ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach           44,550,000         44,550,000
     Control (TRACON) Facilities--
     Improve......................
    NAS Facilities OSHA and                35,000,000         24,200,000
     Environmental Standards
     Compliance...................
    Integrated Display System              45,500,000         45,500,000
     (IDS)........................
    Terminal Flight Data Manager           59,100,000         59,100,000
     (TFDM).......................
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems              10,000,000         10,000,000
     (UAS) Implementation.........
    Airport Ground Surveillance           105,200,000        105,200,000
     Portfolio....................
    Terminal and EnRoute                   95,650,000         95,650,000
     Surveillance Portfolio.......
    Terminal and EnRoute Voice            120,050,000        120,050,000
     Switch and Recorder Portfolio
    Enterprise Information                  9,000,000          9,000,000
     Platform.....................
    Remote Towers.................          3,000,000          5,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Terminal Programs        735,250,000        736,850,000
c. Flight Service Programs
    Future Flight Services Program          3,000,000          3,000,000
    Alaska Flight Service Facility          2,700,000          2,700,000
     Modernization (AFSFM)........
    Weather Camera Program........          6,500,000          6,500,000
    Weather Systems Portfolio.....         30,100,000         30,100,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Flight Service            42,300,000         42,300,000
         Programs.................
d. Landing and Navigational Aids
 Program
    Very High Frequency (VHF)               7,000,000          7,000,000
     Omnidirectional Radio Range
     (VOR) Minimum Operating
     Network (MON)................
    Wide Area Augmentation System          73,200,000         92,100,000
     (WAAS) for GPS...............
    Instrument Flight Procedures            4,100,000          4,100,000
     Automation (IFPA)............
    Runway Safety Areas--                   1,800,000          1,800,000
     Navigational Mitigation......
    Landing and Lighting Portfolio         57,750,000         57,750,000
    Distance Measuring Equipment            4,000,000          4,000,000
     (DME), Very High Frequency
     (VHF) Omni-Directional Range
     (VOR), Tactical Air
     Navigation (TACAN) (DVT)
     Sustainment Portfolio........
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Landing and              147,850,000        166,750,000
         Navigational Aids
         Programs.................
e. Other ATC Facilities Programs
    Fuel Storage Tank Replacement          10,600,000         10,600,000
     and Management...............
    Unstaffed Infrastructure               63,300,000         39,000,000
     Sustainment..................
    Aircraft Replacement and              113,100,000        113,100,000
     Related Equipment Program....
    Airport Cable Loop Systems--           10,000,000         10,000,000
     Sustained Support............
    Real Property Disposition.....          9,000,000          9,000,000
    Child Care Center Sustainment.          1,200,000          1,200,000
    Electrical Power Systems--            120,500,000         70,500,000
     Sustain/Support..............
    Energy Management and                   4,800,000          4,800,000
     Compliance (EMC).............
    FAA Telecommunications                419,500,000        419,500,000
     Infrastructure...............
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Other ATC                752,000,000        677,700,000
         Facilities Programs......
                                   =====================================
            Total Activity 2......      2,235,600,000      2,184,800,000
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic
 Control Facilities and Equipment
a. Support Equipment
    Hazardous Materials Management         23,600,000         23,600,000
    Aviation Safety Analysis               29,900,000         29,900,000
     System (ASAS)................
    National Air Space (NAS)               12,000,000         12,000,000
     Recovery Communications
     (RCOM).......................
    Facility Security Risk                 15,000,000         15,000,000
     Management...................
    Information Security..........         38,700,000         38,700,000
    System Approach for Safety             13,200,000         13,200,000
     Oversight (SASO).............
    Aerospace Medical Equipment             1,500,000          1,500,000
     Needs (AMEN).................
    NextGen System Safety                  15,000,000         15,000,000
     Management Portfolio.........
    National Test Equipment                 3,000,000          3,000,000
     Program......................
    Mobile Assets Management                4,000,000          4,000,000
     Program......................
    Configuration, Logistics, and          17,000,000         17,000,000
     Maintenance Resource
     Solutions (CLMRS)............
    Tower Simulation Systems (TSS)/         5,100,000          5,100,000
     Tower Training Stimulator
     (TTS)........................
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Support Equipment        178,000,000        178,000,000
b. Training, Equipment and
 Facilities
    Aeronautical Center                    41,000,000         41,000,000
     Infrastructure Sustainment...
    Distance Learning.............          1,000,000          1,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
        Subtotal Training,                 42,000,000         42,000,000
         Equipment and Facilities.
                                   =====================================
            Total Activity 3......        220,000,000        220,000,000
Activity 4--Facilities and
 Equipment Mission Support
    System Engineering and                 38,000,000         38,000,000
     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             16,900,000         16,900,000
     Center Leases................
    Transition Engineering Support         19,000,000         19,000,000
    Technical Support Services             28,000,000         28,000,000
     Contract (TSSC)..............
    Resource Tracking Program              11,000,000         11,000,000
     (RTP)........................
    Center for Advanced Aviation           57,000,000         57,000,000
     System Development (CAASD)...
    Aeronautical Information               53,700,000         53,700,000
     Management Program...........
          Total Activity 4........        280,600,000        280,600,000
Activity 5--Personnel and Related         690,000,000        690,000,000
 Expenses Personnel and Related
 Expenses.........................
                                   =====================================
    Total.........................      3,600,000,000      3,549,200,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Allocation of Funds for FAA Facilities and Equipment from the 
        Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act--Fiscal Year 2025


------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Budget Line Item                Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terminal and En Route Air Traffic        $556,000,000       $526,750,000
 Control Facilities--Replace......
Unstaffed Infrastructure                   45,000,000         69,300,000
 Sustainment and Real Property
 Disposition......................
Electrical Power System--Sustain/         125,000,000        195,000,000
 Support and Fuel Storage Tank
 Replacement and Management.......
Hazardous Materials Management and         55,000,000         65,800,000
 NAS Facilities, OSHA, and
 Environmental Standards
 Compliance.......................
Facility Security Risk Management.          9,000,000          9,000,000
Navigation, Landing and Lighting..         10,000,000         40,000,000
Personnel Compensation, Benefits,         200,000,000         94,150,000
 and Travel (PCB&T)...............
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      1,000,000,000      1,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Contract tower technologies.--The Committee supports the 
FAA Contract Tower (FCT) program as a cost-effective and 
efficient way to provide air traffic control services to 
smaller airports across the country. The Committee believes 
that the FAA should consider equipping air traffic control 
towers at FCT airports with STARS radar displays, ADS-B 
displays, or other technology to increase situational awareness 
for controllers especially as operations at FCT airports 
continue to rise. The Committee directs the FAA to report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 
days after enactment of this Act on how the agency intends to 
equip towers with radar displays and other technology to 
enhance aviation safety. The Committee also has concerns about 
the FAA's plans to implement a new contract that could 
fundamentally change the FCT program and the boundaries of its 
current service areas. The Committee expects the FAA to conduct 
the appropriate risk analysis and carefully evaluate how any 
proposed changes could impact the successful FCT program and 
aviation safety before moving forward. The Committee directs 
the FAA to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 180 days after enactment of this Act on 
the agency's proposed realignment and whether the agency has 
conducted a risk analysis.
    Terminal flight data manager (TFDM).--The Committee directs 
the FAA to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on its plan to install the TFDM system at the 
expanded waterfall of not less than 89 airports, as required by 
P.L. 118-63, including additional resources needed to 
accomplish this statutory requirement by fiscal year. 
Additionally, the Committee directs the FAA to include in this 
report any TFDM system improvements that could reduce the 
likelihood of runway incursions, taking advantage of the new 
expanded waterfall's broad coverage of NAS traffic.
    Integrated departure/arrival capability (IDAC).--The 
Committee recommendation encourages the FAA to install IDAC at 
the remaining seven Air Route Traffic Control Centers. 
Completing the deployment of this capability is a key component 
in moving the FAA more fully towards Trajectory Based 
Operations.
    Landing and lighting portfolio.--The agreement supports the 
FAA's work to modernize and enhance navigation aids (NavAids) 
monitoring and control capabilities in air traffic control 
towers. The agreement supports for instrument landing systems 
and for precision approach path indicators. The FAA shall train 
existing technical staff and hire additional staff if necessary 
to install these critical systems. The FAA may use established 
contractors to augment FAA resources if necessary. The FAA 
shall refresh the software and technology of NavAids control 
and monitoring systems, which provide real time, mission 
critical capabilities, and enhance situational awareness, 
safety, and efficiency in managing air traffic.
    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.
    Telecommunications infrastructure.--The timely 
transformation of the FAA's telecommunications services from 
the legacy communications standard Time Division Multiplexing 
(TDM) to an Internet Protocol (IP) based technology is critical 
and will maintain the resiliency, safety, and efficiency of the 
present system, and prevent potentially catastrophic failures 
of the air traffic control system. It will also prepare the way 
for the new FAA network as it becomes qualified through its 
safe assurance processes. Accordingly, the Committee directs 
the Federal Aviation Administration to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment 
of this Act on the FAA's plan to complete the TDM-to-IP 
Migration. The briefing should also include, but not be limited 
to, an evaluation of the current funding profile of this 
program, as well as potential courses of action and the 
resources which would be required to accelerate the current 
program strategy.
    Offshore automation.--The Committee continues to support 
the funding of offshore airspace automation. While deploying 
air traffic automation systems supporting offshore airspace, 
consideration should be given to incorporate the needs of the 
FAA Service Operations Centers, including consideration of 
floor-space design and equipage.
    Certified tower radar display.--The Committee directs that 
using funds appropriated in this Act the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall approve an otherwise 
technically acceptable application from the Operator of a 
Contract Tower located at a former Department of Defense 
installation for a Certified Tower Radar Display if the 
application includes a provision that the operator will 
reimburse the FAA for the full purchase cost of a Certified 
Tower Radar Display manufactured by FAA's existing vendors as 
well as installation, maintenance, and FAA radar connection 
costs necessary for a fully functioning system. The Committee 
directs FAA to provide a report to the Committees implementing 
this direction no later than 180 days after enactment of this 
Act.
    Remote towers.--The Committee recognizes the growing 
interest in the utilization of remote tower systems as a safe, 
cost effective alternative to brick and mortar towers at small 
and non-towered airports across the country. The Committee 
urges the FAA to bring transparency, performance-based 
standards and engagement with stakeholders in advancing this 
technology. The Committee directs FAA to follow its formal 
advisory circular process, including notice and comment, and to 
finalize system design approval documents no later than 90 days 
after the enactment of this Act.

                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $280,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       250,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       259,787,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -20,213,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        +9,787,000
 

    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):

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Budget Line Item                 Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Research and Safety..............       $8,750,000      $10,136,000
Propulsion and Fuel Systems...........        5,174,000        5,174,000
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety..        2,548,000        2,548,000
Aircraft Icing........................        3,064,000        3,064,000
Digital System Safety.................        6,312,000        6,312,000
Continued Air Worthiness..............       10,339,000       10,339,000
Flight deck/Maintenance/System               16,382,000       16,382,000
 Integration Human Factors............
System Safety Management/Terminal Area       15,000,000       15,000,000
 Safety...............................
Air Traffic Control/Technical                 5,993,000        5,993,000
 Operations Human Factors.............
Aeromedical Research..................       12,186,000       12,186,000
Weather Program.......................       19,843,000       19,843,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research....       15,567,000       30,567,000
Alternative Fuels for General Aviation        8,411,000       10,000,000
Commercial Space Transportation Safety        5,350,000        5,350,000
NextGen Wake Turbulence...............        4,243,000        4,243,000
Information/Cyber Security............        5,943,000        5,943,000
Environment & Energy..................       21,194,000       17,500,000
NextGen--Environmental Research--            70,994,000       48,625,000
 Aircraft Technologies and Fuels......
System Planning and Resource                  5,088,000        5,088,000
 Management...........................
Aviation Grant Management (Aviation           2,125,000       15,000,000
 Workforce Development)...............
William J. Hughes Technical Center            5,494,000        5,494,000
 Laboratory Facilities................
Aircraft Radio Altimeter Development,             - - -        5,000,000
 Testing, and Certification...........
                                       ---------------------------------
    Total.............................      250,000,000      259,787,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lithium-ion battery fire risk mitigation.--The Committee 
provides an increase of $3,000,000 above the budget request in 
the ``Fire, Research, and Safety'' activity for research and 
development for technologies in partnership with U.S. industry 
that can help detect and suppress fires resulting from Lithium-
Ion batteries in aircraft to improve passenger, crew, and 
public safety in flight.
    Counter-UAS.--The recommendation provides $15,000,000 
within the ``Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research'' activity to 
further support counter-UAS research, development, testing and 
evaluation activities, utilizing the assets of the Mike 
Monroney Aeronautical Center and an R1 university with an 
active airport, an accredited School of Aviation, School of 
Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, and School of 
Electrical and Computer Engineering with 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 continue the work established in fiscal year 2024 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. The 
Committee directs FAA to provide an updated report to the 
Committee on the roadmap and timeline for development, testing 
and certification of the capabilities.
    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 $15,000,000 for the aviation 
maintenance technician development program and the aviation 
workforce development program in accordance with section 625 of 
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
    Electric aircraft.--The Committee urges FAA to identify and 
prioritize technical assistance, research, workforce 
development, and funding opportunities to support air carriers 
transitioning to electric aircraft. The FAA should also 
coordinate with outside stakeholders to identify opportunities 
to advance electrification of current and future aircraft.

                       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 2024.......   $3,350,000,000   $3,350,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......    3,350,000,000    3,350,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............    4,000,000,000    4,000,000,000
Bill compared to:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....     +650,000,000     +650,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....     +650,000,000     +650,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, $163,624,000 is for 
administration, $15,000,000 is for the Airport Cooperative 
Research Program, $43,360,000 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''.
    Airfield pavement technology program.--Of the funding 
provided for the Airport Technology Research program, 
$6,000,000 is for the Airfield Pavement Technology Program 
authorized under section 744 of Public Law 115-254, of which 
$3,000,000 is for concrete pavement research and $3,000,000 is 
for asphalt pavement research.
    Energy savings performance contracts.--The Committee urges 
the FAA to examine the feasibility of utilizing Energy Savings 
Performance Contracts as part of the New Airports Terminal 
Program and the Airport Improvement Program as a measure to 
reduce energy usage and support benefit to airports in the form 
of reduced costs. The FAA should work with the Department of 
Energy to examine the feasibility of Energy Savings Performance 
Contracts.
    Airport ground transportation.--The Committee is aware of 
the diverse spectrum of relationships airports have with their 
ground transportation stakeholders. These relationships vary 
from stakeholders who drop off and pick up single traveling 
passengers, to stakeholders who pick up and drop off higher 
numbers of traveling passengers, thereby alleviating wear and 
tear on airport roads and decreasing emissions. The ability of 
ground transportation stakeholders to communicate and negotiate 
access and fee rates with airports also varies widely due to 
the changing dynamics at the airport curb. The Committee 
encourages FAA's Office of Airports to create a venue to 
facilitate discussion between airports and their ground 
transportation providers to further the exchange of operational 
data to provide a safe and efficient experience for the 
traveling public.
    Personal mobility devices.--The Committee notes that the 
number of mishandled and damaged personal mobility devices in 
our air system is far too high and directs the FAA to take 
action to ensure these essential pieces of medical equipment 
are safely and efficiently transported both on the ground and 
in the air. The Committee urges the FAA to work with airports 
to increase accessibility throughout airports for both personal 
mobility devices and the people who utilize them.
    Airport environmental mitigation.--The agreement provides 
no less than $5,000,000 to: (1) fund demonstration projects for 
airports to collect and remove uncontained contaminants caused 
by aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and other polyflourinated 
substances (PFAS) waste resulting solely from aviation 
operations, and (2) to utilize innovative destruction 
technologies, including Resource Conservation and Recovery Act-
permitted incineration, to measurably reduce and mitigate risks 
from potential exposures to PFAS-formulated AFF releases to the 
environment, including contaminated soil and surface and 
groundwater contamination, at or within five miles of the 
airport. The Committee further urges the FAA to award 
demonstration project funding to airports that reflect a 
geographic diversity of non-hub, small, medium, and large hub 
airports. Further, the Administrator shall provide a report to 
the Committee within 120 days of enactment of this Act on the 
current U.S. and international dependence on HFC and Halon 
systems for fire suppression, summarize research on potential 
non-PFAS alternative solutions and a plan for the FAA to work 
with U.S. industry to identify, develop and test non-PFAS 
technologies.
    Zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and voluntary airport low 
emissions (VALE) programs.--The Committee directs the FAA to 
provide not less than $10,000,000 for ZEV and VALE eligible 
projects at any commercial service airport. The Committee urges 
the FAA to engage with airport sponsors at major hubs to 
identify projects suitable for the VALE program, such as energy 
efficiency, energy resiliency, and renewable energy projects 
that would help prevent power disruptions or outages. Further, 
the recommendation includes no less than $5,000,000 for 
eligible hydrogen and fuel cell-related activities through the 
ZEV and VALE programs.
    Disposition of noise lands.--The Committee is concerned 
about delays in handling noise lands acquired through the AIP-
Acquired Noise Compatibility Land Program. The Committee urges 
the FAA to consider legislative or regulatory changes to ensure 
that the appraisal of these lands is based on their current 
fair market value as individual lots or parcels, unless state 
or local laws require consolidation.
    Waco regional airport.--The Committee recognizes that the 
Waco Regional Airport Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) was 
built in the 1940's and is the oldest FAA operated tower in the 
country. The Committee also recognizes it is significantly 
outdated for modern use which justifies elevating its new 
construction. Therefore, the Committee suggests the FAA re-
prioritize planning and design in coordination with the city of 
Waco on a new ATCT, Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), 
and System Support Center already selected on airport grounds.
    Small community air service.--The Committee reminds the 
Department of the directive required under Sec. 570 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act (Public Law No. 118-63) to conduct a report 
on the restoration of small community service, which requires 
an assessment of no less than 7 communities who have lost their 
commercial air service, and to provide recommendations on 
restoring service. The Committee encourages the Department to 
consider additional communities that have an airport within 30 
miles of proximity of an international trade partner or are 
uniquely positioned to bolster international trade for the 
assessment.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $532,392,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       260,926,876
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -271,465,124
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      +260,926,876
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $257,926,876 in 
discretionary funding, which is available for community 
projects in accordance with the table at the end of this 
report, and an additional $3,000,000 for the Small Community 
Air Service Development Program, for communities where air 
service was terminated from October 1, 2021 through January 1, 
2024.

