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[House Report 115-750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

115th Congress }                                          { REPORT
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  2d Session   }                                          { 115-750

======================================================================
 
 DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2019

                                _______
                                

 June 12, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

        Mr. Diaz-Balart, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                        [To accompany H.R. 6072]

    The Committee on Appropriations submits the following 
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making 
appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Housing 
and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2019.

                        INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT

_______________________________________________________________________

                                                            Page number

                                                            Bill Report
Title I--Department of Transportation......................   2	    4

Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development......  83    70
                                                                     
Title III--Related Agencies...............................  171   105
                                                                    
Title IV--General Provisions.............................   176   109
                                                                   
Reporting requirements.....................................       110
                                                                  
Minority views.............................................       176
                                                                    
                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2019, for the purposes of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 
99-177), as amended, with respect to appropriations contained 
in the accompanying bill, 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) and 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 expects that the operating plans will address 
each number listed in the reports, 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 (Sec. 405) establishing 
the authority by which funding 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 program, project, or activity 
        (PPA);
           increases funds or personnel for any PPA for 
        which funds have been denied or restricted by the 
        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 budget request; adjustments made by 
Congress; adjustments for rescissions, if appropriate; and the 
fiscal year enacted level. The table shall delineate the 
appropriation both by object class and by PPA. The report also 
must identify items of special Congressional interest. 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 conference report and statement of 
the managers.
    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 bill, unobligated balances from previous appropriations 
Acts that are available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal 
year 2019, and non-appropriated resources such as fee 
collections that are used to meet program requirements in 
fiscal year 2019.
    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, 2019. Further, the 
Committee notes that when a Department or 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 
Department 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 HUD and DOT 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 the 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 
(OMB). In fact, OMB Circular A-11, part 1 specifically 
instructs agencies to consult with congressional committees 
beforehand. The Committee expects that all agencies funded 
under this Act will heed this directive.
    The Committee expects all of 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 2020 budget 
request by agencies funded under 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 2020 
to the fiscal year 2019 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 
2020 budget request.

                             OTHER MATTERS

    Performance Measures.--The Committee directs each of the 
agencies funded by this Act to comply with title 31 of the 
United States Code including the development of their 
organizational priority goals and outcomes such as performance 
outcome measures, output measures, efficiency measures, and 
customer service measures.
    Regional Councils of Government.--The Committee recommends 
that all federal agencies list regional councils and councils 
of governments as eligible entities in competitions for federal 
funding whenever local governments or non-profit agencies are 
eligible entities. Furthermore, it is the desire of this 
Committee that all federal agencies actively seek opportunities 
for regional councils and councils of governments to serve as 
lead applicants and grantees in order to encourage and expand 
greater regional collaboration. In the competitive grants 
process, all federal agencies should work with entities having 
previous experience with administering federal funding that 
resulted in successful, comprehensive, well-coordinated 
outcomes.
    Federal Employee Conduct.--Public service is a public trust 
that requires Federal employees to place ethical principles 
above private gain. The Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 
2635.101) specifies the basic obligation of public service. 
Each of the agencies funded in the Act shall ensure their 
employees understand and are in compliance with this 
obligation.

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

                        Office of the Secretary

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $112,813,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       113,842,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       112,813,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        -1,029,000
 