       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 application 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 provides conditions 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 119E 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 2024.......................      $486,799,671
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       564,015,664
Recommended in the bill...............................       497,015,664
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +10,215,993
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -67,000,000
 

    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 $497,015,664, of which $3,248,000 is 
for the administrative expenses of the Appalachian Regional 
Commission.

                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
                                                          Limitation on
                                                          obligations*
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................   $60,095,782,888
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................    61,314,170,545
Recommended in the bill...............................    61,314,170,545
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................    +1,218,387,657
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*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 
(HTF).
    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 $61,314,170,545 for the 
regular Federal-aid highway program in fiscal year 2025.
    Build America, Buy America Act (BABA).--The Committee is 
concerned that States' BABA compliance forms and processes vary 
state-to-state and are often confusing or insufficiently 
reflect BABA's compliance requirements in 2 CFR 184.3 for 
manufactured products in listed construction materials and 
Section 70917(c) exempt construction materials. The Committee 
strongly encourages FHWA to issue guidance on BABA compliance 
certification forms and processes to remove confusion and 
delay.
    Charger technology neutrality.--Under FHWA's National 
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) regulation, all chargers 
deployed using NEVI program funds must have combined charging 
system type 1 connectors. However, since this regulation was 
issued, most automakers announced plans to use the North 
American charging standard port for future vehicles. The 
Committee urges FHWA to consider stakeholders' input and 
appropriately update the regulation to adopt technology-neutral 
charger deployment requirements.
    Continuous pavement friction measurement (CPFM).--The 
Committee appreciates FHWA's efforts to promote CPFM through 
research and demonstration projects and include CPFM in its 
best practices manual for implementing cost-effective roadway 
safety infrastructure improvements on high-risk rural roads. To 
further help State DOTs adopt CPFM, FHWA should finalize its 
safety analysis report within one year of enactment of this 
Act. The Committee encourages FHWA to consider updating the 
National Performance Management Measures for Assessing Pavement 
Condition to include continuous pavement friction data 
collection as a data requirement, with the goal of aligning 
with DOT's National Roadway Safety Strategy.
    Electric vehicle (EV) charging station sites.--The 
Committee encourages the Department to work with States to 
develop EV infrastructure deployment plans that prioritize 
charging station sites that are co-located with facilities that 
provide 24-hour access to restrooms, food and beverages, and at 
least one on-site employee whose job function includes calling 
law enforcement in the event of an emergency.
    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 information 
needed to make long-term decisions about sustainable revenue 
options 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 a briefing to the Committee on its 
progress toward completing this study.
    Highway right-of-way uses.--The Committee notes that FHWA 
issued guidance in 2021 encouraging utilization of state 
rights-of-way for renewable energy generation to help counter 
the risk of blackouts and boost local energy reliability. The 
Committee directs FWHA to collect information from State DOTs 
and provide a report to the Committee within one year of 
enactment of this Act on how State DOTs have utilized the 2021 
FHWA guidance. To the extent practicable, the report should 
include feedback from State DOTs or applicable stakeholders 
related to issues or policies that are impeding the development 
of such facilities, including existing laws, safety concerns, 
land suitability, development feasibility, and competition with 
other priorities that the Federal government has identified for 
such land.
    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.
    National motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot program.--
The Committee recognizes the need to identify a new source of 
sustainable funding for the HTF. The current funding mechanisms 
for the HTF rely on transportation related excise taxes and the 
motor fuel tax rate has remained unchanged for the past 30 
years. To find solutions that will help maintain the long-term 
solvency of the HTF, the IIJA authorized funding to carry out 
the pilot programs under sections 13001 and 13002. The 
Committee specifically notes, with great concern, the delay in 
implementing section 13002 of the IIJA. The Committee directs 
DOT to use funds made available in section 13002 to carry out a 
large, at-scale pilot program demonstrating a national motor 
vehicle per mile user fee by the end of fiscal year 2026. The 
Committee urges the promotion of industry-driven technology 
solutions based upon open programming standards, open 
platforms, technology-neutral requirements, interoperability 
and the standardization on rules for agencies and states to 
exchange information across state lines in testing the 
feasibility of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms.
    National scenic byways program.--The Committee encourages 
FHWA to not include any preference for projects based on the 
total cost of the project when awarding grants under this 
program. For the purposes of this program, technical assistance 
as authorized in 23 U.S.C. 162 may include the development and 
dissemination of resources for use by States and Tribes such as 
a program website, updated maps, and economic research. FHWA 
should spend no less than two percent and no more than five 
percent of the funding available for the program on technical 
assistance activities. The Committee encourages FHWA to update 
the program website and byways maps.
    Non-nuclear density testing gauges.--The Committee 
understands that recent technological advancements of non-
nuclear soil and asphalt density gauges have made them reliable 
alternatives to nuclear density gauges. The Committee 
recognizes that multiple state DOTs have transitioned to non-
nuclear density gauges after extensive studies proved them to 
be safer, faster, superior for the durability of the pavement, 
and more economical for both contractors and state DOTs. The 
Committee requests FHWA to submit a report regarding the 
adoption of non-nuclear gauges.
    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 Interstate 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 the 
expansion of the current Ports-to-Plains authorization and to 
work closely with States to support projects along the 
corridor.
    Safe routes to schools.--The Committee recognizes the 
important role infrastructure investments, education, and 
enforcement efforts can have in ensuring safe access to 
schools, hospitals, and transit stations. Investments in 
sidewalks, bike paths, and alternative transportation have 
proven to increase safety and decrease the number of deaths and 
injuries associated with commutes to school, hospitals, and 
transit stations. The Committee encourages FHWA to work with 
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Safe 
Routes to School Partnership, and state and local stakeholders 
to facilitate safe student access to schools.
    State administrative costs.--The Committee directs the GAO 
to conduct a study of state administrative costs for managing 
Federal Highway Administration discretionary grants and formula 
funding before funds are dispersed to end recipients. The study 
should identify the percentage of Federal funds that are 
utilized by states before being dispersed to local 
municipalities and should be completed no later than one year 
after enactment of this Act.
    Support for low-population and rural communities.--The 
Committee recognizes that low-population and rural communities 
have special needs and encourages FHWA to focus on those 
communities when providing technical assistance and funding for 
their transportation infrastructure.
    Truck size and weight research.--In fiscal year 2020, the 
Committee directed the Department to expeditiously develop an 
implementation plan for conducting the research outlined in the 
Transportation Research Board's Truck Size and Weight Research 
Plan. The Committee directs the Department to brief the 
Committee within 60 days of enactment of this Act on the status 
of the implementation plan, including a summary report of 
ongoing efforts related to truck size and weight research. 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. The Committee continues to 
encourage the Department to complete two of the core track 
projects identified by the Transportation Research Board 
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 it 
concurs with the DOT recommendation that no changes to current 
federal policy on weights should be made until current modeling 
and data limitations can be overcome.
    Work zone safety contingency funds (WZSCF).--The Committee 
recognizes the need to continue to improve upon existing 
programs and resources that ensure construction workers and the 
traveling public are safe throughout work zones across the 
country. The Committee requests FHWA provide a report on the 
use and effectiveness of the WZSCF. The report should include 
detailed information on state DOT usage and spectrum of 
activity, how the funds are being spent on specific initiatives 
and how these funds are helping make highway work zones safe.

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
                                                 Liquidation of contract
                                                         authority
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024................          $60,834,782,888
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...............           62,011,047,545
Recommended in the bill........................           62,053,170,545
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024..............           +1,218,387,657
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025.............              +42,123,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation 
of $62,053,170,545. 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 2024.......................    $2,224,676,687
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,490,176,742
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -734,499,945
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................    +1,490,176,742
 

    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 $1,490,176,742 for Highway 
Infrastructure Programs, of which $1,085,176,742 is for 
community project funding in accordance with the table at the 
end of this report.
    Tribal transportation.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $200,000,000 to improve the transportation 
infrastructure conditions of Tribal communities. 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 parking shortage.--The Committee recommends 
$200,000,000 in general funds for the INFRA program to support 
truck parking projects. Not later than 2 years after enactment 
of this Act and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall submit to the Committee a report on the 
progress being made to provide adequate commercial motor 
vehicle parking facilities. The report should evaluate (1) the 
availability of adequate parking and rest facilities, taking 
into account both private and public facilities, for commercial 
motor vehicles engaged in interstate transportation; (2) the 
effectiveness of the projects funded by the Department in 
improving access to commercial motor vehicle parking; and (3) 
the ability of eligible entities that received a DOT grant for 
truck parking projects to sustain the operation of parking 
facilities constructed with such funds. The Committee 
recognizes that DOT has identified sources of funding and is 
working with various stakeholders on the nationwide truck 
parking shortage crisis. The Committee expects DOT to continue 
working proactively with the private sector, states, and 
metropolitan planning organizations to address this critical 
supply chain challenge, to encourage the use of formula funds 
for investment in new truck parking capacity, and to prioritize 
truck parking when considering discretionary funding awards.
    Safe system.--The Committee recommendation includes 
$5,000,000 for pedestrian safety projects as authorized by 
section 11502 of IIJA. 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.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

    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 prohibits funds from being used for activities 
related to the implementation of certain tolling projects.
    Section 126 prohibits the implementation of the 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 2024.......................      $411,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       438,100,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       382,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -28,500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -55,600,000
 

    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 
$382,500,000 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 $55,600,000 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.
    Emergency warning devices.--The Committee believes that 
U.S. leadership in critical technology areas such as autonomous 
vehicles is essential for economic and national security. The 
Committee encourages FMCSA, within 60 days of enactment of this 
Act, to initiate proceedings to update its requirements on 
emergency warning devices to accommodate the needs of 
autonomous vehicles while ensuring warnings are reasonable and 
understandable for other road users.
    Predatory towing.--The Committee recognizes that unethical 
practices in nonconsensual towing and recovery are creating 
challenges for interstate motor carriers whose equipment, 
safety, and maintenance practices are regulated at the Federal 
level. The Committee urges FMCSA to facilitate discussions with 
local, state, and private sector stakeholders to develop 
guidelines for towing and recovery regulation at all levels of 
government.

                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $516,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       526,450,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       526,450,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +10,150,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 
$526,450,000 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           $414,500,000      $414,500,000
 program............................
Commercial driver's license                 44,350,000        44,350,000
 implementation program.............
High priority program...............        61,200,000        61,200,000
Commercial motor vehicle operators           1,400,000         1,400,000
 grant program......................
Commercial motor vehicle enforcement         5,000,000         5,000,000
 training and support grant program.
                                     -----------------------------------
    Total...........................       526,450,000       526,450,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 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 enforce the 
electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers 
transporting livestock or insects.
    Section 132 prohibits funds from being used to require the 
use of inward-facing cameras or require a motor carrier to be 
enrolled in the Department of Labor's registered apprenticeship 
program as conditions for participation in the Safe Driver 
Apprenticeship Pilot program.
    Section 133 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 134 prohibits funds from being used to make changes 
to the current federal preemption determinations.

             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. 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.
    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, 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.
    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, 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.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $223,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       248,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       235,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +12,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -13,000,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For vehicle safety programs, funded by the general fund, 
the Committee recommends $235,000,000. The recommendation does 
not provide for the additional seven FTEs (13 positions) as 
requested by the President's budget.
    Advanced crash test dummies.--The Committee is pleased that 
NHTSA continues to develop and incorporate advanced crash test 
dummies, including the 5th percentile female THOR crash test 
dummy, into Federal standards. The Committee encourages NHTSA 
to implement the most advanced anthropomorphic female test 
dummies in the driver and front right passenger position for 
frontal crash tests, equally to the male correlative.
    Automated vehicles (AVs).--The recommendation fully funds 
the Office of Automation Safety, and recognizes the importance 
of creating a robust regulatory environment for AVs to thrive 
in the United States. The Committee awaits the release of the 
ADS Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation 
Program (AV STEP), and directs NHTSA to update the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations regularly until it is 
published. The Committee further directs NHTSA to continue to 
submit biannual reports on rulemakings related to AV rulemaking 
and research activities, following the guidelines included in 
the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying P.L. 117-328.
    Moreover, the Committee remains concerned about the limited 
data collection regarding crashes involving ADAS and ADS 
vehicles. The Committee directs NHTSA to report on challenges 
related to improved reporting criteria that to the extent 
feasible normalizes data reported to the public under Standing 
General Order 2021--01 and directs NHTSA to provide a report on 
how it will streamline the reporting process with manufacturers 
within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.
    Components and vehicles manufactured by foreign entities of 
concern.--The Committee is concerned about the potential 
security risks of vehicles built by or outfitted with 
components from foreign entities of concern that are operating 
in the United States. The Committee is also concerned that such 
entities empower their governments to access sensitive data for 
national security purposes. This raises significant privacy and 
security concerns surrounding data used by connected vehicles 
manufactured and operated by companies incorporated in foreign 
entities of concern, particularly the potential for 
unauthorized access to collect and transmit data, the ability 
to implement surveillance capabilities embedded within a 
vehicle's technology, and possibly disable some vehicles.
    As these entities become the world's largest exporter of 
automobiles by unfair trade and workforce practices, there is 
an increasing risk of exposing U.S. cybersecurity 
vulnerabilities if these vehicles connect to individual 
charging stations and the nation's electric grid through 
bidirectional charging. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Department to identify cybersecurity risks to U.S. vehicles, 
including within the electric vehicle charging infrastructure 
and bidirectional charging capabilities, from vehicles 
assembled by automakers of foreign entities of concern. The 
Committee expects the Department to provide a brief on its 
findings to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within one year of enactment of this Act.
    Consumer tire standards.--In 2007, Congress directed that a 
national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program be 
established to educate consumers about the safety, durability, 
and fuel efficiency of replacement tires. In 2015, Congress 
directed the promulgation of regulations for tire fuel 
efficiency and minimum performance standards in the FAST Act. 
In 2021, the IIJA required the Department of Transportation 
report to Congress a response as to why it had not completed 
these regulations. The Committee notes that these regulations 
are important for consumer savings and access to the latest 
tire technologies. These regulations would also assure an equal 
playing field for domestic tire producers. Therefore, the 
Committee directs NHTSA to provide an update on the status of 
this rulemaking within 90 days of enactment and finalize the 
rules within one year of enactment.
    Crashworthiness.--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. The Committee is pleased 
that NHTSA continues to work closely with the Department of 
Energy on lessons learned from lightweight materials research. 
The Committee directs NHTSA to continue to include the 
consideration of lightweight materials as standards, test 
procedures, and associated countermeasures are developed as 
part of the occupant protections program. Moreover, the 
Committee encourages NHTSA to stay informed regarding domestic 
production of magnesium and incorporate metallurgical 
developments into future lightweight automotive design. Safety 
standards established by NHTSA should not present a barrier to 
integration or adoption of new materials, many of which have 
lightweight components.
    Rear-end collision avoidance systems.--In House Report 116-
106, the Committee directed NHTSA to study the safety 
effectiveness of rear-end collision avoidance systems that 
mitigate and prevent rear-end collisions. The Committee is 
disappointed that the study has not yet been published. NHTSA 
is directed to complete the study and report to Congress within 
180 days of enactment of this Act if a rulemaking to update 
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 is 
necessary.
    Recall reclassification and modernization.--The Committee 
recognizes that as vehicles become more automated and 
connected, the use of over-the-air software updates by 
manufacturers to improve vehicle safety will be increasingly 
important and a core experience of modern vehicle ownership. 
Therefore, it will be important for NHTSA to modernize the 
recall process and embrace electronic notification 
requirements. The Committee directs NHTSA to brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on how it will leverage 
over-the-air updates to distinguish between hardware recalls 
and a critical software update campaign to address an 
unreasonable risk to safety or a non-compliance, and how it 
will allow manufacturers to use additional notification options 
in addition to first-class mail to inform consumers of a recall 
within one year of the enactment of this Act.
    Studying digital alerting systems.--The Committee remains 
concerned with the increase in struck-by collisions involving 
first responders, towing/recovery operators, work zone crews 
and other vehicles stopped on our roadways and directs NHTSA to 
conduct an independent study to assess whether there is 
existing data to analyze the effectiveness of current digital 
alert warnings designed to prevent these types of incidents by 
providing motorists with advance warning of roadway hazards. 
The study shall evaluate the potential of such digital 
notifications delivered to motorists, the feasibility of 
notifications including through in-vehicle telematics systems 
or wayfinding applications on cellular devices, and the 
readiness of public safety agencies to deploy digital alerting 
technology. The Committee directs NHTSA to report its findings 
to the Committees within one year of enactment of this Act.
    Vehicle electronics and cybersecurity.--While the Committee 
meets the budget request's $2,000,000 increase for Vehicle 
Electronics and Cybersecurity, it requests that NHTSA uses IIJA 
funds specifically for IIJA-mandated regulatory action, and 
prioritizes the funding provided in this bill for non-IIJA 
objectives. The Committee directs NHTSA to provide a report on 
software defined vehicles (SDVs), which will outline (1) 
NHTSA's view on the increasing prominence of software in 
vehicle manufacture and safety performance, and any forthcoming 
best practices or motor vehicle safety standards related to 
automotive software; (2) how stakeholders, including technology 
companies, can work effectively with NHTSA to support NHTSA's 
safety mission in the SDV era; and (3) best practices on 
ensuring that, as vehicles become more technologically 
sophisticated, steps can be taken to protect consumer privacy. 
The Committee directs NHTSA to provide the report within 270 
days of enactment of this Act.
    Vehicles with unrepaired recalls.--Unrepaired recalls 
continue to pose a threat to public safety. The Committee 
continues to encourage 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 NHTSA considers 
appropriate, to further reduce the number of vehicles with 
unrepaired recalls. The Committee also encourages NHTSA to 
provide an update within 180 days of enactment of this Act to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on its 
progress.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $201,200,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       205,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       205,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +4,200,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    This limitation on obligations controls 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 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 $205,400,000 in 
liquidating cash and obligation limitation.
    Advanced impaired driving prevention technology.--In 
January 2024, NHTSA released an Advanced Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (ANPRM) entitled ``Advanced Impaired Driving 
Prevention Technology,'' and received over 18,000 comments. The 
ANPRM is in response to a mandate in Section 24220 of P.L. 117-
58, ``Advanced Impaired Driving Technology,'' which directed 
NHTSA to issue a final rule relating to drunk and impaired 
driving prevention technology. The Committee recognizes the 
devastating toll of alcohol-impaired driving deaths but remains 
concerned that there currently remains a challenge with 
consumer acceptance of this technology.
    As such, the Committee directs NHTSA to pursue several 
related research streams to inform the rollout of in-vehicle 
technology to combat impaired driving. Such research should 
include the expectations of consumers regarding the appropriate 
level of intervention based on type of impairment and the 
vehicle interventions and/or warnings to which drivers will 
best respond. In addition, for those types of impairment 
(drowsiness, distraction, non-alcohol drugs) for which there is 
not currently a definition of impairment in legislation, the 
Committee encourages NHTSA to develop standard measures of 
impairment through research and to define the criteria upon 
which an impairment determination is made.
    The Committee also recognizes the serious implications of 
``passive[ly] monitor[ing],'' as the ANPRM outlines, a driver. 
When considering the proposed rule, NHTSA is directed to 
consider (1) the relative strength of video analytics 
technology in its assessment of drivers; (2) ways to preserve 
the privacy of drivers, including the prevention of 
unauthorized data sharing; (3) efforts to mitigate a camera 
being hacked by nefarious actors; and (4) how such monitoring 
would handle false positive test results. There should also be 
an explanation as to how such technology would be used if a car 
is in motion, to minimize the risk to other roadway users.
    Finally, NHTSA is directed to fully address--before 
issuance of any rule--charges that the technology would be an 
undue infringement on privacy and individual liberty. 
Therefore, NHTSA is encouraged to work with industry and other 
stakeholders, including drunk driving victims and survivors, on 
coordinating a comprehensive public education program regarding 
the new safety standard.
    Cannabis-related impairment standards and technology.--The 
Committee recognizes that as more jurisdictions legalize the 
use of recreational cannabis, law enforcement officers will 
need additional reliable tools to protect drivers and other 
road users. The Committee directs NHTSA, in coordination with 
other relevant federal agencies, to assess currently available 
and potentially commercially feasible technology that could be 
used by highway enforcement authorities to assess cannabis-
related intoxication. NHTSA shall provide a briefing to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the findings 
of the assessment within one year of enactment of this Act. The 
Committee simultaneously supports the development of an 
objective standard to measure marijuana impairment and a 
related field sobriety to test ensure highway safety.
    Emergency medical services/911.--Within the Section 403 and 
National Driver Register Research and Program Development 
account, the recommendation includes no less than $5,000,000 
for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which includes NHTSA's 
National 911 Program. NHTSA is encouraged to draw additional 
funds as needed from title VIII of division J of the IIJA for 
these purposes as necessary, as outlined in the budget 
justification. Further, the Committee recognizes the 
increasingly complex role of 911 professionals. NHTSA is 
encouraged to continue to provide technical assistance to EMS 
and 911 professionals as part of a comprehensive highway and 
traffic safety system.
    Finally, continuing to note the significant number of 
people every year who experience sudden, out-of-hospital 
cardiac arrest every year, the Committee continues to encourage 
NHTSA to disseminate training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation 
to state and local emergency dispatchers. Such training may 
include evidence-based protocols, continuing education, and 
performance measures.
    Non-vehicle telematics research.--P.L. 118-42 provided up 
to $2,500,000 from the amounts made available under the heading 
``Vehicle Safety and Behavioral Research Programs''' in title 
VIII of division J of the IIJA for non-vehicle telematics 
research. The Committee looks forward to the publication of the 
request for proposal by NHTSA and reminds the agency of the 
directive to report outlined in P.L. 118-42 on the potential of 
these technologies. The Committee makes available up to an 
additional $1,000,000 under the heading ``Vehicle Safety and 
Behavioral Research Programs'' in title VIII of division J of 
the IIJA in support of this research.
    Pedestrian fatalities.--The Committee continues to be 
alarmed by the record-high number of pedestrian fatalities. The 
Committee encourages NHTSA to collaborate with FHWA and state 
and local stakeholders to conduct education and enforcement 
efforts nationwide to develop and publicize innovative 
solutions, including traffic control devices, to reduce 
pedestrian fatalities.
    Stroke triage guidelines.--Stroke is a leading cause of 
death and long-term disability among adults in the United 
States. The Committee encourages NHTSA to work with the various 
stakeholders and its federal partners on the Federal 
Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Systems to ensure 
EMS systems are prepared for patients injured in crashes and 
suffering other health emergencies, such as strokes, as 
addressed in the National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines.

                     HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $813,300,800
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       831,444,832
Recommended in the bill...............................       831,444,832
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +18,144,032
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $831,444,832 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 2025 for the highway traffic safety grant programs 
to $831,444,832. The following table provides funding levels 
for activities within this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State and community highway safety grants.............      $385,900,000
National priority safety programs.....................       360,500,000
High visibility enforcement program...................        42,300,000
Administrative expenses...............................        42,744,832
                                                       -----------------
    Total.............................................       831,444,832
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Crash detection technology.--NHTSA is encouraged to develop 
best practices on the inclusion of crash detection technology 
on optional mobile applications offered to motorists by States, 
Tribes, and units of local government to allow drivers to 
connect with 911 centers, emergency services, and traffic 
operations centers to efficiently communicate with emergency 
services.
    State traffic safety information system improvements.--The 
Committee continues to direct NHTSA to continue to provide 
technical assistance to states on improving the 
interoperability of state and national traffic safety 
information.

      ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--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.
    Section 141 clarifies that NHTSA can use grant 
administrative expenses to support States as defined in statute 
in implementing highway traffic safety grants.

                    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 615 
railroads and 140,000 miles of track, which deliver over 
4,000,000 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 2024.......................      $267,799,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       293,965,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       288,203,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +20,404,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -5,762,000
 

    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 $288,203,000 for the 
safety and operations account. The recommendation supports a 
total level of 400 safety inspectors as requested. The 
following list provides funding levels for activities within 
this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automated track inspection program........             up to $20,500,000
Positive train control support program....        no less than 1,000,000
Trespasser prevention.....................          no less than 400,000
Highway-rail grade crossing safety........        no less than 1,000,000
Confidential close call reporting system..               up to 4,500,000
Grant and project development technical             no more than 500,000
 assistance, oversight....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Automated track inspection program (ATIP).--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 funding levels provided support 
FRA's efforts to fully deploy ten ATIP vehicles, as well as 
continuing to refine the fleet's capabilities for identifying 
safety critical conditions.
    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. The 
recommendation does not include funding for new full-time 
equivalents for such purposes.
    Confidential close call reporting system (C3RS).--The 
Committee notes that only two of the Class I freight railroads 
have joined the C3RS program. The Committee requests FRA to 
brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 
90 days of enactment of this Act regarding its efforts to reach 
agreement the Class I railroads not yet participating in the 
C3RS program.
    Rail bogie equipment.--The Committee requests FRA to brief 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 270 
days of enactment of this Act regarding the state of current 
regulations on inspection and safety requirements relating to 
rail bogie equipment.
    Rail yard safety technology.--The Committee urges FRA to 
encourage the use of technology in rail yards to enhance the 
safety and situational awareness of rail workers while also 
increasing the efficiency of freight car movement.
    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.
    Trespasser prevention.--The Committee directs the FRA to 
brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no 
later than 270 days after enactment of this Act 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.

                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $54,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        52,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        45,879,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -8,121,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -6,121,000
 

    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 $45,879,000 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 (TTC) as authorized by 
section 22102(c) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(P.L. 117-58).
    Short-line safety.--The Committee provides $2,500,000 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.
    Joint center for transportation security.--The Committee 
recommendation supports the $1,000,000 as requested to develop 
a training center at the TTC for joint FRA Transportation 
Security Administration hands-on and classroom training for 
inspectors and other safety and security personnel.
    Workforce development and equity.--The recommendation does 
not support the $1,000,000 for workforce development activities 
and research topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
in the railroad industry as requested.
    Zero emission rail yard pilot.--The recommendation does not 
support the $1,500,000 for a zero emission rail yard pilot 
program as requested.

         FEDERAL STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $75,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       100,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -75,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -100,000,000
 

    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. The Committee notes the IIJA provides $7,200,000,000 
in advance appropriations for the program in fiscal year 2025.

        CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $198,957,997
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       250,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       298,525,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +99,567,003
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       +48,525,000
 

    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 $298,525,000 for the 
CRISI grant program, of which $38,525,000 is community project 
funding in accordance with the table at the end of this report. 
In addition to the recommendation, the IIJA provides 
$1,000,000,000 in advance appropriations for the program in 
fiscal year 2025.

     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 
$2,125,226,000 for Amtrak through the northeast corridor grants 
and national network grants accounts. In addition to the 
recommendation, the IIJA provides $4,317,000,000 in advance 
appropriations each fiscal year until 2026 to Amtrak through 
the northeast corridor grants and national network grants 
accounts for certain capital projects.
    Acela program delays.--The Committee is concerned by the 
delays of the new Acela fleet revealed in the Amtrak OIG report 
OIG-A-2023-013. The New Acela program is three years delayed, 
largely due to new trainsets failing to meet FRA requirements 
for safe operation. The Committee directs Amtrak to brief the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriation within 120 days of 
enactment of this Act on the current status of the New Acela 
program. The briefing should include the status of 
implementation of the OIG recommendations regarding major 
program delivery, and how these recommendations can improve 
program delivery for the upcoming long-distance fleet overhaul.
    Adirondack line service.--The Committee is encouraged by 
the progress between Canadian National Railway and Amtrak to 
mitigate summer stoppages of service of the Amtrak Adirondack 
Line due to heat related slow orders. However, the Committee is 
concerned about the current stoppage of summer service in 2024. 
The Committee directs Amtrak to cooperate with CN to ensure 
year-round service is restored. The Committee requests a 
briefing from Amtrak on the status of the Adirondack Line 
within 30 days of enactment of this Act.
    Asset management.--The Committee understands that Amtrak 
continues to implement recommendations made by the Amtrak OIG 
in report OIG-A-2024-004. The Committee notes that the report 
revealed that Amtrak held $49 million in surplus and obsolete 
maintenance-of-equipment inventory. The Committee directs 
Amtrak to brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this Act on the 
implementation of the OIG recommendations, particularly the 
recommendations regarding inventory data management and cost 
benefit analyses on selling or scrapping obsolete and surplus 
materials.
    Charter trains and private cars.--The Committee requests 
Amtrak to include in its 2026 General and Legislative annual 
report the impact of its policies to charter trains and private 
trains, including amounts and percentages by which revenues and 
usage changed and separate figures for charter trains run with 
Amtrak-owned and with privately-owned cars. The Committee 
requests that Amtrak continue to update and evaluate the list 
of eligible locations for private cars and trains.

     NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $1,141,442,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     1,200,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,002,115,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -139,327,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -197,885,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $1,002,115,000 for 
northeast corridor grants to Amtrak to support base needs. The 
Committee recommendation includes up to $5,000,000 for the 
NECC. The Committee notes the IIJA provides $1,200,000,000 
advance appropriations for the NEC in fiscal year 2025.

 NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $1,286,321,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     1,304,475,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,123,111,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -163,210,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -181,364,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $1,123,111,000 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 includes $3,000,000 for 
the state-supported route committee. The recommendation does 
not provide additional funding for the interstate rail compacts 
grant program. The Committee notes the IIJA provides 
$3,200,000,000 advance appropriations for the national network 
in fiscal year 2025.

       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 limits the use of Federal-state partnership for 
intercity passenger rail grants from Division J of Public Law 
117-58.
    Section 154 prohibits funds from being used for a high-
speed rail project in the state of California.
    Section 155 provides $15,000,000 from Federal-state 
partnership for intercity passenger rail grants under Division 
J of Public Law 117-58 to the Union Station Redevelopment 
Corporation (USRC) for repair and rehabilitation of the 
Washington Union Station complex. It also reiterates certain 
statutory responsibilities of the USRC and makes additions to 
the USRC Board.
    Section 156 permits more than six grants from being 
simultaneously active under the Restoration and Enhancement 
Grants program.

                     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 2024...    $13,990,000,000    $13,990,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025..     14,279,000,000     14,279,000,000
Recommended in the bill...........     14,279,000,000     14,279,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.       +289,000,000       +289,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025              - - -              - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 
$14,279,000,000 for transit formula grants and programs, 
consistent with the amounts authorized in the IIJA.
    Aging infrastructure.--The Committee is aware of 
significantly aging bridges on our nation's commuter rail 
systems, especially in older metropolitan areas. Commuter 
railroads face unique challenges since many tend to be legacy 
systems in which much of the infrastructure, including bridges, 
was built over a century ago. The Committee directs FTA, in 
coordination with FRA, to conduct a national assessment on the 
condition of commuter rail bridges, identify the unique needs 
of legacy systems in which a majority of the commuter railroad-
owned bridge assets serving an area are greater than 100 years 
old. The Committee expects the FTA to report its findings to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than 
180 days after enactment of this Act.
    Bus-to-person collisions.--The Committee commends FTA for 
its efforts to encourage the adoption of mitigation strategies 
that reduce bus-to-person collisions, including the issuance of 
FTA Safety Advisory 23-1. As such, the Committee urges FTA to 
encourage transit agencies to adopt proven on-board technology 
solutions to detect, deter, and avoid collisions through 
program guidance and NOFOs, where permissible and feasible.
    Innovative transit research and deployment.--The Committee 
recognizes that 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.
    Platform safety.--The Committee is concerned with the 
continual increase in injury and deaths due to falls from train 
platforms. Several technologies exist to protect passengers 
from accidentally falling or being pushed off the platform onto 
oncoming train traffic without impeding boarding and exiting of 
passengers from trains. Accordingly, the Committee encourages 
FTA to work with transit agencies to field pilot projects to 
demonstrate appropriate safety technologies and to invest in 
initiatives to increase platform safety.
    Roadway worker protections.--The Committee is concerned 
about the safety of transit employees working on or near 
transit rail tracks. Proven roadway worker protection (RWP) 
technologies exist that provide advanced train approach 
warnings and have the potential to improve the safety and 
efficiency of rail operations. The Committee encourages FTA to 
promote the maximum level of RWP safety, to the extent 
permissible under current law.
    Transit access and ridership study.--The Committee supports 
public transportation systems utilizing data to understand 
ridership trends and community impacts. The Committee directs 
GAO to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations no later than 2 years after enactment of this 
Act on the challenges of transit ridership, including:
          (1) an assessment of the challenges for transit 
        agencies in maintaining riders and attracting new 
        riders, particularly as commuting patterns have 
        changed.
          (2) an assessment on the level of transit access for 
        riders and prospective riders across all systems--bus, 
        subway, light rail, commuter rail, and ferry--and 
        across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
          (3) an assessment on how, if at all, an expansion of 
        the data included within the BTS National Transit Map 
        could help transit agencies improve transit service 
        across communities.
    Transit shortfalls.--The Committee acknowledges the recent 
shift in ridership patterns has impacted historical budgeting 
models for public transportation. The Committee encourages the 
FTA to work with public transportation stakeholders to identify 
best practices and solutions to address current and future 
operating budget shortfalls.