    Immediate Office of the Secretary.--The immediate Office of 
the Secretary has primary responsibility to provide overall 
planning, direction, and control of departmental affairs.
    Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary.--The Office of 
the Deputy Secretary has primary responsibility to assist the 
Secretary in the overall planning, direction, and control of 
departmental affairs. The Deputy Secretary serves as the chief 
operating officer of the Department of Transportation.
    Executive Secretariat.--The Executive Secretariat assists 
the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in carrying out their 
responsibilities by controlling and coordinating internal and 
external documents.
    Office of the Chief Information Officer.--The Office of the 
Chief Information Officer serves as the principal advisor to 
the Secretary on information resources and information systems 
management.
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental 
Affairs.--The Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Governmental Affairs is responsible for coordinating all 
Congressional, intergovernmental, and consumer activities of 
the Department.
    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 Assistant Secretary for Budget and 
Programs.--The Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs is 
responsible for developing, reviewing, and presenting budget 
resource requirements for the Department to the Secretary, 
Congress, and the Office of Management and Budget.
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.--The 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration serves as 
the principal advisor to the Secretary on department-wide 
administrative matters and the responsibilities include 
leadership in acquisition reform and human capital.
    Office of Public Affairs.--The Office of Public Affairs is 
responsible for the Department's press releases, articles, 
briefing materials, publications, and audio-visual materials.
    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 Under Secretary of Transportation for 
Policy.--The Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation 
for Policy serves as the Department's chief policy officer, and 
is responsible for the coordination and development of 
departmental policy and legislative initiatives; international 
standards development and harmonization; aviation and other 
transportation-related trade negotiations; the performance of 
policy and economic analysis; and the execution of the 
Essential Air Service program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The bill provides $112,813,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the offices comprising the Office of the Secretary 
of Transportation (OST). The Committee's recommendation is the 
same as the 2018 enacted level and $1,029,000 below the 
request. The Committee's recommendation includes individual 
funding for each office as has been done in prior years. 
However, the bill increases the amount allowed for transfers 
between offices from seven percent to ten percent.
    Operating plan.--The Committee directs the Department to 
submit an operating plan for fiscal year 2019 signed by the 
Secretary for review by the Committees on Appropriations within 
60 days of the bill's enactment. The operating plan should 
include funding levels for the various offices, programs, and 
initiatives detailed down to the object class or program 
element covered in the budget justification and supporting 
documents, documents referenced in the House and Senate 
reports, and the statement of the managers (i.e. not simply the 
activities called out in bill language). Should the Department 
create, alter, discontinue, or otherwise change any program as 
described in the Department's budget justification, those 
changes must be a part of the Department's operating plan.
    Finally, the Department shall submit with the operating 
plan a summary of the DOT reporting requirements contained in 
the Act, the House and Senate reports, and the statement of the 
managers. The Committee requests a number of reports to gather 
information and conduct oversight. The summary should include 
Inspector General and Government Accountability Office reports 
as well.
    Alternative fuel vehicles.--The Committee urges the 
Secretary to prioritize funding for the creation of standards 
related to alternative fuel vehicles. Fuels that are stored 
onboard for purposes of providing motor power are regulated 
under multiple regulations including Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standards and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration regulations and lack of clarity on standards may 
prevent further advancements of alternative fuel vehicles. More 
specifically, the Secretary is encouraged to assess new 
developments and the advancement of natural gas vehicles and to 
oversee implementation of new safety regulations for liquefied 
natural gas fuel tanks and fuel systems on commercial motor 
vehicles. The Secretary is further encouraged to clarify the 
ability of bus manufacturers to continue to deploy transit 
buses that have roof-top mounted compressed natural gas 
cylinders and to clarify that rules restricting access to 
bridges and tunnels in the case of vehicles powered by an 
alternative fuel vehicle should not be any more restrictive 
than those addressing gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles.
    MEGABYTE Act.--The GAO has repeatedly identified software 
acquisition and licensing as high-risk due to significant 
vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. The 
Committee notes that DOT received a failing grade on the most 
recent Oversight and Government Reform Committee's Biannual 
FITARA Scorecard for software licensing. The Committee directs 
the department to prioritize its management of software 
licenses, including inventory and analysis of usage, as 
required by the MEGABYTE Act (P.L. 114-210).
    Storm hazard mitigation for multimodal transit hubs.--The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to allow mitigation and 
weather-proofing activities on or near multimodal 
transportation hubs as eligible for funds administered by the 
Department of Transportation. This includes activities that 
would reduce the risk of flooding associated with natural 
disasters surrounding the structure such as urban trees, 
vegetation, passive parkland, and increased permeable surfaces 
and storm water control. These elements not only provide 
opportunities to mitigate transportation pollution and improve 
air quality but also enhance the structure's security elements 
and help to reduce the structure's energy use, lowering overall 
operating costs.
    Open skies.--In fiscal year 2018, the Committee urged the 
Department to take steps to ensure that U.S. airline carriers 
and their workers have a fair and equal opportunity to compete 
in accordance with open skies agreements with foreign 
governments. The Committee notes that DOT worked with the State 
Department to reach recent memorandums of agreement with 
foreign governments to ensure transparency, accountability and 
enforcement remain important tenants of open skies agreements. 
The Committee directs the Department to continue to proactively 
work with the State Department to take appropriate action with 
any foreign governments where government subsidies have 
resulted in market distortion. The Committee directs the 
Department to provide regular updates to the Committee on their 
activities related to the fair enforcement of open skies 
agreements.
    Online travel websites.--The Committee commends the 
Department for suspending the Request for Information (RFI) on 
industry distribution practices and directs the Department to 
ensure that the RFI remains permanently suspended. The 
Committee urges the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory 
Committee (ACPAC) to examine the impact on consumers of online 
booking scams among websites purporting to be travel providers. 
The Committee urges ACPAC to consult with other agencies 
regarding recent decisions regarding counterfeit booking 
websites and consider further steps necessary to protect 
consumers from counterfeit booking websites.
    Road to zero coalition.--The Committee believes that 
substantial gains in reducing roadway fatalities can be 
recognized in the coming years through a combination of 
technology, continued successful safety programs, and 
prioritizing safety. The Road to Zero coalition, which is 
supported by the Federal Highway Administration, the National 
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, is committed to a goal of zero 
fatalities by 2050. This coalition is a broad-based, diverse 
group comprised of individuals, academia, associations, safety 
groups, businesses and others. The Committee urges the 
Department to continue its involvement with and support of the 
Road to Zero coalition.
    Electrically powered vehicles.--The Committee directs the 
Secretary, in conjunction with modal administrators and other 
Federal agencies, to develop best practices to suppress and 
combat fires in electrically powered light and heavy duty 
vehicles.
    Service animal policies.--The Committee directs the 
Department of Transportation to review any airline 
modifications to service animal policies. The review should 
ensure that airlines continue to meet requirements of the 
Federal Air Carrier Access Act and protect the rights of 
disabled individuals, especially for the blind and visually 
impaired.

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $23,465,109
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         6,971,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         7,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -16,465,109
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................           +29,000
 

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and 
Technology coordinates, facilitates, and reviews the 
Department's research and development programs and activities; 
coordinating and developing positioning, navigation and timing 
(PNT) technology; maintaining PNT policy, coordination and 
spectrum management; managing the Nationwide Differential 
Global Positioning System; and overseeing and providing 
direction to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the 
Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, the 
University Transportation Centers program, the Volpe National 
Transportation Systems Center and the Transportation Safety 
Institute.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $7,000,000 for 
research and technology activities, $16,465,109 below fiscal 
year 2018 enacted and $29,000 above the budget request.

                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $1,500,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       750,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -750,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +750,000,000
 

    The National Infrastructure Investments program (also known 
as BUILD grants and formerly known as TIGER grants) was created 
in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide grants 
to state and local governments to improve the Nation's 
transportation infrastructure. The infrastructure investment 
program awards funds on a competitive basis to grantees 
selected because of the significant impact they will have on 
the Nation, a metropolitan area, or region.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $750,000,000 for National 
Infrastructure Investments grants, which is $750,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $750,000,000 above the 
budget request. Of the total amount provided, the 
recommendation includes $250,000,000 for projects in rural 
areas, $250,000,000 for projects in and around major seaports, 
and $250,000,000 for projects of regional and national 
significance located in an urbanized area with a population of 
over 200,000. In the case of projects in urbanized areas, the 
Secretary is directed to prioritize multimodal projects and 
projects on major corridors of the national freight network.
    Port infrastructure.--The Committee recognizes the 
important role that ports play in our Nation's transportation 
network. With the prediction that the volume of trade through 
our Nation's ports will substantially increase in the next 
decade, our Nation's infrastructure will be challenged to 
accommodate the increase in the movement of freight. Growth at 
our Nation's ports simultaneously increases demand on our 
transportation systems. Therefore, the Committee continues to 
identify ports as eligible recipients of this program and 
includes $250,000,000 for projects in and around seaports. The 
Secretary shall take into consideration, when selecting 
recipients, the annual tonnage, existing terminal capacity, and 
potential economic benefits of improvements to, or expansion 
of, ports.
    Rural bridge projects.--The Committee continues to believe 
that our Federal infrastructure programs must benefit 
communities across the country. For this reason, the Committee 
continues to require the Secretary to award grants and credit 
assistance in a manner that ensures an equitable geographic 
distribution of funds and allocates funding to meet the needs 
of urban and rural communities. Investing in infrastructure in 
rural America is extremely important for growing the economy, 
increasing exports, and expanding markets. For this reason, the 
Committee provides $250,000,000 for projects located in rural 
areas. Within this amount, the Secretary is directed to 
prioritize applications for bridge replacement and 
rehabilitation projects including off-system bridges. In 
addition, the Secretary shall prioritize applications that 
demonstrate cost savings by bundling multiple rural bridge 
projects into a single proposal.

     NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         2,987,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        10,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +7,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +7,013,000
 

    The National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance 
Bureau administers and coordinates the Department of 
Transportation's existing transportation finance programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $10,000,000 for the 
National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau 
(the ``Bureau''), $7,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and $7,013,000 above the budget request. Of the total 
amount provided, $6,000,000 shall be for administration of 
grants and loans provided through the nationally significant 
freight and highway projects program as authorized under 
section 117 of title 23. The Committee expects the Bureau to 
administer the maritime guaranteed loan (title XI) program.

                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $6,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         2,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         2,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -4,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The Financial Management Capital program supports a multi-
year project to upgrade DOT financial systems, processes and 
reporting capabilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $2,000,000 which is 
$4,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the 
same as the budget request.
    Digital Accountability and Transparency Act.--Within the 
amounts provided for the Financial Management Capital account, 
funding is included for necessary expenses to support the 
Department's activities related to the implementation of the 
Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act; Public 
Law 113-101) including changes in business processes, 
workforce, or information technology to support high quality, 
transparent Federal spending information. Amounts provided 
should supplement and not supplant existing DATA Act 
activities.

                       CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $15,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        10,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        25,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       +10,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +15,000,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $25,000,000 to 
support the Secretary's cyber security initiative, which is 
$10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$15,000,000 above the budget request. Of this amount, no less 
than $1,000,000 is for development of a cybersecurity framework 
or profile derived from the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, for 
messaging, consideration, and voluntary adoption by 
stakeholders within the transportation sector.
    DOT operates and oversees significant elements of the 
critical transportation and information technology 
infrastructure of the United States. Much of the DOT framework 
relies upon, and is integrated with, computer networks, 
computer mediated communications, online databases, and a wide 
variety of other computer and computer network capabilities. 
With the increasing interconnectivity and use of Internet-based 
technologies, new dependencies, relationships, and 
vulnerabilities are created as are new risks and new threats. 
Further, DOT's privileged relationships with state and local 
governments, and private-sector elements within the 
transportation community, exposes operational elements of the 
transportation sector itself to the potential of a cyber 
compromise.
    The Department is directed to prioritize funding increases 
toward hardware, software and support for continued operation 
and enhancement of the DOT information security and continuous 
monitoring program and capabilities. Resources should be used 
to support additional capabilities to identify anomalous, 
abused, or compromised user credentials and network accounts, 
protect agency data and communications, and prioritize response 
and mitigation efforts.

                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $9,500,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         9,470,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         9,500,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................           +30,000
 

    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 of 
Transportation employees.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $9,500,000 for the Office of Civil 
Rights, the same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$30,000 above the budget request.

           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $14,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         7,879,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -6,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          +121,000
 

    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, nonprofit research organizations, and private 
firms.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,000,000 for 
transportation planning, research, and development, which is 
$6,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$121,000 above the budget request.
    Of the funds provided, the recommendation includes 
$1,000,000 to support the permitting dashboard.
    Data sharing.--DOT possesses and collects much information 
on airports, airways, roads, bridges and transit 
infrastructure, but this rich data source is not integrated 
across asset types. As the nation contemplates making a 
significant investment in improving infrastructure, and as more 
technologically integrated cities emerge, organizing, sharing, 
and analyzing data through integrated data management, 
reporting, visualization, and advanced analytics to discover 
patterns and other useful information will allow decisionmakers 
and policymakers at the federal and state levels to make more 
informed decisions. Therefore, the Committee encourages DOT to 
share data across its agencies and divisions in order to 
optimize the Department's ability to properly analyze the 
condition of assets, project outcomes of investments, choose 
investments that would be most impactful, accurately report 
where investments were implemented, monitor infrastructure 
projects, measure the results of the investments, provide data 
for public oversight in a modern, completely transparent 
environment, and support data-driven public policy. The 
Committee directs the Department to report to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment 
of this Act on the status of these efforts.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $202,245,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       203,883,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       203,883,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +1,638,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The working capital fund was created to provide common 
administrative services to the operating administrations and 
outside entities that contract for the fund's services. The 
working capital fund 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 $203,883,000 on 
the Working Capital Fund (WCF), an increase of $1,638,000 over 
the limit set in 2018 and the same as the request. The 
Committee continues to stipulate that the limitation is only 
for services provided to the Department of Transportation, not 
other entities. Further, the Committee directs that, as much as 
possible, services shall be provided on a competitive basis.

               MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................          $500,301
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................           249,000
Recommended in the bill...............................           500,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................              -301
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          +251,000
 

    The minority business resource center advises and assists 
disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses with 
obtaining short-term working capital for DOT and DOT-funded 
transportation-related contracts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $500,000 for the 
resource center, $301 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $251,000 above the budget request. The entire amount is for 
administrative expenses including education outreach 
activities, monitoring of existing loans, and modification of 
existing loans.

       SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $4,646,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         3,488,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         4,646,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +1,158,000
 

    The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
has been merged with the minority business outreach program to 
provide contractual support to small and disadvantaged 
businesses and provide information dissemination and technical 
and financial assistance to empower those businesses to compete 
for contracting opportunities with DOT and DOT-funded contracts 
or grants for transportation-related projects.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $4,646,000 for small and 
disadvantaged business utilization and outreach, which is the 
same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $1,158,000 above 
the budget request.

                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $155,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        93,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       175,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       +20,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +82,000,000
 

    The Essential Air Service program (EAS) was created by the 
Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 as a ten-year measure to 
continue air service to communities that had received air 
service prior to deregulation. The program currently provides 
subsidies to air carriers serving small communities that meet 
certain criteria.
    The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 
1996 authorized the collection of ``overflight fees''. 
Overflight fees are a type of user fee collected by the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) from aircraft that neither take 
off from, nor land in, the United States. The FAA Modernization 
and Reform Act of 2012 increased the authorized level of 
overflight fee collection, and increased the amount that the 
Department can apply to the EAS program. The budget request 
estimates that fee will provide $140,177,000 for the EAS 
program in fiscal year 2019.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    For fiscal year 2019, the Committee includes $175,000,000 
in discretionary funding for the EAS program, which is 
$20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$82,000,000 above the budget request.
    The following table shows the discretionary, mandatory, and 
total program levels for the EAS program:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Appropriation     Mandatory     Total Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2018 Enacted.................................................    $155,000,000    $130,760,000    $285,760,000
FY 2019 Request.................................................      93,000,000     140,177,000     233,177,000
Committee Recommendation........................................     175,000,000     140,177,000     315,177,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee remains concerned about the growing costs 
associated with the EAS program. While limiting the program to 
current sites and eliminating the requirement that EAS carriers 
utilize 15-passenger aircraft have helped mitigate some of the 
cost growth, the Committee believes that the Department should 
continue to explore reforms to the program that will create 
greater competition among carriers and control overall costs.
    The Committee directs the Department to utilize all the 
overflight fees collected for this program to alleviate the 
discretionary funding requirement for the program.

  ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

    Section 101 continues a provision prohibiting 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 continues a provision requiring the Secretary 
of Transportation to post on the internet a schedule of all 
Council on Credit and Finance meetings, agendas, and meeting 
minutes.
    Section 103 continues a provision allowing the Department 
of Transportation Working Capital Fund 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.

                    Federal Aviation Administration

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible 
for the safety and development of civil aviation and for the 
evolution of a national system of airports. The Federal 
Government's regulatory role in civil aviation began with the 
creation of an Aeronautics Branch within the Department of 
Commerce pursuant to the Air Commerce Act of 1926. This Act 
instructed the Secretary of Commerce to foster air commerce; 
designate and establish airways; establish, operate, and 
maintain aids to navigation; arrange for research and 
development to improve such aids; issue airworthiness 
certificates for aircraft and major aircraft components; and 
investigate civil aviation accidents. In the Civil Aeronautics 
Act of 1938, these activities were subsumed into a new, 
independent agency named the Civil Aeronautics Authority.
    After further administrative reorganizations, Congress 
streamlined regulatory oversight in 1957 with the creation of 
two separate agencies, the Federal Aviation Agency and the 
Civil Aeronautics Board. When the Department of Transportation 
began its operations on April 1, 1967, the Federal Aviation 
Agency was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
and became one of several modal administrations within the 
department. The Civil Aeronautics Board was later phased out 
with enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, and 
ceased to exist at the end of 1984. 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 new Transportation Security Administration.
    NextGen.--The Committee places a high priority on Next 
Generation of Air Traffic Control (NextGen) programs, and 
provides substantial resources above the budget request in the 
operations, facilities and equipment, and research evaluation 
and demonstration accounts to modernize air traffic control 
along with private sector stakeholders.
    NextGen Advisory Committee.--The NextGen Advisory Committee 
(NAC) includes a diverse membership of the aviation community, 
including representatives from general aviation, commercial 
aviation, labor organizations, airports, local community 
representatives and the federal government. The Committee 
believes that the current NAC membership includes an 
appropriate mix of aviation stakeholders. The Committee 
strongly believes that the NAC performs an important role in 
setting priorities for the FAA's air traffic control 
modernization efforts. It is a public-private partnership that 
has encouraged collaboration between FAA and its industry 
stakeholders to advance the development and deployment of new 
technologies and automation systems. The Committee expects the 
FAA to implement NAC recommendations and directs the FAA to 
provide an annual update on the status of NAC recommendations 
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.

                               OPERATIONS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................   $10,211,754,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     9,931,312,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    10,410,758,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +199,004,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +479,446,000
 

    This appropriation provides funds for the operation, 
maintenance, communications, and logistical support of the air 
traffic control and air navigation systems. It also covers 
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 on a 24-hour daily basis of a 
national air traffic system; (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, printing, and distribution of 
aeronautical charts used by the flying public.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $10,410,758,000 for FAA 
operations, which is $199,004,000 above the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $479,446,000 above the budget request.
    The following table shows a comparison of the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level, the budget request, and the Committee 
recommendation by budget activity:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   FY 2018          FY 2019         Committee
                                                                   enacted          request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Traffic Organization.....................................       $7,692,786       $7,495,690       $7,840,013
Aviation Safety..............................................        1,310,000        1,276,255        1,339,561
Commercial Space Transportation..............................           22,587           21,578           24,917
Finance & Management.........................................          801,506          771,010          816,234
NextGen planning.............................................           60,000           58,536           60,720
Security and Hazardous Materials Safety......................          112,622          105,558          114,018
Staff Offices................................................          212,253          202,685          215,295
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
    Total....................................................       10,211,754        9,931,312       10,410,758
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Justification of general provisions.--The Committee 
continues its direction to provide a justification for each 
general provision proposed in the FAA budget, and therefore 
expects the fiscal year 2020 budget to include adequate 
information on each proposed general provision.

                     TRUST FUND SHARE OF FAA BUDGET

    The bill derives $9,594,758,000 of the total operations 
appropriation from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The 
balance of the appropriation, $816,000,000, will be drawn from 
the general fund of the Treasury.

                        AIR TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION

    The bill provides $7,840,013,000 for the air traffic 
organization, which is $147,227,000 above the 2018 enacted 
level and $344,323,000 above the budget request.
    Contract tower program.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $168,000,000 for the contract tower program, including 
the contract tower cost share program. This is $3,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The Committee continues to 
strongly support the FAA contract tower program as a cost-
effective and efficient way to provide air traffic control 
services to smaller airports across the country as validated by 
numerous audits of the Department of Transportation Office of 
Inspector General. In an effort to increase air traffic safety 
benefits throughout the national air transportation system, the 
Committee has provided dedicated funding over the past few 
years to add qualified airports annually to the program. The 
Committee expects FAA to continue to operate the 254 contract 
towers currently in the program, annualize funding for towers 
that will be added in 2018, and provide full-year funding for 
new airports expected to be added to the program in fiscal year 
2019.
    Day Night Level (DNL) study.--The Committee recognizes the 
severe impacts of aircraft noise on communities across the 
United States and directs the FAA to evaluate alternative 
metrics to the current Day Night Level (DNL) 65 standard, such 
as use of actual noise sampling and other methods to address 
community airplane noise concerns. The Committee requests that 
the FAA not solely rely on modeling and simulation.
    Aircraft noise research.--The Committee encourages Regional 
Centers of Air Transportation Excellence to research the 
impacts of aircraft noise on humans and effective methods for 
mitigating such impacts. In addition, the FAA should consider 
contracting with an institution of higher education to study 
the health effects of airplane noise.
    O'Hare Modernization Program.--The Committee directs the 
FAA to continue to work expeditiously to identify appropriate 
short and long term mitigation measures to address local 
concerns that have been raised as a result of the O'Hare 
Modernization Program at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. 
The FAA is expected to provide a progress report on these 
measures to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act.