                     TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $252,386,844
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       115,638,210
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -136,748,634
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      +115,638,210
 

    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 $115,638,210 in 
transit infrastructure grants for community project funding in 
accordance with the table at the end of this report.
    Hydrogen bus technology.--The Committee recognizes the 
potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology for zero emission 
transit. The Committee directs FTA to provide a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days 
of enactment of this Act on hydrogen fuel cell technology in 
public transit. The report should include the challenges to 
further expansion of the technology pertaining to operations 
and maintenance, as well as a historical review of the quantity 
of applications and awards under the Low-No Emission grant 
program that include hydrogen fuel cell technology.

                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $7,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         8,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         7,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................          -500,000
 

    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 $7,500,000 for 
technical assistance and training authorized under section 5314 
of title 49, United States Code. In addition to the amounts 
provided under this heading, $12,661,748 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 2024.......................    $2,205,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     2,365,525,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       754,733,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................    -1,450,267,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................    -1,610,792,000
 

    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 $754,733,000 for 
capital investment grants. The recommendation adjusts the set-
asides of the $1,600,000,000 provided under this heading in 
division J of the IIJA in order to ensure that, when combined 
with amounts provided in this Act and the $509,296,000 
unallocated from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 
(P.L. 118-42), there are total budgetary resources of 
$2,864,441,000 for the following projects in the following 
amounts.
    The recommendation provides $1,233,923,000 for all current 
and on-going full funding grant agreements (FFGA) consistent 
with the agreed-upon payout schedules for each project.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Fiscal year 2025
                  Signed FFGAs                        recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA--Westside Subway Section 3..................             $316,000,000
MN--Southwest LRT..............................              129,517,000
WA--Lynwood Link Extension.....................               88,407,000
NY/NJ--Hudson Tunnels..........................              700,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee's recommendation provides $1,007,000,000 for 
the following new start projects anticipating an FFGA.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Fiscal year 2025
               Anticipated FFGAs                      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IL--Red Line Extension.........................             $350,000,000
TX--Advance Rapid Transit (ART) North-South                  110,000,000
 Corridor......................................
CA--Transbay Downtown Rail Extension...........              250,000,000
Any other new starts projects that become ready              297,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the recommendation provides $599,633,000 for 
the following small start projects anticipating a SSGA.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Fiscal year 2025
               Anticipated SSGAs                      recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL--Broward Commuter Rail South................              $70,950,000
IN--IndyGo Blue Line Rapid Transit.............               70,933,000
MD--Veirs Mill Road BRT........................               63,550,000
OH--Hamilton Avenue Corridor BRT...............               55,450,000
OH--Reading Road Corridor BRT..................               54,850,000
OH--West Broad Street BRT......................               70,900,000
WA--RapidRide I Line...........................               13,000,000
Any other small starts projects that may become              200,000,000
 ready.........................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Affordable and workforce housing consideration.--The 
Committee understands that the FTA evaluates affordable housing 
under both the economic development and land use criteria. The 
Committee is encouraged by the proposed update to the CIG 
policy guidance regarding economic development and land use.
    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 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 2026 annual report on funding recommendations as 
required by section 5309 of title 49, United States Code, with 
the fiscal year 2026 budget request, and to include proposed 
funding allocations for fiscal year 2026. 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 2026, 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.
    Congestion pricing.--The Committee notes New York City's 
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) capital budget included 
projected revenues from the planned Central Business District 
Tolling Program (CBDTP). In light of New York's pause on the 
program, MTA has announced a work stoppage plan on multiple 
projects. The Committee is concerned about the ability for MTA 
to fulfill the existing Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for 
the affected New Starts project. Therefore, the Committee 
directs the FTA to immediately work with MTA to ensure the 
local commitments of the FFGA are upheld. Further, the 
Committee requests FTA brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on an updated, detailed financial plan for this 
project absent the planned revenue sources from the CBDTP.
    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 2028; (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 2024.......................      $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       150,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    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, 2028, 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, 2024, 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 2024.......................       $40,288,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        40,605,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,605,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          +317,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $40,605,000 to fund 
the operations, maintenance, and capital infrastructure 
activities of the GLS. Of the total funds provided, not less 
than $16,400,000 is for the seaway infrastructure program.
    Market development and promotion.--Within the amount 
provided, $1,000,000 is for marketing and trade development and 
promotion of the Great Lakes navigation system, to be carried 
out in cooperation with system stakeholders.

                        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

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024*......................      $318,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       318,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       318,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*Also includes a rescission of $17,000,000 from prior year balances.

    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 the fiscal year 2024 
enacted level.

                          CABLE SECURITY FLEET

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill*..............................        10,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       +10,000,000
 
*Also includes a rescission of $10,000,000 from prior year balances.

    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, the same as the fiscal year 2024 
enacted level. In addition, the Committee recommends a 
rescission of $10,000,000 from unused prior year balances.

                        TANKER SECURITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024\*\....................       $60,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        60,000,000
Recommended in the bill\*\............................       120,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +60,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       +60,000,000
 
\*\Also includes rescissions from prior year balances of $21,000,000 in
  fiscal year 2024 and $60,000,000 in fiscal year 2025.

    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 $120,000,000 for the 
tanker security fleet program as authorized, an increase of 
$60,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. In 
addition, the Committee recommends a rescission of $60,000,000 
from unused prior year balances.

                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $267,775,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       285,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       262,275,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -5,500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -22,725,000
 

    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 $262,275,000 for the 
operations and training account, $5,500,000 below the fiscal 
year 2024 enacted level. The following table provides funding 
levels for activities within this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USMMA operations..................       $105,000,000        $94,729,000
USMMA facilities maintenance and           22,000,000         22,000,000
 repair, and equipment............
USMMA capital improvement.........         64,000,000         64,000,000
Maritime environmental and                  6,000,000          6,000,000
 technical assistance program.....
America's marine highway program..         10,000,000          5,000,000
MARAD headquarters operations.....         78,000,000         70,546,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................        285,000,000        262,275,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Center for maritime innovation.--The Committee recognizes 
MARAD's recent action to establish a U.S. Center for Maritime 
Innovation as authorized by section 3543 of the James M. Inhofe 
National Defense Authorization Act to support the study, 
research, development, assessment, and deployment of emerging 
marine technologies and practices related to the maritime 
transportation system. The Committee encourages MARAD to 
continue supporting this initiative to ensure that the U.S. 
shipping sector remain competitive with peer countries that are 
heavily investing in new shipping technology.
    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.
    Maritime workforce promotion and recruitment.--The 
Committee is concerned that a shortage in the American maritime 
workforce poses a threat not just to commerce but to national 
security. The Committee strongly encourages MARAD to prioritize 
its marketing and advertising budget to develop and implement a 
comprehensive marketing, recruiting, and public relations 
campaign to attract workers to the U.S.-flag merchant marine 
and shipbuilding industries.
    USMMA capital improvement projects (CIP).--The Committee 
requests MARAD and USMMA to continue the briefing and reporting 
requirements outlined in the fiscal year 2024 joint explanatory 
statement. The Committee encourages MARAD and USMMA to consider 
recommendations from the USMMA Board of Visitors and other 
interested stakeholders in developing its long-range facility 
master plan.
    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 
$2,000,000 to support accreditation upgrades, expand midshipman 
medical and counseling services, and continue implementing OIG 
and NAPA recommendations on sexual assault and sexual 
harassment prevention and response efforts. 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 fiscal year 2024 joint 
explanatory statement.

                   STATE MARITIME ACADEMY OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $125,788,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        87,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       117,600,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -8,188,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       +30,600,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $117,600,000, an 
increase of $8,188,000 below the fiscal year 2024 enacted 
level, for the state maritime academy operations account. The 
following table provides funding levels for activities within 
this account:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Schoolship maintenance and repair.        $17,100,000        $22,000,000
National security multi-mission            57,700,000         75,000,000
 vessel program...................
Student incentive program.........          2,400,000          4,800,000
Fuel assistance payments..........          3,800,000          8,800,000
Direct payments for SMAs..........          6,000,000          7,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................         87,000,000        117,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    National security multi-mission vessel (NSMV) program.--The 
Committee recommendation includes $75,000,000 for shoreside 
infrastructure improvements, to be spent in accordance with 
Congressional guidance provided in the fiscal year 2024 joint 
explanatory statement. The Committee expects 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 fiscal year 2023 
joint explanatory statement and House Report 118-154.
    New state maritime academies.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $1,000,000 for direct payment to a potential new state 
maritime academy. The Committee encourages MARAD to provide 
technical assistance to entities interested in becoming a 
federally recognized state maritime academy.

                     ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $8,750,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        20,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,750,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -11,250,000
 

    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 $8,750,000, the same 
as the fiscal year 2024 enacted level, for the assistance to 
small shipyards program.
    Buy America.--The Committee reminds MARAD that all federal 
agencies must ensure that federal financial assistance for 
infrastructure projects use domestically produced iron, steel, 
manufactured products, and construction materials. The 
Committee expects MARAD to apply Buy America requirements under 
46 USC 54101(d)(2) for the Small Shipyard Grant Program and 
under 46 CFR 298.13 for any funds obligated by the 
Administrator under 46 USC 53706(a).

                             SHIP DISPOSAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024*......................        $6,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         6,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         6,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*Also includes a rescission of $3,664,000 from prior year balances.

    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 the fiscal year 2024 enacted 
level. 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 2024.......................       $53,586,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         3,700,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,700,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -49,886,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $3,700,000, an 
increase of $700,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level, 
for the administrative expenses of the maritime guaranteed loan 
program. The Committee requests MARAD to keep the Committee 
apprised of the need for new funding for loan subsidy.

                PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $120,460,124
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        80,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        72,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -48,060,124
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -7,600,000
 

    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 $72,400,000 for the 
port infrastructure development program (PIDP), of which 
$22,400,000 is provided for community project funding in 
accordance with the table at the end of this report.
    Grant award process.--The Committee is aware of the rise of 
inflation in goods and construction impacting the nation. There 
is significant concern with the ongoing delays of grant 
materials review and approvals for the PIPD program, as 
seaports who apply for the program and are awarded an amount 
are left identifying other funding revenues by the time the 
Port is given a grant executed agreement. The Committee 
requests a report within 60 days of enactment of this Act 
identifying what steps MARAD is taking to streamline the 
process and expedite awarding as seaports face the burden of 
the ballooning construction cost of materials.
    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 MARAD to prioritize making PIDP 
funding available for the installation of hydrogen and fuel 
cell infrastructure and equipment at ports.
    Inland ports support.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of IIJA's PIDP funds to advance critical priorities 
at our nation's ports, and acknowledges the need to continue 
upgrading vital infrastructure at small and inland ports with 
deepwater shipping channels. The Committee supports MARAD's 
consideration of cost-effectiveness when awarding PIDP grants 
and encourages the Secretary to also consider geographic 
diversity in its award of PIDP awards at the state and national 
levels.

           ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--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.

         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 2024.......................       $31,681,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        32,633,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        31,996,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          +315,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................          -637,000
 

    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 $31,996,000 for the 
operational expenses account. This funding level does not 
include pay raises or additional staff as requested. 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 2024.......................       $74,556,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        86,586,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        81,226,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +6,670,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -5,360,000
 

    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 $81,226,000 for the 
hazardous materials safety account, of which $10,570,000 shall 
remain available until 2027. Funds made available until 
September 30, 2027 are for long-term research and development 
contracts, grants, and, in a more limited scope, contract 
safety programs.
    Of the total funds provided, $2,000,000 shall be for 
community safety grants as authorized by section 5107(i) of 
title 49, United States Code and $1,000,000 shall be for the 
state hazardous materials safety inspection program. This 
funding level supports $7,570,000 for PHMSA's Hazardous 
Materials Research and Development Program. 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.

                            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 2024....................................      $30,000,000     $180,786,000         $400,000       $7,000,000     $218,186,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025...................................       31,000,000      196,180,000          400,000        7,000,000      234,580,000
Recommended in the bill............................................       31,000,000      186,022,000          400,000        7,000,000      224,422,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024..................................       +1,000,000       +5,236,000            - - -            - - -       +6,236,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025.................................            - - -      -10,158,000            - - -            - - -      -10,158,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 $224,422,000 for the 
pipeline safety account to continue pipeline safety operations, 
research and development, and grants. Of the total funds 
provided, $31,000,000 is from the oil spill liability trust 
fund, $186,022,000 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..........        $14,000,000        $12,500,000
State pipeline safety grants......         82,000,000         82,000,000
Underground natural gas storage             5,000,000          4,000,000
 facility safety grants...........
One-call state grants.............          1,058,000          1,058,000
State damage prevention grants....          1,500,000          1,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pipeline safety rulemaking.--The Committee notes that PHMSA 
issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on class location change 
requirements on October 14, 2020. PHMSA is required by 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. This rulemaking is still 
outstanding. Therefore, the Committee directs PHMSA to provide 
an update to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
on the delay in this rulemaking within 30 days of enactment of 
this Act.

                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $46,825,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025*.....................        46,825,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        46,825,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 
*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 $46,825,000 for the emergency preparedness 
grants, to remain available until 2027.
    Hazardous material registration fees.--The IIJA authorized 
$46,825,000 for the emergency preparedness grant program. This 
$18,507,000 increase prompted PHMSA to propose a rulemaking 
(PHMSA-2022-033-0017) to raise the hazardous materials 
registration fees. PHMSA has proposed to raise fees on small 
businesses by 50 percent, while only increasing the fee on 
large businesses by 16.5 percent.
    The Committee notes that the 2024 joint explanatory 
statement encouraged PHMSA to ensure that any increase in 
hazardous material registration fees should not 
disproportionately impact small businesses. The Committee 
directs PHMSA to ensure the final rule adheres to Congressional 
intent and does not disproportionately impact small businesses. 
The Committee urges PHMSA, in reviewing these fees, to utilize 
carryover from accumulated prior year balances and assess the 
ability of grantees to use additional funds considering the 
number of outstanding unexpended grant awards.

                      Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $116,452,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       122,176,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       122,176,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +5,724,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $122,176,000 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.--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 the 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 5 U.S.C. 3109 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 
departments of motor vehicles 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 FHWA 
and the FRA 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 DOT from using funds 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 DOT gives a 3-day 
advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations. The provision requires the 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 the 
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 procured using such practices.
    Section 192 prohibits funds from being used in 
contravention of the American Security Drone Act of 2023.
    Section 193 prohibits the implementation of the Corporate 
Average Fuel Economy Standards rule.
    Section 194 prohibits funds from being used to enforce a 
mask mandate in response to the COVID-19 virus.
    Section 195 prohibits funds to license, facilitate, 
coordinate, or otherwise allow officials of a country 
designated as a state sponsor of terrorism within the past 
three fiscal years to, in their official capacity, observe, 
tour, visit, or confer with DOT employees, including the FAA.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT


                     Management and Administration

    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, when 
provided timely and comprehensively, can facilitate 
constructive dialogues at hearings, sufficient funding for 
programs, or effective policy development and program 
implementation. Unfortunately, the Committee finds HUD's 
technical assistance to be routinely tardy and at times 
woefully inadequate and unhelpful. Starting immediately, the 
Committee requests that HUD provide written or electronic mail 
confirmation of receipt of all Committee inquiries within 24 
hours and affirm that the deadline is achievable or propose an 
alternative deadline. The Committee expects HUD to submit 
informative responses by set deadlines and directs HUD to 
streamline its review process to improve the timeliness of 
these responses.
    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.
    Reorganizations and staffing realignments.--The Committee 
approves the creation of an Office of Resident Innovations, 
Services and Engagement within the Public and Indian Housing 
office. However, the Committee again does not approve the 
consolidation within the Office of Administration (which 
includes the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Office 
of the Chief Human Capital Officer, and Office of the Chief 
Procurement Officer) into a single funding line.
    Supportive services provided in affordable housing 
properties.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
supportive services in affordable housing properties as a 
proven solution to improving housing stability, employment, 
mental and physical health, and other benefits for low-income 
families. The Committee requests a briefing on the current 
state of affordable housing properties that provide wrap-around 
supportive services and recommendations on how these services 
can be improved.
    Whistleblower protection for HUD contractors.--The 
Committee recognizes the HUD Inspector General's Management 
Alert 2023-IG-0002 on additional steps HUD should take to 
protect contractor employees who disclose wrongdoing. The 
Committee urges the Department to expeditiously address the 
recommendations made in the alert and to keep the Committee 
apprised of its progress.
    Community health impacts.--The Committee is concerned about 
the negative health impacts mass burn incinerators can have on 
neighborhoods, particularly low-income communities. The 
Committee directs the Department to issue a report to the 
Committee on the health and environmental impacts mass burn 
facilities would have on its local residents and businesses.

                           EXECUTIVE OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $19,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        20,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        19,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -1,100,000
 

    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 recommends $19,400,000 for the Executive 
Offices, the same as the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. Of the 
amounts provided, not less than $600,000 shall be allocated to 
the Office of Gender-Based Violence Prevention to support the 
Director and three staff positions.