                            AVIATION SAFETY

    The Committee provides $1,339,561,000 for aviation safety, 
which is $29,561,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $63,306,000 above the budget request.
    The Committee continues its direction requiring the 
Secretary to provide annual reports regarding the use of the 
funds provided, including, but not limited to, the total full-
time equivalent staff years in the offices of aircraft 
certification and flight standards, total employees, vacancies, 
and positions under active recruitment.
    Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $56,000,000 for UAS integration 
activities within the operations account. This is $5,000,000 
above the enacted level. Additional resources are included to 
enhance stakeholder work with manufacturers on safety, 
improvements to information technology systems, UAS trend 
forecasting, and regulatory work to advance the industry.
    UAS Integration and Advanced Operations.--The Committee is 
pleased that the FAA has initiated three new programs to safely 
and efficiently integrate UAS in the national airspace system 
and enable advanced operations, however the Committee is 
concerned that there is not a clear alignment in the goals of 
each program to reach full UAS integration. The Committee 
believes that creation of an unmanned traffic management (UTM) 
network is critical to the safe integration of UAS into the 
national airspace system (NAS), including advanced UAS 
operations like package delivery, infrastructure inspections 
and precision agriculture. Therefore, the Administrator shall 
issue a report to the Committee within 120 days after enactment 
of this legislation that describes how the Low Altitude 
Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), the UAS 
Integration Pilot Program (IPP), and the UTM Pilot Program 
(UPP) support the commercial development of a UTM network, the 
key milestones of each program, and the timeline to reach full 
UTM integration.
    UAS Integration Pilot Program.--The Committee believes that 
the Department of Transportation Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) 
Integration Pilot Program is a crucial step toward enabling 
enhanced UAS operations and gathering data to safely integrate 
those expanded operations into the national airspace system 
(NAS). In order to enable enhanced UAS operations, foster a 
diversity of state, local and tribal governments participating, 
and inform future FAA rulemaking, DOT shall enter into 
additional rounds of agreements with state, local and tribal 
governments no later than December 31, 2018. In carrying out 
the pilot program, the Committee urges the FAA to consider 
areas that feature large parcels of unpopulated or sparsely 
populated land and over which civil aircraft have limited 
operations, and where testing of multiple UAS may be conducted 
simultaneously at various altitudes using several 
communications links.
    Large Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--While most of the FAA's 
attention to date has focused on the integration of small 
unmanned aircraft into our airspace, the Committee is aware of 
the economic potential of larger certifiable classes of 
unmanned aircraft operating at higher altitudes and with longer 
range and persistence. While the Committee understands the 
integration of large UAS will not be an overnight 
transformation, it is time for the FAA to recognize and respond 
to the near-term arrival of technologies that usher in this 
next phase of UAS integration. The Committee therefore directs 
the FAA to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations, not later than 120 days after enactment of 
this act, on the anticipated economic benefits of large 
unmanned aircraft in both cargo and passenger applications, the 
need for performance-based standards to safely integrate these 
new systems into our airspace, and the agency's recommendations 
for accelerating its regulatory approach, to keep pace with 
technological developments and industry demand in this emerging 
sector of the UAS market.
    Aircraft Certification Service.--The Committee 
recommendation includes no less than $232,000,000 for the 
Aircraft Certification Service.
    Additive manufacturing.--The Committee is aware the 
aerospace industry has recently focused on additive 
manufacturing of advanced components where the advantages can 
significantly transform aircraft and spacecraft propulsion 
along with their entire design, manufacturing, and distribution 
channels. A primary challenge in additive manufacturing (AM) 
for aerospace applications is the certification of flight 
worthiness of complex AM-constructed metallic components. 
Current qualification and certification approaches are 
inadequate to capture the wide variety of AM machine types and 
the expanding complexity of AM-producible designs. The 
Committee recommends that FAA prioritize the development of 
advanced non-destructive inspection methodologies to address 
these challenges.
    Flight standards.--The Committee believes Flight Standards 
must focus on streamlining regulatory processes and driving 
consistency into the interpretation and application of 
oversight activities. In this regard, the Committee understands 
that the FAA Flight Standards Service is directly responsible 
for certain activities supporting the type certification, 
delivery, and operation of new aircraft. These activities 
includes review and approval of flight manuals, instructions 
for continued airworthiness and minimum equipment lists which 
require consistent and timely response from the Flight 
Standards policy and field offices including Aircraft 
Evaluation Group and Flight Standards District Offices. With 
the funds provided, the committee directs FAA to work with 
industry and bilateral partners to ensure that these Flight 
Standards activities contribute to improving the effectiveness 
and efficiency of certification processes, streamlining the 
entry into service of new aircraft, and enhancing the 
acceptance and validation of aviation products globally.
    Allergic reactions aboard aircraft.--The Committee directs 
the FAA to review its policies concerning severe allergic 
reactions aboard aircraft and submit a report within 90 days of 
enactment detailing the reporting requirements for airlines 
when an allergic reaction occurs, the data collection standards 
for such a report, and the number of reports in the past year.
    Human Intervention Motivation Study and the Flight 
Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program.--The Committee recognizes 
the effectiveness of the Human Intervention Motivation Study 
(HIMS) and the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program 
(FADAP) in mitigating drug and alcohol abuse through a peer 
identification and intervention program. The Committee 
recommends that the FAA continue to prioritize this program and 
urges the FAA to continue this program from within available 
resources.
    Technician staffing and training.--The Office of Inspector 
General (OIG) is expected to release the Committee's requested 
audit on technician staffing and placement during the summer of 
2018. The Committee is interested in reviewing the OIG's 
findings and recommendations to ensure that there is adequate 
technician staffing at all critical air traffic control 
facilities. In addition, the Committee understands that OIG 
intends to review the FAA's training programs as a follow up to 
the staffing review. The Committee directs the OIG to include a 
review and description of FAA's use of virtual and online 
learning as a training tool for its technical workforce. The 
Committee directs the OIG to provide an update on its training 
review within 90 days of enactment.
    Safety critical staffing and training.--On April 27, 2018, 
the House overwhelmingly passed the ``FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018'' (H.R. 4). Section 302 of H.R. 4 requires the FAA to 
update the safety critical staffing model to determine the 
number of aviation safety inspectors that will be needed to 
fulfill the FAA's safety oversight mission and requires an OIG 
audit of the staffing model. The Committee supports efforts to 
update the staffing model and urges the FAA to move 
expeditiously. Adequate inspector staffing levels must also be 
accompanied by thorough training to ensure proper safety 
oversight of certificated entities. The Committee directs the 
OIG to conduct a review of the FAA's safety inspector training 
program and to provide a report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment.

                    COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION

    The Committee recommends $24,917,000 for the Office of 
Commercial Space Transportation, which is $2,330,000 above the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $3,339,000 above the budget 
request. The additional funding supports the Administration's 
regulatory reform efforts to keep pace with the growing 
commercial space industry, including efforts to streamline 
permitting and keep pace with the growing number of commercial 
space launches.
    Lunar exploration and development.--The Committee commends 
the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation's efforts to 
promote private sector Lunar exploration and development and 
encourages the FAA to explicitly define non-interference and to 
enhance its payload review process to provide companies 
planning private sector Lunar development with the security and 
predictability necessary to support substantial investments. 
The Committee also encourages the office, in collaboration with 
the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, to 
engage in conversation with NASA to explore the lift power and 
capacity of the Space Launch System (SLS) as a means of 
facilitating commercial-space efforts, in accordance with the 
Commercial Space Launch Act, in which the SLS sometimes serves 
in an infrastructure-building role to speed the transport of 
large-volume payloads and non-profit or cost-sharing payloads, 
and payloads which benefit from being inserted into lunar orbit 
together.
    Space situational awareness.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of space situational awareness on access to and use 
of space. The Committee expects the FAA to continue to engage 
in a pilot program with the Department of Defense in order to 
determine the requirements necessary for operational space 
situational awareness. As part of this effort, the FAA should 
also study how best to acquire, compile, and share space 
situational data, considering such sources such as 
governmental, academic, commercial, and international.

                         FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT

    The Committee recommends $816,234,000 for finance and 
management activities, which is $14,728,000 above the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $45,224,000 above the budget 
request.
    Aircraft Accessibility.--The Committee notes the air 
travel-related challenges for disabled and paralyzed Americans, 
including damaged assistive devices, delayed assistance, and 
lack of seating accommodations. Therefore, the Committee 
encourages the Secretary of Transportation and Administrator of 
the FAA to work with the air travel industry to improve 
accessibility for disabled Americans. Further, not later than 
180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Committee directs 
the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on its initiatives 
to increase air-travel accessibility.
    Controller workforce diversity.--The fiscal year 2018 
Committee Report included direction for FAA to continue to 
update the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the 
diversity of the controller workforce. The Committee noted that 
revised hiring procedures yielded a class of developmental 
controllers that represent a more diverse demographic and 
expressed interest. The Committee urges FAA to continue to 
identify any barriers to the success of the new controllers and 
develop strategies to remove those barriers.

                    NEXTGEN AND OPERATIONS PLANNING

    The Committee recommends $60,720,000 for NextGen and 
Operations Planning, which is $720,000 above the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $2,184,000 above the budget request.

                SECURITY AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

    The Committee recommends $114,018,000 for Security and 
Hazardous Materials Safety, which is $1,396,000 above the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $8,460,000 above the budget 
request.

                             STAFF OFFICES

    The Committee recommends $215,295,000 for Staff Offices, 
which is $3,042,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $12,610,000 above the budget request.

                             BILL LANGUAGE

    Second career training program.--The bill retains language 
prohibiting the use of funds for the second career training 
program. This prohibition has been in annual appropriations 
Acts for many years, and is included in the President's budget 
request.
    Aviation user fees.--The bill includes a limitation carried 
for several years prohibiting funds from being used to finalize 
or implement any new unauthorized user fees.
    Aeronautical charting and cartography.--The bill maintains 
the provision prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to 
conduct aeronautical charting and cartography (AC&C) activities 
through the working capital fund (WCF).
    Credits.--The bill includes language allowing funds 
received from specified public, private, and foreign sources 
for expenses incurred to be credited to the appropriation.
    Contract weather observers.--The bill includes language 
which prohibits funds to eliminate the Contract Weather 
Observer program.

                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $3,250,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     2,766,572,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,250,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +483,428,000
 