                     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $686,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       734,028,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       686,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -47,628,000
 

    The Administrative Support Offices (ASO) appropriation pays 
for the staff and activity cost that cannot be attributable to 
a specific departmental program. 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 $686,400,000 for the 
Administrative Support Offices, the same as the fiscal year 
2024 enacted level. Of the amounts provided, not less than 
$21,700,000 shall be for the Departmental Enforcement Center, 
and not less than $3,500,000 shall be for the modernization and 
deferred maintenance of the Weaver Building.
    The Committee recommends the following amounts for each ASO 
office.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Administrative Support Offices          Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.     $105,750,000      $91,000,000
Office of the General Counsel.........      134,750,000      129,700,000
Office of Administration..............      247,250,000      239,000,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital            57,500,000       52,000,000
 Officer..............................
Office of the Chief Procurement              34,000,000       32,000,000
 Officer..............................
Office of Field Policy and Management.       71,000,000       68,000,000
Office of Departmental Equal                  5,000,000        4,700,000
 Employment Opportunity...............
Office of the Chief Information              78,778,000       70,000,000
 Officer..............................
                                       ---------------------------------
    Total.............................      734,028,000      686,400,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hiring and separation report.--The Committee requests HUD 
to continue providing hiring and separation reports as directed 
in the joint explanatory statement accompanying P.L. 118-42.

                            PROGRAM OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $1,097,164,130
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     1,154,450,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,097,164,130
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -57,285,870
 

    The Program Offices appropriation pays for the staff cost 
attributable to specific departmental 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 $1,097,164,130 for the Program 
Offices, the same as the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
    The Committee recommends the following amounts for each 
Program Office.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Program Offices                Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Public and Indian              $296,750,000       $286,000,000
 Housing..........................
Office of Community Planning and          180,000,000        168,514,130
 Development......................
Office of Housing.................        509,000,000        487,550,000
Office of Policy Development and           45,250,000         41,000,000
 Research.........................
Office of Fair Housing and Equal          111,750,000        102,900,000
 Opportunity......................
Office of Lead Hazard Control and          11,700,000         11,200,000
 Healthy Homes....................
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................      1,154,450,000      1,097,164,130
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          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 recommendation includes changes to the WCF 
authority to allow the Department to operate efficiently and 
cost effectively. The Committee, however, has serious concerns 
regarding the growth of the WCF budget. Between fiscal years 
2019 and 2023, WCF obligations have increased by 50 percent. 
Since WCF is funded entirely by customers, increases in WCF are 
borne by program offices and agencies, among others. The 
Committee reminds the Department that the recommendation does 
not include increases for salaries and expenses accounts and 
directs HUD to prudently manage WCF spending.
    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 2024.......................   $32,386,831,000
    Of which designated as emergency                       6,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................    32,756,000,000
    Of which designated as emergency                       5,289,210,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    32,271,935,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -114,896,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -484,065,000
 

    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 $32,271,935,000 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, 2025. The following table provides funding levels 
for activities funded within this account.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Request         Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voucher renewals..................    $28,549,700,000    $28,499,700,000
    Tribal HUD-VASH...............    up to 5,000,000    up to 8,000,000
Administrative fees...............      2,964,000,000      2,770,935,000
Tenant protection vouchers........        300,000,000        300,000,000
Section 811 mainstream vouchers...        701,300,000        701,300,000
Incremental vouchers..............        241,000,000              - - -
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................     32,756,000,000     32,271,935,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Voucher renewals.--The Committee provides $28,499,700,000 
for the renewal of tenant-based vouchers. Combined with the 
assumed utilization of $963,000,000 from Public Housing 
Agencies' (PHA) reserves as proposed in the budget request, the 
Committee recommendation fully meets the expected demand for 
renewal needs. The recommendation does not accommodate the 
budget request's proposal to set aside $50,000,000 as a 
conversion subsidy pursuant to the Rental Assistance 
Demonstration (RAD) program. 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.
    Assessment of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.--The 
Committee directs HUD to conduct an assessment to examine and 
determine the effect that an area having a relatively high 
number of families with high median incomes has on the amount 
of assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher Program under 
section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
U.S.C. 1437f (o)) made available for families in such area and 
on meeting the need for such assurance for low-income families; 
and whether the formulas and laws governing the allocation of 
such assistance should be adjusted or modified to more 
effectively and accurately meet such need. HUD is directed to 
provide a briefing describing their findings and conclusions of 
the assessment to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of this Act.
    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 $1,000,000,000 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 83,000 HUD-VASH vouchers under lease, and retains 
funding from prior years to continue to lease up the 
approximately remaining 27,000 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 
their 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 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.
    Supportive Housing for Veterans with Serious Mental 
Illness.--The Committee supports HUD's VASH program for 
providing housing opportunities for veterans experiencing 
homelessness and commends their success in decreasing the rate 
of homeless veterans by nearly 50 percent since 2010. The 
Committee understands not all veterans in need fit the 
traditional definition of homeless and that veterans 
experiencing serious mental illness also experience 
difficulties acquiring housing, often due to conditions related 
to their service, including PTSD. The Committee encourages HUD 
to consult with the VA on its case management and existing 
healthcare services for HUD-VASH participants and other 
veterans experiencing serious mental illness and to explore how 
and whether HUD-VASH could provide housing opportunities for 
low-income veterans experiencing serious mental illness who 
seek healthcare services. The VA and HUD are directed to 
provide a briefing on their findings to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act.
    Vouchers for homeless Native American veterans.--The 
Committee provides up to $8,000,000 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 
$300,000,000 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 
$701,300,000 for section 811 tenant-based subsidies. This level 
of funding is sufficient to renew previously awarded eligible 
vouchers.

                        HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

                    (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)

    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 2024.......................    $8,810,784,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     8,540,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     8,213,713,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -597,071,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -326,287,000
 

    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 $8,213,713,000 for the public 
housing fund to support the operating and capital expenses of 
approximately 900,000 public housing units in calendar year 
2025.
    Operating and capital formula grants.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $5,096,713,000 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 
$3,047,000,000 to allocate to PHAs by formula to support the 
maintenance of public housing.
    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 $30,000,000 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 
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.
    The Committee is hopeful that the 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.
    Benchmarking and utility efficiency.--The Committee 
supports the Department's commitment to cost-effective, and 
energy efficient affordable housing. The Committee encourages 
the Department to continue its efforts to assess and benchmark 
the state of HUD-supported housing and provide transparent, 
updated information to the public.

           ASSISTED HOUSING INSPECTIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $50,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        50,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    The Assisted Housing Inspections and Risk Assessments 
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 $50,000,000 for the 
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. Prior to fiscal year 2024, this activity was 
previously funded under the Public Housing Fund and multiple 
Office of Housing accounts.

                    CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $75,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       140,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -75,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -140,000,000
 

    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 2024.......................      $195,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       175,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       175,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -20,500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 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 2025, 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 2024.......................    $1,344,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     1,053,000,000
Recommended in the bill                                    1,455,100,000
Bill compared with:...................................
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      +111,100,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      +402,100,000
 

    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 $1,455,100,000 for 
the Native American programs account. The recommendation 
includes the legislative proposal referenced in the budget 
request to increase flexibility for new housing construction by 
Indian tribes in the Indian Community Development Block Grant 
program. The recommendation 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     $1,222,100,000
 grants formula...................
Native American housing block             150,000,000        150,000,000
 grants competitive...............
Title VI loan program.............          1,000,000          1,000,000
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      1,455,100,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Native American housing block grant formula.--The Committee 
recommendation provides $1,222,100,000 for Indian Housing Block 
Grant (IHBG) program formula grants. This level of funding 
significantly builds on the historic level of funding provided 
in the fiscal year 2024 appropriation that finally allowed 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.
    Tribal relocation.--The Committee understands that several 
coastal tribal communities are actively working to relocate 
homes to higher ground to mitigate the impacts of extreme 
weather events and natural disasters. The Committee encourages 
HUD to prioritize funding and technical assistance resources to 
support these efforts and to encourage the use of resilient 
building and planning practices throughout Indian country. 
Further, the Committee directs HUD to include activities that 
increase resilience to natural hazards as eligible projects for 
the Native American housing block grants and Indian community 
development block grant programs.
    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 $850,000,000 over the past seven 
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 2022, which is expected to result in approximately 
2,600 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 
2025 funding as a stand-alone competition and to review and 
score each application in its entirety. HUD shall not combine 
the fiscal year 2025 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 2025 NOFO. While the fiscal year 
2025 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 2025 NOFO for the Native American 
housing block grants competitive program.

           INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $1,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         2,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................          +500,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $2,000,000 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 2025 funding combined with the unobligated 
balances will support a total loan volume of up to 
$1,800,000,000. The recommendation includes the legislative 
proposal referenced in the budget 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 
encouraged by the progress HUD has made in addressing 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 remains 
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 continues to direct 
HUD to pursue additional 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 their findings and efforts within 270 days of 
enactment of this Act.

                  NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $22,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        22,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -22,300,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -22,300,000
 

    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 recommends no new funds for this program.

      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 $28,000,000 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 2024.......................      $505,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       505,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       505,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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.
    Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative.--In 2019, the 
Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative was launched by the 
Trump Administration with the goal to reduce new HIV infections 
by at least 90 percent by 2030. While the Department of Health 
and Human Services leads the initiative, HUD shares 
responsibility in providing services for those with HIV/AIDS. 
The Committee requests HUD brief the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations, within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act, on ways in which it currently engages in this 
initiative and areas where the agency can leverage its existing 
strengths--such as the HOPWA program--in support of this 
effort.

                       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $6,720,054,336
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     2,930,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     5,506,157,732
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................    -1,213,896,604
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................    +2,576,157,732
 

    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 $5,506,157,732 for the 
community development fund. Of the total, the Committee 
recommendation provides $3,300,000,000 for the CDBG formula 
program. The recommendation does not include the proposed set-
aside within the CDBG formula program for the discretionary 
grant program as requested in the President's budget. In 
addition, the community development fund recommendation 
includes $30,000,000 for activities authorized under 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 $2,176,157,732 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.
    EDIs.--The Committee continues to direct HUD to provide 
semi-annual briefings to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the implementation of EDIs and the 
Department's oversight of projects. The recommendation also 
directs HUD to provide regular written updates of technical 
changes to projects that require congressional approval as well 
as a regular status update on all grants which have not yet 
resulted in a fully executed grant agreement.
    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 grantees 
who received funds made available under 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 requests HUD provide an update on any actions 
taken to remedy such payments no later than 180 days after 
enactment of this Act.
    Technical assistance for colonias.--The Committee urges HUD 
to ensure that technical and grant assistance is provided to 
the recipients of the 10 percent state CDBG colonias set-aside 
to ensure effective implementation of the funding.
    Transitional housing for individuals exiting recovery.--The 
Committee recognizes the unique needs, including stable 
transitional housing, for individuals in recovery from 
substance use disorder, including opioid addiction. The 
Committee directs HUD to encourage CDBG block grant recipients 
to provide funding to organizations that offer transitional 
housing opportunities, including wraparound services, to those 
in recovery.
    Wildfire response.--The Committee recognizes the role the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development plays in housing 
individuals who have been displaced from their homes during 
wildfires. The Committee urges the Department to submit to 
Congress a report within 180 days of enactment on the 
Department's standard operating procedures when working with 
rural communities to house individuals that were affected by 
wildfires, including those in the Texas Panhandle in 2024.

       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
Limitation, fiscal year 2024..........................      $400,000,000
Limitation request, fiscal year 2025..................       400,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       400,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Limitation, fiscal year 2024........................             - - -
  Limitation request, fiscal year 2025................             - - -
 

    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 $400,000,000.

                  HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................    $1,250,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     1,250,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       500,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      -750,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................      -750,000,000
 

    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 recommendation does not include the set-aside proposed in 
the budget request. The Committee recommendation continues to 
require HUD to notify grantees of their formula allocation 
within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
    Leveraging housing partnerships.--The Committee recognizes 
the need for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income 
families and encourages the Department to work with HOME 
grantees to leverage partnerships with other housing providers 
to identify income-eligible housing options for income-
ineligible households. HUD is encouraged to brief the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations within one year of 
enactment of this Act on the extent to which partnerships and 
referrals can be improved.
    National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).--The Committee is 
concerned that the NEPA review process, while crucial for 
environmental protection, is causing significant delays in the 
commencement and completion of housing construction projects. 
The Committee urges HUD to develop options aimed at 
streamlining the NEPA review process for federally funded 
housing projects to accelerate affordable housing availability 
without compromising environmental standards. The Committee 
encourages HUD to brief the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within one year of enactment of this Act on 
priority administrative actions to reduce the timeline for 
federally funded housing construction projects.
    Prioritization of activities to promote homeownership.--The 
Committee notes that American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 
117-2) provided $5,000,000,000 for specific HOME program 
activities related to rental housing construction and rental 
assistance (``HOME-ARP''). The Committee further notes that, to 
date, only five percent of HOME-ARP program funding has been 
expended. While the Committee recognizes HUD's efforts to 
expend HOME-ARP funding as soon as practicable, and the 
technical assistance it has provided to communities, the 
Committee requests, with the funding provided under this 
header, 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. 
117-2 (HOME-ARP). HUD is directed to provide a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations every 30 days on 
the status of expending HOME-ARP funds, and to identify hurdles 
to implementation, until 90 percent of the funding is expended.

   PRESERVATION AND REINVESTMENT INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $10,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       +10,000,000
 

    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 $10,000,000 for the 
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 PRICE program is a first-of-its-
kind opportunity to, among other eligible activities, replace 
manufactured housing communities with affordable housing, which 
will create more housing opportunities for low- to moderately 
low-income families. The Committee notes that the PRICE program 
is also eligible for resiliency activities, including the 
reconstruction or repair of manufactured housing and 
manufactured housing communities (MHCs) to protect the health 
and safety of manufactured housing residents. For pre-1976 
mobile homes, funds made available under the PRICE program may 
be used only for replacement housing. The Committee continues 
to direct HUD to encourage grantees to ensure that replacement 
housing is affordable.
    The Committee continues to encourage the Department to 
prioritize applications that preserve long-term housing 
affordability options for low- and medium-income residents of 
manufactured housing or MHCs, including replacement housing for 
pre-1976 mobile homes. The Committee directs HUD to provide a 
report, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, reflecting on 
the successes and areas of improvement of the first NOFO for 
the PRICE program, including where the program succeeded in 
replacing unsafe housing in areas with extreme weather, natural 
hazards, and disaster events.

        SELF-HELP AND ASSISTED HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $60,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        54,700,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        56,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -4,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        +1,300,000
 

    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 people. 
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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $56,000,000 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                    $9,000,000         $9,000,000
 opportunity program..............
Section 4 capacity building.......         40,700,000         42,000,000
    Rural capacity building            [not less than     [not less than
     activities...................         5,000,000]         5,000,000]
National rural capacity building..          5,000,000          5,000,000
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................         54,700,000         56,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       HOMELESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................     4,051,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................     4,060,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     4,060,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +9,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $4,060,000,000 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                  3,678,000,000
 stability assistance.....................
    Projects to assist survivors of                        [$52,000,000]
     domestic violence, dating violence,
     sexual assault, or stalking..........
National homeless data analysis project...                    10,000,000
Comprehensive approach to serving homeless                    82,000,000
 youth....................................
                                           -----------------------------
        Total.............................                 4,060,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 2025 Continuum of Care grant competition.
    Barriers to accessing temporary housing.--The Committee 
recognizes that there are many barriers for the homeless to 
seek shelter, including a lack of personal documentation (like 
a birth certificate or a Social Security card). The Committee 
encourages HUD to work with CoCs and other stakeholders to 
assess these challenges and continue to respond accordingly.
    Improving the Continuum of Care program.--The Committee 
notes an October 19, 2022 HUD Inspector General report entitled 
``HUD Could Improve Its Tracking and Monitoring of Continuum of 
Care Grantee Spending Levels'' (2023-LA-0002), which yielded 
two priority open recommendations related to improving the CoC 
program. While the Committee is pleased to see that one of the 
two priority open recommendations has been closed, the 
Committee urges the Department to close the second one, which 
is centered on designing and implementing a training program 
and other development tools for grantees.
    Furthermore, HUD is directed to prepare a report, within 
one year of enactment, which identifies areas of success and 
room for opportunity within the CoC program. The report must 
include trends in homelessness, with an emphasis on unsheltered 
homelessness and an analysis of individuals who have 
participated in the CoC program and successfully achieved 
market-rate housing. The report should also assess the impact 
of the two-year notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) provided 
for in P.L. 118-42, as well as the CoC grant renewal process 
more generally. This report should be done in consultation with 
stakeholders.
    Strategic funding for homelessness.--The Committee 
recognizes that although there are currently record-high 
Federal resources dedicated to addressing homelessness, 
including in this recommendation, 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.
    Undocumented homeless individuals.--The Committee 
recognizes that recent immigration patterns have led to severe 
spikes in homelessness nationwide. Of the amounts in the CoC 
program made available for technical assistance, HUD is 
directed to provide up to $2,500,000 to CoCs in support to 
respond to these recent trends to build capacity.