    The Facilities and Equipment (F&E) 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 recommends an appropriation of $3,250,000,000 
for the FAA's facilities and equipment program. This level is 
the same level provided in fiscal year 2018 and $483,428,000 
above the budget request. The bill provides that, of the total 
amount recommended, $2,600,625,000 is available for obligation 
until September 30, 2021, and $515,325,000 (the amount for 
personnel and related expenses) is available until September 
30, 2020, and $143,050,000 is available until expended for 
facilities replacements and improvements.
    The following table provides funding levels for facilities 
and equipment activities and budget line items.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering, Development,
 Test and Evaluation:
    Advanced Technology Development         $33,000,000      $33,000,000
     and Prototyping..................
    William J. Hughes Technical Center       21,000,000       21,000,000
     Laboratory Sustainment...........
    William J. Hughes Technical Center       12,000,000       15,000,000
     Infrastructure Sustainment.......
    Separation Management Portfolio...       16,589,000       16,000,000
    Traffic Flow Management Portfolio.       14,000,000       17,000,000
    On Demand NAS Portfolio...........       20,500,000       28,500,000
    NAS Infrastructure Portfolio......       13,500,000       22,500,000
    NextGen Support Portfolio.........       12,800,000       12,800,000
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)...       14,000,000       25,000,000
    Enterprise, Concept Development,          9,500,000       19,500,000
     Human Factors, & Demonstrations
     Portfolio........................
                                       ---------------------------------
        TOTAL ACTIVITY 1..............      166,889,000      210,300,000
Activity 2--Air Traffic Control
 Facilities and Equipment:
a. En Route Programs
    En Route Automation Modernization       102,050,000      126,050,000
     (ERAM)-System Enhancements and
     Tech Refresh.....................
    En Route Communications Gateway           1,650,000        1,650,000
     (ECG)............................
    Next Generation Weather Radar             5,500,000        7,500,000
     (NEXRAD)--Provide................
    Air Route Traffic Control Center         88,050,000      108,050,000
     (ARTCC) & Combined Control
     Facility (CCF) Building
     Improvements.....................
    Air Traffic Management (ATM)......        6,200,000       16,055,000
    Air/Ground Communications                10,541,000        8,750,000
     Infrastructure...................
    Air Traffic Control En Route Radar        6,600,000        6,600,000
     Facilities Improvements..........
    Voice Switching and Control System       11,400,000       16,400,000
     (VSCS)...........................
    Oceanic Automation System.........       17,500,000       28,500,000
    Next Generation Very High                50,000,000       60,000,000
     Frequency Air/Ground
     Communications (NEXCOM)..........
    System-Wide Information Management       58,807,000       60,300,000
    ADS-B NAS Wide Implementation.....      123,748,000      143,700,000
    Collaborative Air Traffic                17,700,000       17,700,000
     Management Technologies..........
    Time Based Flow Management               21,150,000       28,150,000
     Portfolio........................
     NextGen Weather Processors.......       24,650,000       33,650,000
    Airborne Collision Avoidance              7,700,000        7,700,000
     System X (ACASX).................
    Data Communications in Support of       113,850,000      153,850,000
     NG Air Transportation System.....
    Non-Continental United States (Non-      14,000,000       14,000,000
     CONUS) Automation................
    Reduced Oceanic Separation........            - - -       25,000,000
    En Route Service Improvements.....        1,000,000        1,000,000
    Commercial Space Integration......        7,000,000        7,000,000
                                       ---------------------------------
        Subtotal En Route Programs....      689,096,000      871,605,000
b. Terminal Programs
    Airport Surface Detection                     - - -        5,000,000
     Equipment--Model X (ASDE-X)......
    Terminal Doppler Weather Radar            4,500,000        4,500,000
     (TDWR)--Provide..................
    Standard Terminal Automation             66,900,000       76,900,000
     Replacement System (STARS) (TAMR
     Phase 1).........................
    Terminal Automation Modernization/        9,012,000        8,000,000
     Replacement Program (TAMR Phase
     3)...............................
    Terminal Automation Program.......        8,500,000       13,500,000
    Terminal Air Traffic Control             19,200,000       27,200,000
     Facilities--Replace..............
    ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach             95,850,000      115,850,000
     Control (TRACON) Facilities--
     Improve..........................
    Terminal Voice Switch Replacement         9,574,000       19,600,000
     (TVSR)...........................
    NAS Facilities OSHA and                  41,900,000       41,900,000
     Environmental Standards
     Compliance.......................
    Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR-9)       12,800,000       12,800,000
    Terminal Digital Radar (ASR-11)           1,000,000        1,000,000
     Technology Refresh and Mobile
     Airport Surveillance Radar (MASR)
    Runway Status Lights..............        2,000,000        2,000,000
    National Airspace System Voice           43,150,000       43,150,000
     System (NVS).....................
    Integrated Display System (IDS)...       19,459,000       18,000,000
    Remote Monitoring and Logging            18,100,000       18,100,000
     System (RMLS)....................
    Mode S Service Life Extension            15,400,000       15,400,000
     Program (SLEP)...................
    Terminal Flight Data Manager            119,250,000      119,250,000
     (TFDM)...........................
    National Air Space (NAS) Voice           14,000,000       14,000,000
     Recorder Program (NVRP)..........
    Integrated Terminal Weather System        2,100,000        2,100,000
     (ITWS)...........................
    Performance Based Navigation &           20,000,000       20,000,000
     Metroplex Portfolio..............
                                       ---------------------------------
        Subtotal Terminal Programs....      522,695,000      578,250,000
c. Flight Service Programs
    Aviation Surface Observation             10,976,000       10,000,000
     System (ASOS)....................
    Future Flight Services Program....       10,100,000       10,100,000
    Alaska Flight Service Facility            2,650,000        2,650,000
     Modernization (AFSFM)............
    Weather Camera Program............        1,100,000        1,100,000
    Juneau Airport Wind System (JAWS)--       1,000,000        1,000,000
     Technology Refresh...............
                                       ---------------------------------
        Subtotal Flight Service              25,826,000       24,850,000
         Programs.....................
d. Landing and Navigational Aids
 Program
    VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range          15,000,000       25,000,000
     (VOR) Minimum Operating Network
     (MON)............................
    Wide Area Augmentation System            96,320,000       96,320,000
     (WAAS) for GPS...................
    Instrument Flight Procedures              1,400,000        1,400,000
     Automation (IFPA)................
    Runway Safety Areas--Navigational         2,000,000        2,000,000
     Mitigation.......................
    NAVAIDS Monitoring Equipment......        3,000,000        3,000,000
    Legacy Navigation Aids Portfolio..       42,372,000       55,900,000
                                       ---------------------------------
        Subtotal Landing and                160,092,000      183,620,000
         Navigational Aids Programs...
e. Other ATC Facilities Programs
    Fuel Storage Tank Replacement and        25,700,000       35,700,000
     Management.......................
    Unstaffed Infrastructure                 51,050,000       56,050,000
     Sustainment......................
    Aircraft Related Equipment Program       13,000,000       26,000,000
    Airport Cable Loop Systems--             10,000,000       12,000,000
     Sustained Support................
    Alaskan Satellite                        16,300,000       16,300,000
     Telecommunications Infrastructure
     (ASTI)...........................
    Facilities Decommissioning........        9,000,000        9,000,000
    Electrical Power Systems--Sustain/      140,834,000      150,400,000
     Support..........................
    Energy Management and Compliance          2,400,000        3,400,000
     (EMC)............................
    Child Care Center Sustainment.....        1,000,000        1,000,000
    FAA Telecommunications                    6,700,000       59,200,000
     Infrastructure...................
    Data Visualization, Analysis and          4,500,000        4,500,000
     Reporting System (DVARS).........
    TDM-to-IP Migration...............        3,000,000       38,000,000
                                       ---------------------------------
        Subtotal Other ATC Facilities       283,484,000      411,550,000
         Programs.....................