                            Housing Programs


                    PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................   $16,010,000,000
    Of which designated as emergency..................     2,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................    16,686,000,000
    Of which designated as emergency..................     5,081,790,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    16,595,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................      +585,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -91,000,000
 

    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 $16,595,000,000 for 
the project-based rental assistance account to support the 
annual renewals and amendments of project-based contracts. This 
is an increase of $585,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 
level. Of the total funds provided, up to $468,000,000 is for 
the cost of contract administrators, the same as the fiscal 
year 2024 level.
    Performance-based contract administrators (PBCAs).--The 
Committee appreciates HUD's efforts to work with relevant 
stakeholders to develop new PBCA arrangements before the 
existing agreements expire. The Committee recommendation 
includes authority for HUD to award contracts through a 
procurement process that will ensure effective and efficient 
oversight and monitoring of the PBRA program while maintaining 
safe, stable, and affordable housing for over 1,300,000 
households living in PBRA properties.
    Property oversight.--The Committee is concerned about 
serious breakdowns in Section 8 housing property owner and 
property management oversight procedures such as the case in 
Toledo, Ohio during 2023 and into 2024, where tenants suffered 
severe neglect for months as the property was functionally 
abandoned by the owner and manager. The Committee understands 
HUD has been working with the owners on corrective actions. 
Within 30 days of the enactment of this Act, the Committee 
requests HUD to brief the Committee on where the oversight and 
subsequent response process broke down, what HUD will do 
prevent such an incident from occurring again, and how HUD 
plans to ensure that full services are restored and maintained 
without interruption moving forward.

                        HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $913,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       931,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       931,400,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +18,400,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 recommends $931,400,000 for housing for the 
elderly, which will fully fund contract renewals and 
amendments. This is an increase of $18,400,000 above the fiscal 
year 2024 level and the same as the budget request. Within the 
total amount provided, up to $115,000,000 is provided for 
service coordinators and the continuation of congregate 
services grants to provide supportive services for residents.

                 HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $208,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       256,700,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       256,700,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       +48,700,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 recommends $256,700,000 for section 811 
activities, which will fully fund project rental assistance and 
project assistance contract renewals and amendments. This is an 
increase of $48,700,000 above the fiscal year 2024 level and 
the same as the budget request.

                     HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $57,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        57,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        57,500,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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

    The Committee recommends $57,500,000 for housing 
counseling, the same as the fiscal year 2024 level and the 
budget request.
    Public facing reporting.--The Committee directs the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development 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 2024.......................       $14,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        14,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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

    The Committee recommends $14,000,000 for the manufactured 
housing standards programs, to be funded from fees collected 
and deposited into the manufactured housing fees trust fund 
account. No funding is provided for grants to facilitate 
enforcement of energy standards as requested in the budget.

                     Federal Housing Administration


               MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Administrative
                                                           Limitation of      Limitation of         contract
                                                            direct loans     guaranteed loans       expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024........................         $1,000,000   $400,000,000,000       $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025.......................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        155,000,000
Recommended in the bill................................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        150,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024......................              - - -              - - -              - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025.....................              - - -              - - -         -5,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $1,000,000 for 
direct loans and $400,000,000,000 for guaranteed loans, the 
same as fiscal year 2024 enacted levels. The Committee provides 
$150,000,000 for administrative contract expenses, the same as 
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
    FHA multifamily loan production.--FHA's production of 
rental housing units has decreased more than 50 percent in the 
last two years. The Committee encourages HUD to continue to 
take steps to deliver on its Strategic Plan goal of increasing 
the supply of housing. The Committee requests HUD to provide 
quarterly updates on FHA multifamily production numbers and any 
specific changes FHA has made to increase rental housing 
supply.

                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Limitation of      Limitation of
                                       direct loans     guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024...         $1,000,000    $35,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025..          1,000,000     35,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill...........          1,000,000     35,000,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.              - - -              - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025              - - -              - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $1,000,000 for 
direct loans and $35,000,000,000 for guaranteed loans, the same 
as fiscal year 2024 enacted levels.

                Government National Mortgage Association


GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Limitation of            Administrative
                                                                   guaranteed loans        contract expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024...............................     $550,000,000,000              $54,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025..............................      550,000,000,000               67,000,000
Recommended in the bill.......................................      550,000,000,000               54,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.............................                - - -                    - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025............................                - - -              -13,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a loan limitation of 
$550,000,000,000 and $54,000,000 for administrative expenses, 
the same as the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
    Anti-lobbying prohibition.--The Committee recommendation 
includes a new bill-wide general provision prohibiting certain 
communications to Congress by the entities funded by this Act.
    Non-personnel services (NPS) spending.--The Committee 
directs GNMA to limit spending on NPS such as conferences, 
training, and temporary service contracts to only that which is 
necessary to carry out mission critical activities.
    Quarterly reports.--The Committee directs GNMA to continue 
providing quarterly reports on the status of all non-personnel 
expenses as outlined in the joint explanatory statement 
accompanying P.L. 118-42. In addition, GNMA is directed to 
expand these reports to include the status of personnel 
compensation and benefits costs, as well as staffing levels by 
office. The reports should compare planned or projected 
estimates to actuals to date.

                    Policy Development and Research


                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $139,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       155,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       119,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -20,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -36,500,000
 

    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 $119,000,000 for this account. 
Funding is provided in the amounts shown in the following 
table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Core research and technology..............     Not less than $70,000,000
    [Cooperative agreements and research                     [5,000,000]
     partnerships with minority-serving
     institutions]........................
    [Innovative technology research]......             [Up to 3,500,000]
Research, evaluations, and demonstrations.               Up to 7,000,000
Technical assistance......................              Up to 42,000,000
    [Recovery housing]....................             [Up to 2,500,000]
    [Training and technical assistance for               [Up to 750,000]
     affordable housing providers to
     report rent payments to credit
     agencies]............................
                                           -----------------------------
        Total.............................                   119,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Core research and technology.--The recommendation provides 
not less than $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, of which $5,000,000 is 
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. Additionally, 
the Committee directs HUD to use up to $3,500,000 to research 
innovative technologies in housing and disaster relief. These 
include 3-D construction printing, drones in construction and 
disaster relief, virtual and augmented reality in construction 
design, artificial intelligence, and other novel approaches to 
reduce costs and increase efficiencies in HUD's jurisdictions.
    Fair Market Rents (FMRs).--The Committee is concerned about 
a lack of timely communication in changes to fair market rents 
estimates (FMRs) suddenly in the budget cycle. In order to make 
the best decisions possible, the Committee needs timely 
updates, when necessary. HUD, in consultation with the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB), is directed to provide as close 
to real-time changes to FMR projections on an as-needed basis.
    Higher education and community partnerships.--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 
modern housing problems. The Committee encourages HUD 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 
2026 Congressional Budget Justification.
    Impacts of indoor mold.--Indoor mold exposure impacts 
individuals living in all types of housing. HUD is encouraged 
to study the health effects of indoor mold using up-to-date, 
peer-reviewed literature. PD&R, in consultation with the Office 
of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, is urged to share 
these findings with the relevant offices within HUD and with 
stakeholders upon completion of this review.
    Large languages models use cases.--The Committee is 
interested in the potential benefits large language models 
(LLMs) could provide in streamlining day-to-day processes of 
HUD. Therefore, the Committee urges the Department to research 
use cases for LLMs within HUD programs and develop best 
practices for using LLMs for employees. HUD is directed to 
brief the Committee no later than one year after enactment of 
this Act on the status of the research.
    Promoting land use policies and affordable housing 
development.--The Committee remains concerned about the lack of 
affordable housing supply. Therefore, the Committee urges HUD 
to consult with DOT and issue joint non-binding guidance 
outlining best practices for land use policies to increase the 
supply of affordable and market-rate housing near 
transportation hubs.
    Puerto Rico in the American Housing Survey (AHS).--The 
Committee recognizes the need to produce additional housing 
data for Puerto Rico to better address the acute housing needs 
of the territory. The Department is encouraged to utilize any 
incremental funding, if needed, within the core research and 
technology account to complete a study on the feasibility of 
including Puerto Rico in the American Housing Survey (AHS). HUD 
is urged to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations no later than one year after enactment of this 
Act on the estimated timeline and immediate and long-term needs 
for this evaluation.
    Recovery housing.--The Committee recognizes the importance 
of providing stakeholders training and technical assistance on 
evidenced-based approaches to recovery housing and substance 
use disorder treatment services, to expand the quality and 
capacity of recovery housing across the country. Of the amounts 
provided for technical assistance, up to $2,500,000 shall be 
used to provide technical assistance and research in recovery 
housing to communities and stakeholders for developing 
evidence-based recovery housing programs.
    Rent reporting for affordable housing residents.--The 
Committee recognizes that some affordable housing providers do 
not provide credit bureaus with reports of timely rent 
payments, putting such renters at a disadvantage in terms of 
building their credit scores and having the ability to secure 
mortgages to purchase their first homes or rent from the 
private market. Accordingly, of the amounts provided for 
technical assistance, up to $750,000 shall be used to support 
training, technical assistance, and technology to allow public 
housing agencies and other HUD-assisted housing providers in 
diverse areas, including Native housing providers, to report 
positive rental payment data at no charge to residents to help 
residents improve their credit history when the resident 
affirmatively opts to have that information reported and it is 
reported in compliance with strong federal privacy and state 
protections.
    Research, evaluations, and demonstrations.--The 
recommendation provides up to $7,000,000 for new and continuing 
studies and demonstration evaluations. These include (1) 
research on rapidly increasing rents in lower-population 
density, non-coastal states (including in the Rocky Mountain 
region) and proposing promising solutions; (2) the Community 
Choice demonstration; (3) state and local public financing 
models to produce affordable housing; (4) assessing disaster 
and natural hazard risk in tribal communities; (5) HUD-assisted 
households and workforce development programs; (6) rent 
reasonableness comparison in PHAs; and (7) Moving to Work (MTW) 
expansion.
    Technical assistance.--The recommendation includes up to 
$42,000,000 for technical assistance. The Committee remains 
supportive of the implementation of the Violence Against Women 
Act and encourages HUD to use funds from the technical 
assistance account as necessary to assist with implementation.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity


                        FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $86,355,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        86,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        85,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        -1,355,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -1,400,000
 

    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           $26,400,000        $26,000,000
 (FHAP)...........................
Fair housing initiatives program           56,000,000         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.....................         86,400,000         85,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Communications services for Limited English Proficient 
(LEP) communities.--The Committee is supportive of efforts the 
Department is taking to improve communications and access to 
resources in different languages. In order to achieve this, HUD 
needs to have appropriate and consistent translations for press 
releases, external communication materials (including through 
digital, television, and radio advertising, as needed), and 
websites to reach Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities. 
However, to improve implementation, the Committee encourages 
the Department to adopt best practices and implement an 
enterprise-level solution to ensure uniform translations across 
various Departmental platforms and standardize protocols for 
the creation and release of translated materials.

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes


                          LEAD HAZARD CONTROL

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $345,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       350,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       335,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................       -10,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -15,000,000
 

    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 $335,000,000 for the Office of 
Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. It does not recommend 
the grant structural changes outlined in the budget request. 
Funding is provided in the amounts shown in the following 
table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lead hazard reduction grants..............                  $200,000,000
    [Areas with the highest lead-based                     [100,000,000]
     paint abatement needs]...............
Healthy homes initiative..................                   130,000,000
    [New financing mechanism pilot].......                  [10,000,000]
Healthy homes technical studies...........                     5,000,000
                                           -----------------------------
        Total.............................                   335,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Asbestos in housing.--The Committee recognizes the 
potential impacts of building materials which contain asbestos 
on an individual's health and safety. The Secretary of HUD is 
encouraged to engage regularly with the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the 
Department of HHS to discuss potential strategies to mitigate 
the harms of building materials in homes that contain asbestos.
    Housing with multiple hazards.--Often, homes with lead-
based paint or other hazards have more than one. The 
compounding impact of these hazards can have detrimental 
impacts, especially on children. The Committee encourages the 
Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes to give homes 
with multiple hazards priority consideration.
    Improving the lead grant application process.--In line with 
the directive in P.L. 118-42, the Committee directs HUD to 
continue to conduct outreach and improve its NOFOs to encourage 
more grantees to apply, especially those that may not have 
access to professional grant writers, such as smaller and more 
rural communities. Additionally, HUD shall continue to clearly 
state in its NOFOs that an application may include nonprofit 
co-applicants, provided that an eligible city, county/parish, 
other unit of local government, or eligible State or Tribe are 
identified as the lead or co-applicant. Non-profit co-
applicants may include community development financial 
institutions that are positioned to accelerate the pace at 
which low-income homeowners and rental property owners can 
address lead paint hazards in high-risk communities.
    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 2024.......................      $383,050,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       419,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       384,706,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +1,656,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -34,294,000
 

    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 $384,706,000 for the information 
technology fund, which is $1,656,000 above the fiscal year 2024 
enacted level to support the Security Operations Center and 
continuous diagnostics and mitigation services related to cyber 
security.
    Enterprise service delivery.--The Committee is aware of the 
progress made by the Office of the Chief Information Officer 
(OCIO) and Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) 
toward specific IT oversight objectives, including improved IT 
project and asset lifecycle cost tracking, proactive 
cybersecurity posture, and increased efficiency of systems 
which serve employees' day to day human resources needs. The 
Committee encourages OCIO and OCHCO to continue these efforts.
    Quarterly briefings.--The Committee expects the Department 
to continue providing quarterly briefings on IT modernization 
efforts as directed in the joint explanatory statement 
accompanying P.L. 118-42.

                      Office of Inspector General


 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $152,924,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       160,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       160,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +7,076,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 $160,000,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General, of which $1,150,000 is to remain available 
until September 30, 2026.
    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.
    Priority open recommendations.--The Committee continues to 
find 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.
    Puerto Rico office renovations.--The Committee meets the 
request to allow for a two-year period of funding availability 
for a specific component of the request as the OIG renovates 
its Puerto Rico-based office due to a GSA-directed move. HUD-
OIG is directed to provide an update to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on the renovation timeline 270 
days after the enactment of this Act.

    General Provisions--Department Of Housing And Urban Development


                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    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 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 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 re-obligated 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 2025 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 addresses the manner in which HUD may make 
adjustments for formula allocation corrections.
    Section 232 allows for transfers to the Information 
Technology Fund.
    Section 233 requires compliance with all process 
requirements when revising any annual contributions contract.
    Section 234 established the ``Department of Housing and 
Urban Development Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.''
    Section 235 increases flexibility for tribes with 
qualifying loan-income housing dwellings participating in the 
Tribal HUD-VASH program.
    Section 236 expands the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee 
program.
    Section 237 increases flexibility for the Indian Community 
Development Block Grant program.
    Section 238 rescinds unobligated balances.
    Section 239 provides the Secretary the authority to award 
contracts through a procurement process related to the 
performance based contract administration program.
    Section 240 prohibits the implementation of the proposed 
rule entitled ``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing'' or to 
direct a grantee to undertake specific changes to zoning laws 
as it relates to a certain interim final rule.
    Section 241 prohibits federal funds for certain 
noncomplying jurisdictions.
    Section 242 prohibits the implementation of certain minimum 
energy efficiency standards and notices.
    Section 243 repeals a provision of P.L. 116-136.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES


                              Access Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $9,955,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         9,955,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,955,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 recommendation provides $9,955,000 for the 
Access Board.

                      Federal Maritime Commission


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $40,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        48,452,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        43,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +3,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -5,452,000
 

    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. 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, 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 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 $43,000,000 for the 
FMC, $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
    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.

  National Railroad Passenger Corporation Office of Inspector General


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $29,240,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        32,100,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        32,100,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +2,860,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        +2,860,000
 

    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 $32,100,000 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. The Committee continues to direct the OIG to notify the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of any anomalies 
it finds through its monitoring of the IIJA.

                  National Transportation Safety Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $140,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       150,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       145,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +5,000,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................        -5,000,000
 

    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 2025. The funding level supports IT upgrades 
and 10 new full-time equivalent positions within the offices of 
Aviation Safety, Research and Engineering, Highway Safety, 
Marine Safety, and Safety Recommendations and Communications as 
requested. The recommendation does not support the requested 
positions within the Office of Policy and Direction.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation


          PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................      $158,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................       168,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       158,000,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................             - - -
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................       -10,000,000
 

    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 $158,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
    Aging-in-place programs.--The Committee notes that some 
NeighborWorks affiliates have successfully implemented aging-
in-place programs. The Committee recognizes these efforts and 
encourages NRC to continue to support these types of programs.
    GAO report.--The Committee recognizes the steps that NRC 
has taken to address the recommendations outlined in the GAO 
report (GAO-23-105944) directed by the fiscal year 2023 joint 
explanatory statement, including the closure of three of the 
ten recommendations. The Committee directs NRC to continue to 
comply with the mandate outlined in the fiscal year 2024 Senate 
Committee on Appropriations Report 118-70 to brief the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than annually 
until all GAO recommendations are closed.
    Grant notifications.--Consistent with directives from 
previous years, the NRC shall provide at least three days' 
advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations prior to the announcement of a grant exceeding 
$50,000 that is awarded to an NRC network organization.
    Oversight of NRC grants and operations.--The Committee 
directs NeighborWorks to take the following administrative 
functions to strengthen the oversight capabilities of the NRC 
within 180 days of enactment of this Act: (1) submitting a 
semiannual report to Congress identical to that of an OIG that 
includes a summary of recent actions, including a report on any 
fraud at the enterprise or affiliate level; (2) promptly 
publishing annual financial audit reports on a unique reports 
landing page, going back ten years from enactment of this Act 
and every year thereafter; (3) including in future audit 
reports an analysis on ``funds better spent''; (4) developing a 
comprehensive process that ensures recovery and restitution of 
any funds lost due to fraud; and (5) undertaking other 
strategic changes to provide avenues for employees to report 
fraud, either to the Vice President of Ethics and Compliance or 
directly to local or federal law enforcement. These efforts 
should be undertaken simultaneously and in conjunction with 
efforts to comply with the recommendations provided in the GAO 
report (GAO-23-105944). NeighborWorks should immediately inform 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations if it cannot 
meet this directive within the 180-day window and provide an 
explanation why and an estimated timeline for implementation of 
these changes.
    Simultaneously, the Committee directs GAO to report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than a 
year after enactment of this Act on the potential for creating 
an independent OIG for NeighborWorks or an existing OIG housed 
in a separate agency to perform oversight over NeighborWorks' 
operations and grantmaking. The report should compare both 
options, as well as examine NeighborWorks' existing oversight 
of its grants and operations.

                      Surface Transportation Board


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................       $47,452,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................        50,646,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,646,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................        +3,194,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................             - - -
 

    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 
$50,646,000 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 $49,396,000.
    Rail rate study.--Section 9007 of P.L. 109-59 directs the 
Secretary of Transportation, with the Transportation Research 
Board (TRB) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), to 
report on of the nation's railroad transportation system, 
including STB's role in regulating railroad rates, service 
levels, and the railroads common carrier obligations. The 
report was issued in 2015 and concluded that the methodology 
used to identify unusually high rail rates is unreliable, 
arbitrary, and economically flawed.
    Since this report, the STB has done much to improve rate 
reasonableness. In December 2022, the STB issued two final 
rules establishing new rate reasonableness procedures: Final 
Offer Rate Review (FORR) and Voluntary Arbitration. Both review 
mechanisms are limited to rate disputes worth up to $4,000,000 
in relief over two years. The Committee directs the STB to 
brief the House and Senate Committees on Appropriation 
regarding its work in rate reasonableness, including 
implementation of FORR and Voluntary Arbitration, and efforts 
to review and resolve larger rate disputes within one year of 
enactment of this Act.

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness


                           OPERATING EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.......................        $4,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2025......................         4,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,288,000
Bill compared with:
  Appropriation, fiscal year 2024.....................           -12,000
  Budget request, fiscal year 2025....................           -12,000
 

    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 $4,288,000 for continued 
operations of the United States Interagency Council on 
Homelessness. The Committee recommendation does not incorporate 
the legislative proposal to increase the salary for the 
Executive Director from Executive Schedule Level V to Executive 
Schedule Level IV.
    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 
2025 report no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal 
year.
    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 
encourages USICH to continue to engage with relevant Federal 
departments and agencies regarding the development of best 
practices for collaboration between hospitals and community 
care providers.

                                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, 2026, 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 complies 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, Code of Federal Regulations.
    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 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
Section 312 of 42 U.S.C. 5155.
    Section 420 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
42 U.S.C. 1436a and 8 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
    Section 421 bars any of the 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 prohibits appropriated funds to be used for 
advocating for supporting or defeating certain legislation.
    Section 423 prohibits funds provided in this bill to 
implement or enforce certain executive orders related to 
equity.
    Section 424 prohibits funds provided in this bill to 
implement or enforce certain executive orders related to 
climate.
    Section 425 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 or 
one woman.
    Section 426 prohibits funds from being used to display 
extraneous flags at facilities of Departments or agencies.
    Section 427 prohibits funds to facilitate scheduled air 
transportation to, or pass through, property confiscated by the 
Cuban government.
    Section 428 provides technical corrections to certain 
Community Project Funding projects.
    Section 429 prohibits tolls on certain Federal highways and 
bridges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
    Section 430 prohibits funds to be used to consider or 
incorporate the social cost of carbon or greenhouse gases as 
part of any cost-benefit analysis required or performed 
pursuant to certain laws or regulations.
    Section 431 prohibits funds to be for the Secretary of 
Transportation to travel in any manner other than economy class 
on a commercial flight.
    Section 432 prohibits funds to be used to purchase, 
install, maintain, or operate automated traffic enforcement 
cameras for red-light, speed, or stop sign enforcement.
    Section 433 provides that the bill's new proposed budget 
authority does not exceed the bill's 302(b) allocation.

                          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 108, the Secretary may transfer 
and consolidate administrative resources for certain programs.
    In title I, under Section 109, 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 section 109B, the Secretary may transfer 
amounts from the Salaries and expenses account to the 
Department's Operating Administrations for rent payments.
    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, under Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and 
Safety Improvements, the Secretary may transfer amounts for 
projects selected for commuter rail passenger transportation to 
the appropriate agencies.
    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 section 162, language is included to 
allow for the transfer of appropriations to be merged into new 
accounts with similar, current activities.
    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 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 234 allowing 
for transfers under the new ``Department of Housing and Urban 
Development Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.''
    In title IV, language is included in section 402 related to 
transfer authorities to other appropriations.
    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, under the Maritime Administration's Cable 
Security Fleet, $10,000,000 are rescinded from unobligated 
balances from prior year appropriations.
    In title I, under the Maritime Administration's Tanker 
Security Program, $60,000,000 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 235 rescinds $535,000,000 from the 
unobligated balances made available under the heading ``Office 
of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.''

          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):

                      TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SUBTITLE V--RAIL PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART B--ASSISTANCE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 229--RAIL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 22908. Restoration and enhancement grants

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Applicant.--Notwithstanding section 22901(1), the 
        term ``applicant'' means--
                  (A) a State, including the District of 
                Columbia;
                  (B) a group of States;
                  (C) an entity implementing an interstate 
                compact;
                  (D) a public agency or publicly chartered 
                authority established by 1 or more States;
                  (E) a political subdivision of a State;
                  (F) a federally recognized Indian Tribe;
                  (G) Amtrak or another rail carrier that 
                provides intercity rail passenger 
                transportation;
                  (H) any rail carrier in partnership with at 
                least 1 of the entities described in 
                subparagraphs (A) through (F); and
                  (I) any combination of the entities described 
                in subparagraphs (A) through (F).
          (2) Operating assistance.--The term ``operating 
        assistance'', with respect to any route subject to 
        section 209 of the Passenger Rail Investment and 
        Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-432), means any 
        cost allocated, or that may be allocated, to a route 
        pursuant to the cost methodology established under such 
        section or under section 24712.
  (b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
develop and implement a program for issuing operating 
assistance grants to applicants, on a competitive basis, for 
the purpose of initiating, restoring, or enhancing intercity 
rail passenger transportation.
  (c) Application.--An applicant for a grant under this section 
shall submit to the Secretary--
          (1) a capital and mobilization plan that--
                  (A) describes any capital investments, 
                service planning actions (such as environmental 
                reviews), and mobilization actions (such as 
                qualification of train crews) required for 
                initiation of intercity rail passenger 
                transportation; and
                  (B) includes the timeline for undertaking and 
                completing each of the investments and actions 
                referred to in subparagraph (A);
          (2) an operating plan that describes the planned 
        operation of the service, including--
                  (A) the identity and qualifications of the 
                train operator;
                  (B) the identity and qualifications of any 
                other service providers;
                  (C) service frequency;
                  (D) the planned routes and schedules;
                  (E) the station facilities that will be 
                utilized;
                  (F) projected ridership, revenues, and costs;
                  (G) descriptions of how the projections under 
                subparagraph (F) were developed;
                  (H) the equipment that will be utilized, how 
                such equipment will be acquired or refurbished, 
                and where such equipment will be maintained; 
                and
                  (I) a plan for ensuring safe operations and 
                compliance with applicable safety regulations;
          (3) a funding plan that--
                  (A) describes the funding of initial capital 
                costs and operating costs for the first 6 years 
                of operation;
                  (B) includes a commitment by the applicant to 
                provide the funds described in subparagraph (A) 
                to the extent not covered by Federal grants and 
                revenues; and
                  (C) describes the funding of operating costs 
                and capital costs, to the extent necessary, 
                after the first 6 years of operation; and
          (4) a description of the status of negotiations and 
        agreements with--
                  (A) each of the railroads or regional 
                transportation authorities whose tracks or 
                facilities would be utilized by the service;
                  (B) the anticipated railroad carrier, if such 
                entity is not part of the applicant group; and
                  (C) any other service providers or entities 
                expected to provide services or facilities that 
                will be used by the service, including any 
                required access to Amtrak systems, stations, 
                and facilities if Amtrak is not part of the 
                applicant group.
  (d) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to applications--
          (1) for which planning, design, any environmental 
        reviews, negotiation of agreements, acquisition of 
        equipment, construction, and other actions necessary 
        for initiation of service have been completed or nearly 
        completed;
          (2) that would restore service over routes formerly 
        operated by Amtrak, including routes described in 
        section 11304 of the Passenger Rail Reform and 
        Investment Act of 2015;
          (3) that would provide daily or daytime service over 
        routes where such service did not previously exist;
          (4) that include funding (including funding from 
        railroads), or other significant participation by 
        State, local, and regional governmental and private 
        entities;
          (5) that include a funding plan that demonstrates the 
        intercity rail passenger service will be financially 
        sustainable beyond the 3-year grant period;
          (6) that would provide service to regions and 
        communities that are underserved or not served by other 
        intercity public transportation;
          (7) that would foster economic development, 
        particularly in rural communities and for disadvantaged 
        populations;
          (8) that would provide other non-transportation 
        benefits;
          (9) that would enhance connectivity and geographic 
        coverage of the existing national network of intercity 
        rail passenger service; and
          (10) for routes selected under the Corridor 
        Identification and Development Program and operated by 
        Amtrak.
  (e) Limitations.--
          (1) Duration.--Federal operating grants authorized 
        under this section for any individual intercity rail 
        passenger transportation route may not provide funding 
        for more than 6 years (including for any such routes 
        selected for funding before the date of enactment of 
        the Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 
        2021) and may not be renewed.
          [(2) Limitation.--Not more than 6 of the operating 
        assistance grants awarded pursuant to subsection (b) 
        may be simultaneously active.]
          [(3)] (2) Maximum funding.--Grants described in 
        paragraph (1) may not exceed--
                  (A) 90 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the first year of service;
                  (B) 80 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the second year of service;
                  (C) 70 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the third year of service;
                  (D) 60 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the fourth year of service;
                  (E) 50 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the fifth year of service; and
                  (F) 30 percent of the projected net operating 
                costs for the sixth year of service.
  (f) Use With Capital Grants and Other Federal Funding.--A 
recipient of an operating assistance grant under subsection (b) 
may use that grant in combination with other Federal grants 
awarded that would benefit the applicable service.
  (g) Availability.--Amounts appropriated for carrying out this 
section shall remain available until expended.
  (h) Coordination With Amtrak.--If the Secretary awards a 
grant under this section to a rail carrier other than Amtrak, 
Amtrak may be required consistent with section 24711(c)(1) of 
this title to provide access to its reservation system, 
stations, and facilities that are directly related to 
operations to such carrier, to the extent necessary to carry 
out the purposes of this section. The Secretary may award an 
appropriate portion of the grant to Amtrak as compensation for 
this access.
  (i) Conditions.--
          (1) Grant agreement.--The Secretary shall require a 
        grant recipient under this section to enter into a 
        grant agreement that requires such recipient to provide 
        similar information regarding the route performance, 
        financial, and ridership projections, and capital and 
        business plans that Amtrak is required to provide, and 
        such other data and information as the Secretary 
        considers necessary.
          (2) Installments; termination.--The Secretary may--
                  (A) award grants under this section in 
                installments, as the Secretary considers 
                appropriate; and
                  (B) terminate any grant agreement upon--
                          (i) the cessation of service; or
                          (ii) the violation of any other term 
                        of the grant agreement.
          (3) Grant conditions.--The Secretary shall require 
        each recipient of a grant under this section to comply 
        with the grant requirements of section 22905.
  (j) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 
2015, the Secretary, after consultation with grant recipients 
under this section, shall submit to Congress a report that 
describes--
          (1) the implementation of this section;
          (2) the status of the investments and operations 
        funded by such grants;
          (3) the performance of the routes funded by such 
        grants;
          (4) the plans of grant recipients for continued 
        operation and funding of such routes; and
          (5) any legislative recommendations.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


             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.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


             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.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


      SECTION 513 OF THE MULTIFAMILY ASSISTED HOUSING REFORM AND 
                       AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 1997

SEC. 513. AUTHORITY OF PARTICIPATING ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES.

  (a) Participating Administrative Entities.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b)(3), the 
        Secretary shall enter into portfolio restructuring 
        agreements with participating administrative entities 
        for the implementation of mortgage restructuring and 
        rental assistance sufficiency plans to restructure 
        multifamily housing mortgages insured or held by the 
        Secretary under the National Housing Act, in order to--
                  (A) reduce the costs of expiring contracts 
                for assistance under section 8 of the United 
                States Housing Act of 1937;
                  (B) address financially and physically 
                troubled projects; and
                  (C) correct management and ownership 
                deficiencies.
          (2) Portfolio restructuring agreements.--Each 
        portfolio restructuring agreement entered into under 
        this subsection shall--
                  (A) be a cooperative agreement to establish 
                the obligations and requirements between the 
                Secretary and the participating administrative 
                entity;
                  (B) identify the eligible multifamily housing 
                projects or groups of projects for which the 
                participating administrative entity is 
                responsible for assisting in developing and 
                implementing approved mortgage restructuring 
                and rental assistance sufficiency plans under 
                section 514;
                  (C) require the participating administrative 
                entity to review and certify to the accuracy 
                and completeness of the evaluation of 
                rehabilitation needs required under section 
                514(e)(3) for each eligible multifamily housing 
                project included in the portfolio restructuring 
                agreement, in accordance with regulations 
                promulgated by the Secretary;
                  (D) identify the responsibilities of both the 
                participating administrative entity and the 
                Secretary in implementing a mortgage 
                restructuring and rental assistance sufficiency 
                plan, including any actions proposed to be 
                taken under section 516 or 517;
                  (E) require each mortgage restructuring and 
                rental assistance sufficiency plan to be 
                prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
                section 514 for each eligible multifamily 
                housing project;
                  (F) include other requirements established by 
                the Secretary, including a right of the 
                Secretary to terminate the contract immediately 
                for failure of the participating administrative 
                entity to comply with any applicable 
                requirement;
                  (G) if the participating administrative 
                entity is a State housing finance agency or a 
                local housing agency, indemnify the 
                participating administrative entity against 
                lawsuits and penalties for actions taken 
                pursuant to the agreement, excluding actions 
                involving willful misconduct or negligence;
                  (H) include compensation for all reasonable 
                expenses incurred by the participating 
                administrative entity necessary to perform its 
                duties under this subtitle; and
                  (I) include, where appropriate, incentive 
                agreements with the participating 
                administrative entity to reward superior 
                performance in meeting the purposes of this 
                title.
  (b) Selection of Participating Administrative Entity.--
          (1) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall select a 
        participating administrative entity based on whether, 
        in the determination of the Secretary, the 
        participating administrative entity--
                  (A) has demonstrated experience in working 
                directly with residents of low-income housing 
                projects and with tenants and other community-
                based organizations;
                  (B) has demonstrated experience with and 
                capacity for multifamily restructuring and 
                multifamily financing (which may include risk-
                sharing arrangements and restructuring eligible 
                multifamily housing properties under the fiscal 
                year 1997 Federal Housing Administration 
                multifamily housing demonstration program);
                  (C) has a history of stable, financially 
                sound, and responsible administrative 
                performance (which may include the management 
                of affordable low-income rental housing);
                  (D) has demonstrated financial strength in 
                terms of asset quality, capital adequacy, and 
                liquidity;
                  (E) has demonstrated that it will carry out 
                the specific transactions and other 
                responsibilities under this subtitle in a 
                timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner; 
                and
                  (F) meets other criteria, as determined by 
                the Secretary.
          (2) Selection.--If more than 1 interested entity 
        meets the qualifications and selection criteria for a 
        participating administrative entity, the Secretary may 
        select the entity that demonstrates, as determined by 
        the Secretary, that it will--
                  (A) provide the most timely, efficient, and 
                cost-effective--
                          (i) restructuring of the mortgages 
                        covered by the portfolio restructuring 
                        agreement; and
                          (ii) administration of the section 8 
                        project-based assistance contract, if 
                        applicable; and
                  (B) protect the public interest (including 
                the long-term provision of decent low-income 
                affordable rental housing and protection of 
                residents, communities, and the American 
                taxpayer).
          (3) Partnerships.--For the purposes of any 
        participating administrative entity applying under this 
        subsection, participating administrative entities are 
        encouraged to develop partnerships with each other and 
        with nonprofit organizations, if such partnerships will 
        further the participating administrative entity's 
        ability to meet the purposes of this title.
          (4) Alternative administrators.--With respect to any 
        eligible multifamily housing project for which a 
        participating administrative entity is unavailable, or 
        should not be selected to carry out the requirements of 
        this subtitle with respect to that multifamily housing 
        project for reasons relating to the selection criteria 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
                  (A) carry out the requirements of this 
                subtitle with respect to that eligible 
                multifamily housing project; or
                  (B) contract with other qualified entities 
                that meet the requirements of paragraph (1) to 
                provide the authority to carry out all or a 
                portion of the requirements of this subtitle 
                with respect to that eligible multifamily 
                housing project.
          (5) Priority for public agencies as participating 
        administrative entities.--The Secretary shall provide a 
        reasonable period during which the Secretary will 
        consider proposals only from State housing finance 
        agencies or local housing agencies, and the Secretary 
        shall select such an agency without considering other 
        applicants if the Secretary determines that the agency 
        is qualified. The period shall be of sufficient 
        duration for the Secretary to determine whether any 
        State housing finance agencies or local housing 
        agencies are interested and qualified. Not later than 
        the end of the period, the Secretary shall notify the 
        State housing finance agency or the local housing 
        agency regarding the status of the proposal and, if the 
        proposal is rejected, the reasons for the rejection and 
        an opportunity for the applicant to respond.
          (6) State and local portfolio requirements.--
                  (A) In general.--If the housing finance 
                agency of a State is selected as the 
                participating administrative entity, that 
                agency shall be responsible for such eligible 
                multifamily housing projects in that State as 
                may be agreed upon by the participating 
                administrative entity and the Secretary. If a 
                local housing agency is selected as the 
                participating administrative entity, that 
                agency shall be responsible for such eligible 
                multifamily housing projects in the 
                jurisdiction of the agency as may be agreed 
                upon by the participating administrative entity 
                and the Secretary.
                  (B) Nondelegation.--Except with the prior 
                approval of the Secretary, a participating 
                administrative entity may not delegate or 
                transfer responsibilities and functions under 
                this subtitle to 1 or more entities.
          (7) Private entity requirements.--
                  (A) In general.--If a for-profit entity is 
                selected as the participating administrative 
                entity, that entity shall be required to enter 
                into a partnership with a public purpose entity 
                (including the Department).
                  (B) Prohibition.--No private entity shall 
                share, participate in, or otherwise benefit 
                from any equity created, received, or 
                restructured as a result of the portfolio 
                restructuring agreement.
  (c) PERFORMANCE BASED CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION.--Subject to 
the authority granted to the Secretary pursuant to section 
1437f(b)(1) of title 42 of the United States Code, the 
Secretary shall undertake a competition and award annual 
contribution contracts as set forth in section 8(b)(1) of the 
United States Housing Act of 1937 (the Act) (42 USC 
1437f(b)(1)) to public housing agencies qualified to act as 
participating administrative entities under this section: 
Provided, That the Secretary shall--
          (1) conduct such a competition and award contracts on 
        or by September 30, 2026;
          (2) thereafter conduct a competition and award 
        contracts consistent with the provisions hereunder not 
        less frequently than every seven (7) years after the 
        date of the last award of an annual contribution 
        contract is made by the Secretary to a participating 
        administrative entity under the prior competition in 
        compliance with this subsection;
          (3) award such contracts with the Department to 
        participating administrative entities that are also 
        public housing agencies;
          (4) award one contract for each State or territory, 
        except that the Secretary may award more than one 
        contract for a State or territory if the population of 
        such State or territory exceeds 35,000,000;
          (5) specifically include within the definition of 
        participating administrative entities all public 
        housing agencies that--
                  (A) are housing finance agencies, housing 
                authorities, and their non-profit 
                instrumentalities organized under the laws of 
                the respective states and territories;
                  (B) otherwise comply with the requirements of 
                42 U.S.C. Sec. 1437a(b)(6); and
                  (C) are recognized as public housing agencies 
                by the Department's Office of Public and Indian 
                Housing and are otherwise required to comply 
                with 24 CFR Part 903 as of the date that the 
                Secretary publishes the invitation to submit in 
                connection with any competition;
          (6) otherwise undertake a competition that awards 
        contracts under this subsection based upon the criteria 
        set forth in subsection 513(b(1));
          (7) provide a preference in scoring to participating 
        administrative entity applicants under this subsection 
        that have demonstrated experience with--
                  (A) properties receiving project-based rental 
                assistance;
                  (B) multi-family housing preservation;
                  (C) addressing the concerns of low-income 
                tenants;
                  (D) making assistance payments to owners; and
                  (E) performing other functions assigned to a 
                public housing agency under section 8(b) of the 
                Act;
          (8) provide for incentive-based fees as part of such 
        awards; and
          (9) specifically disclose the evaluation score value 
        for each of the preferences set forth in paragraph (7) 
        in this subsection:
 Provided further, That should no public housing agency submit 
a proposal under this subsection hereunder for a state or 
territory, the Secretary shall undertake a competition among 
non-profit or for profit corporations and business entities 
that seek to act as a performance based contract administrator 
under a contract for any one of those states and territories.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                               CARES ACT



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
   DIVISION A--KEEPING WORKERS PAID AND EMPLOYED, HEALTH CARE SYSTEM 
ENHANCEMENTS, AND ECONOMIC STABILIZATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


TITLE IV--ECONOMIC STABILIZATION AND ASSISTANCE TO SEVERELY DISTRESSED 
                  SECTORS OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY

Subtitle A--Coronavirus Economic Stabilization Act of 2020

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 4024. TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVICTION FILINGS.

  (a) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Covered dwelling.--The term ``covered dwelling'' 
        means a dwelling that--
                  (A) is occupied by a tenant--
                          (i) pursuant to a residential lease; 
                        or
                          (ii) without a lease or with a lease 
                        terminable under State law; and
                  (B) is on or in a covered property.
          (2) Covered property.--The term ``covered property'' 
        means any property that--
                  (A) participates in--
                          (i) a covered housing program (as 
                        defined in section 41411(a) of the 
                        Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 
                        U.S.C. 12491(a))); or
                          (ii) the rural housing voucher 
                        program under section 542 of the 
                        Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r); 
                        or
                  (B) has a--
                          (i) Federally backed mortgage loan; 
                        or
                          (ii) Federally backed multifamily 
                        mortgage loan.
          (3) Dwelling.--The term ``dwelling''--
                  (A) has the meaning given the term in section 
                802 of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3602); 
                and
                  (B) includes houses and dwellings described 
                in section 803(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
                3603(b)).
          (4) Federally backed mortgage loan.--The term 
        ``Federally backed mortgage loan'' includes any loan 
        (other than temporary financing such as a construction 
        loan) that--
                  (A) is secured by a first or subordinate lien 
                on residential real property (including 
                individual units of condominiums and 
                cooperatives) designed principally for the 
                occupancy of from 1 to 4 families, including 
                any such secured loan, the proceeds of which 
                are used to prepay or pay off an existing loan 
                secured by the same property; and
                  (B) is made in whole or in part, or insured, 
                guaranteed, supplemented, or assisted in any 
                way, by any officer or agency of the Federal 
                Government or under or in connection with a 
                housing or urban development program 
                administered by the Secretary of Housing and 
                Urban Development or a housing or related 
                program administered by any other such officer 
                or agency, or is purchased or securitized by 
                the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or 
                the Federal National Mortgage Association.
          (5) Federally backed multifamily mortgage loan.--The 
        term ``Federally backed multifamily mortgage loan'' 
        includes any loan (other than temporary financing such 
        as a construction loan) that--
                  (A) is secured by a first or subordinate lien 
                on residential multifamily real property 
                designed principally for the occupancy of 5 or 
                more families, including any such secured loan, 
                the proceeds of which are used to prepay or pay 
                off an existing loan secured by the same 
                property; and
                  (B) is made in whole or in part, or insured, 
                guaranteed, supplemented, or assisted in any 
                way, by any officer or agency of the Federal 
                Government or under or in connection with a 
                housing or urban development program 
                administered by the Secretary of Housing and 
                Urban Development or a housing or related 
                program administered by any other such officer 
                or agency, or is purchased or securitized by 
                the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or 
                the Federal National Mortgage Association.
  (b) Moratorium.--During the 120-day period beginning on the 
date of enactment of this Act, the lessor of a covered dwelling 
may not--
          (1) make, or cause to be made, any filing with the 
        court of jurisdiction to initiate a legal action to 
        recover possession of the covered dwelling from the 
        tenant for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges; 
        or
          (2) charge fees, penalties, or other charges to the 
        tenant related to such nonpayment of rent.
  [(c) Notice.--The lessor of a covered dwelling unit--
          [(1) may not require the tenant to vacate the covered 
        dwelling unit before the date that is 30 days after the 
        date on which the lessor provides the tenant with a 
        notice to vacate; and
          [(2) may not issue a notice to vacate under paragraph 
        (1) until after the expiration of the period described 
        in subsection (b).]

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


               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, specifies funding minimums for and 
authorities related to the Interagency Infrastructure 
Permitting Improvement Center, and the Drone Infrastructure 
Inspection Grant Program 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 allows the Secretary to transfer and 
consolidate administrative resources for certain programs.
    Section 109 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.
    Section 109A clarifies the criteria the Secretary may use 
in selecting grant recipients for the National Infrastructure 
Investments Program in Public Law 117-58.
    Section 109B permits the Secretary to make transfers to the 
Operating Administrations for the cost of rent for the space 
vacated by the Office of the Inspector General.
    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; and 
specifies funds for the contract tower program; prohibits funds 
from certain activities coordinated through the Working Capital 
Fund.
    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''; defines airport eligibility; and allows 
funds to be transferred to the Office of the Secretary to carry 
out the small community air service development program.
    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 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 refined the eligibility criteria of air 
traffic systems or equipment.
    Section 119E 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; waives various statutory requirements for certain 
funding and specifies the availability of funds; and allocates 
funding for the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and 
Highway Projects program.
    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 limits funds to be used for any activities 
related to Priced Zones under the Value Pricing Pilot Program 
or New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program.
    Section 126 limits funds to be used for the rule, or any 
substantially similar rule, entitled ``National Performance 
Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National 
Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measures.''
    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 enforce the 
electronic logging device rule with respect to carriers 
transporting livestock or insects.
    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 promulgate 
any rule or regulation that would require certain commercial 
vehicles to be equipped with a speed limiting device.
    Section 134 prohibits funds to be used to modify the 
preemption determinations published by FMSCSA.
    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 
Ad- ministration ``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.
    Section 141 allows the use of funds under Division J of the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for providing technical 
assistance for highway traffic safety grants.
    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, 
pro- vides 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, allows funds to be used for railroad 
systems planning, allows funds selected for commuter rail 
passenger transportation to be transferred by the Secretary to 
appropriate agencies, allows unobligated balances remaining 
after six years to be used for any eligible project, and allows 
the Secretary to withhold funding for a specified purpose.
    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 
and allows the Secretary to retain funding to fund expenses 
associated with the State-Supported Route Committee.
    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 limits the use of Federal-state partnership for 
intercity passenger rail grants from Division J of Public Law 
117-58.
    Section 154 prohibits funds from being used for a high-
speed rail corridor development project in California.
    Section 155 provides funding from Federal-state partnership 
for intercity passenger rail grants to the Union Station 
Redevelopment Corporation for repair and rehabilitation of the 
Washington Union Station complex.
    Section 156 permits more than six grants from being 
simultaneously active under the Restoration and Enhancement 
Grants program.
    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, and sets 
limits on transfer authority.
    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 
pro- gram. 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.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, ``Cable 
Security Fleet'' which provides funds and funding availability. 
It also includes a recission of funds.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
``Tanker Security Program'' which provides funds and funding 
availability. It also includes a recission of funds.
    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, and limits funding availability.
    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 avail- able until expended.
    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.
    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 pro- cured using such practices.
    Section 192 prohibits the use of funds to be used in 
contravention of the American Security Drone Act of 2023.
    Section 193 prohibits the use of funds in relation to the 
implementation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards 
rule.
    Section 194 prohibits funds to be used to enforce a mask 
mandate in response to the COVID-19 virus.
    Section 195 prohibits funds to license, facilitate, 
coordinate, or otherwise allow officials of a country 
designated as a state sponsor of terrorism within the past 
three fiscal years to, in their official capacity, observe, 
tour, visit, or confer with DOT employees, including the FAA.

         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, 2025; 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, ``Assisted Housing Inspections 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, allows the use 
of residual receipt accounts to hire coordinators for a number 
of sufficiency programs, 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 also included that allows the Secretary to 
reprogram excess amounts after notification is provided to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    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 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 and allows for 
the reimbursement of eligible expenses related to these grants.
    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, allows the cost 
associated with any foregone increases in tenant rent payments 
due to the implementation of rent incentives of the Job-Plus 
initiative to be included in housing assistance payments, 
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 the Secretary to give preference to capital 
advance projects under certain conditions; 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 the Secretary to give preference to 
capital advance projects under certain conditions, 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, 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.
    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 2025 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 addresses the manner in which HUD may make 
adjustments for formula allocation corrections.
    Section 232 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 233 requires the Secretary to comply with all 
process requirements when seeking to revise any annual 
contributions contract.
    Section 234 establishes a nonrecurring expense fund for HUD 
in the Treasury with certain conditions and notice requirements 
for use of the funds.
    Section 235 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 236 amends a certain section of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1992.
    Section 237 amends the Housing and Community Development 
Act of 1974 by adding a new subsection on ``Special Activities 
by Indian Tribes.''.
    Section 238 rescinds certain unused balances for the 
``Office of Lead Hazard Control and Health Homes.''
    Section 239 provides the Secretary the authority to award 
contracts through a procurement process related to the 
performance based contract administration program.
    Section 240 prohibits the implementation of the proposed 
rule entitled ``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing'' or to 
direct a grantee to undertake specific changes to zoning laws 
as it relates to a certain interim final rule.
    Section 241 prohibits federal funds for certain 
noncomplying jurisdictions.
    Section 242 prohibits the implementation of certain minimum 
energy efficiency standards and notices.
    Section 243 repeals a provision of P.L. 116-136.

                      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, 2026, 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 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
42 U.S.C. 5155.
    Section 420 prohibits funds from being used to contravene 
42 U.S.C. 1436a and 8 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
    Section 421 bars any of the 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 prohibits appropriated funds to be used for 
advocating for supporting or defeating certain legislation.
    Section 423 prohibits funds provided in this bill to 
implement or enforce certain executive orders related to 
equity.
    Section 424 prohibits funds provided in this bill to 
implement or enforce certain executive orders related to 
climate.
    Section 425 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 or 
one woman.
    Section 426 prohibits funds from being used to display 
extraneous flags at facilities of Departments or agencies.
    Section 427 prohibits funds to facilitate scheduled air 
transportation to, or pass through, property confiscated by the 
Cuban government.
    Section 428 provides technical corrections to certain 
Community Project Funding projects.
    Section 429 prohibits tolls on certain Federal highways and 
bridges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
    Section 430 prohibits funds to be used to consider or 
incorporate the social cost of carbon or greenhouse gases as 
part of any cost-benefit analysis required or performed 
pursuant to certain laws or regulations.
    Section 431 prohibits funds to be for the Secretary of 
Transportation to travel in any manner other than economy class 
on a commercial flight.
    Section 432 prohibits funds to be used to purchase, 
install, maintain, or operate automated traffic enforcement 
cameras for red-light, speed, or stop sign enforcement.
    Section 433 provides that the bill's new proposed budget 
authority does not exceed the bill's 302(b) allocation.

                  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 FY 2025 TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN 
   DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT 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        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...............................          90,400         190,835       \1\90,400         188,946
    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:
    2025.............................................          \1\69,533
    2026.............................................             52,977
    2027.............................................             21,174
    2028.............................................             10,222
    2029 and future years............................             14,636
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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\42,816             44,649
 local governments for 2025.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 Bill:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Date                Title of Hearing        Witnesses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 30, 2024.................  Budget Hearing--   The Honorable Pete
                                  Fiscal Year 2025   Buttigieg,
                                  Request for the    Secretary,
                                  Department of      Department of
                                  Transportation.    Transportation
May 1, 2024....................  Budget Hearing--   The Honorable
                                  Fiscal Year 2025   Adrianne Todman,
                                  Request for the    Acting Secretary,
                                  Department of      Department of
                                  Housing and        Housing and Urban
                                  Urban              Development
                                  Development.
May 8, 2024....................  Fiscal Year 2025   The Honorable James
                                  Member Day.        Moylan (GU-00)
                                                    The Honorable Glenn
                                                     Thompson (PA-15)
                                                    The Honorable Greg
                                                     Stanton (AZ-04)
                                                    The Honorable
                                                     Jefferson Van Drew
                                                     (NJ-02)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   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 2025 
appropriations bill for the Subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (T-HUD) cuts 
discretionary spending by $4.4 billion, or 4 percent, for 
critical transportation, housing, and community development 
programs. This year's T-HUD allocation of $90.4 billion, 
combined with $8 billion in housing revenues, is still 
insufficient to address our nation's housing and infrastructure 
challenges. This bill falls short of 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 across urban and rural communities in America.
    Despite 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 to include a 1 
percent increase in non-defense discretionary spending from 
fiscal year 2024 and instead proceeded with a partisan bill. 
This bill demonstrates Republicans' attempts to undermine the 
agreement and has no chance to garner Democratic support as it 
is written now.
    Throughout America, more than 650,000 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 60 percent. The bill also makes 
housing less safe for low-income children and families, cutting 
resources for public housing, including targeted investments to 
address 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.
    Meanwhile 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 public transit 
infrastructure grants by more than 66 percent and reduces 
Amtrak operations by more than 12 percent, which means fewer 
workers improving our commutes and rail lines and longer 
delays. While the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) 
provides for historic investments in transportation, it is not 
without limitation. The backlog of capital improvements on 
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 against the 
laundry list of must-do projects that span transportation modes 
and increase safety. If the Republican majority neglects 
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.
    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 T-HUD bill impacts the day-to-day lives of every person 
in our country in a positive way, but this measure cuts 
spending and targets already marginalized communities, which 
will be to the detriment of millions of Americans. We all know 
that Democratic 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.

                                  [all]