                                       =================================
            TOTAL ACTIVITY 2..........    1,681,193,000    2,069,875,000
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic Control
 Facilities and Equipment:
a. Support Equipment
    Hazardous Materials Management....       29,800,000       29,800,000
    Aviation Safety Analysis System          18,899,000       18,700,000
     (ASAS)...........................
    National Air Space (NAS) Recovery        12,200,000       12,000,000
     Communications (RCOM)............
    Facility Security Risk Management.       18,608,000       19,600,000
    Information Security..............       16,000,000       26,000,000
    System Approach for Safety               25,400,000       25,400,000
     Oversight (SASO).................
    Aviation Safety Knowledge                 6,000,000        6,000,000
     Management Environment (ASKME)...
    Aerospace Medical Equipment Needs        14,078,000       14,000,000
     (AMEN)...........................
    System Safety Management Portfolio       14,700,000       15,700,000
    National Test Equipment Program...        5,000,000        5,000,000
    Mobile Assets Management Program..        2,216,000        3,200,000
    Aerospace Medicine Safety                16,100,000       16,100,000
     Information Systems (AMSIS)......
    Tower Simulation System (TSS)               500,000          500,000
     Technology Refresh...............
    Logistics Support Systems and             7,100,000        7,100,000
     Facilities (LSSF)................
        Subtotal Support Equipment....      186,601,000      199,100,000
b. Training, Equipment and Facilities
    Aeronautical Center Infrastructure       14,298,000       14,000,000
     Modernization....................
    Distance Learning.................        1,000,000        1,000,000
                                       ---------------------------------
    Subtotal Training, Equipment and         15,298,000       15,000,000
     Facilities.......................
                                       =================================
            TOTAL ACTIVITY 3..........      201,899,000      214,100,000
Activity 4--Facilities and Equipment
 Mission Support:
a. System Support and Services
    System Engineering and Development       38,000,000       39,700,000
     Support..........................
    Program Support Leases............       47,000,000       47,000,000
    Logistics and Acquisition Support        11,000,000       12,500,000
     Services.........................
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center        20,200,000       20,200,000
     Leases...........................
    Transition Engineering Support....       17,000,000       22,000,000
    Technical Support Services               23,000,000       28,000,000
     Contract (TSSC)..................
    Resource Tracking Program (RTP)...        6,000,000        8,000,000
    Center for Advanced Aviation             57,000,000       57,000,000
     System Development (CAASD).......
    Aeronautical Information                  6,819,000        5,000,000
     Management Program...............
    Cross Agency NextGen Management...        1,000,000        1,000,000
                                       =================================
            TOTAL ACTIVITY 4..........      227,019,000      240,400,000
Activity 5--Personnel and Related
 Expenses:
    Personnel and Related Expenses....      489,572,000      515,325,000
                                       =================================
            TOTAL ALL ACTIVITIES......    2,766,572,000    3,250,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    William J. Hughes Technical Center Infrastructure 
Sustainment.--The Committee recommendation includes $15,000,000 
for Technical Center Infrastructure Sustainment, an increase of 
$3,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee urges FAA to 
achieve energy improvements at the Center through strategic 
replacement of glass and glazing in windows and doors with high 
efficiency glass and glazing to reduce long-term energy 
consumption and radiated heat/cooling loss. The FAA should 
develop an efficiency plan to achieve energy efficiency gains 
to the facility with a goal to reduce long-term operational 
costs.
    Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability.--
The Committee supports the safe integration of unmanned 
aircraft system (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) 
and recognizes that Low Altitude Authorization and Notification 
Capability (LAANC) for UAS operations in controlled airspace is 
a necessary building block of UAS traffic management (UTM). To 
accelerate these efforts, the bill includes $25,000,000 for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems activities within the Engineering, 
Development, Testing, and Evaluation activity, an increase of 
$11,000,000 above the budget request. LAANC is an important 
step forward by replacing a 90-day manual review with a near-
real time review for commercial UAS operations in low altitude 
controlled airspace that has been determined to be safe, which 
creates jobs and grows local economies in airspace that was 
previously restricted. LAANC leverages significant industry 
investment by UAS Service Suppliers and provides the FAA with 
critical data regarding UAS operations, essential for 
integrating UAS in the NAS.
    Enterprise, concept development, human factors and 
demonstration.--The Committee recommends $19,500,000 for 
Enterprise, Concept Development, Human Factors, & 
Demonstrations Portfolio, which is a $10,000,000 increase above 
the budget request. Within these amounts, $7,000,000 is to 
expand the use of remote tower technology. The Committee 
supports remote tower systems as a means to enhance safety, 
reduce costs, and expand air traffic control services, 
especially at lower activity airports. With infrared, moving 
object tracking, and advanced technologies, remote towers have 
the potential to improve safety margins and provide operational 
benefits at night and in bad weather compared to conventional 
towers. The FAA has a pilot program underway to certify this 
technology for operation in the National Airspace System. Not 
later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the Committee 
directs the FAA to expand the scope of the pilot program to 
deploy remote tower systems to at least two airports in order 
to provide air traffic control services from a single remote 
tower center.
    Next Generation Very High Frequency Air/Ground 
Communications (NEXCOM).--The Committee recommendation includes 
$60,000,000 for NEXCOM, an increase of $10,000,000 above the 
budget request. This increase is included to provide Voice over 
Internet Protocol (VOIP) upgrades to meet the requirements of 
Segment 2 radios.
    Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance Radar (SENSR).--
The Committee recommends that the FAA, as the lead agency in 
the emerging joint Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance 
Radar (SENSR) initiative, continue supporting the decision to 
vacate the 1300-1350 MHz band and provide 50 MHz of spectrum 
for FCC auctions. The Committee also urges the FAA's full 
commitment to the ultimate goal of the SENSR program, which is 
the recapitalization of the entire domestic and US protectorate 
regions' radar infrastructure. Lastly, the Committee urges the 
FAA and the other agencies involved in the SENSR auction to 
continue to ensure that the proceeds from the Spectrum auction 
will be used to support the intended SENSR vision of a combined 
set of multi-Departmental missions.
    NextGen Weather Processor.--The Committee recognizes that 
the NextGen Weather Processor (NWP) provides valuable and cost 
effective weather information for air traffic management 
decision making that will significantly improve national 
aviation safety. The National Airspace System (NAS) will 
benefit from the implementation of the NWP system, particularly 
for managing airspace experiencing severe weather events which 
have significant financial and loss of life consequences. The 
Committee also recognizes that additional funding for NWP in 
FY19 will mitigate gaps in the NWP development plan and will 
also allow the FAA to maximize the cost efficiencies, as well 
as technical and operational skills, inherent in the use of the 
existing development team. To derive these benefits, the 
Committee recommendation includes $33,650,000, which is 
$9,000,000 above the budget request, for the additional 
software releases required to mitigate the three year gap 
between the completion of the Work Package 1 software 
development and the start of the Work Package 2 development 
that currently exists in the FAA Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
    Reduced Oceanic Separation.--The recommendation includes 
$25,000,000 for reduced oceanic separation to enable reduced 
separation in oceanic traffic, enable new air routes which will 
increase airspace capacity, and reduce time for search and 
rescue missions.
    Terminal airport traffic control facilities replace.--The 
Committee is concerned that there are some contract towers that 
are more than 40 years of age, are non-compliant with OSHA 
standards, and have line of sight issues that threaten air 
traffic control and passenger safety. The Committee directs the 
FAA to conduct assessments of these towers and report back to 
the Committee within 90 days of enactment.
    Financing long-term capital investment projects.--The 
Committee is interested in innovative financing instruments 
that could accelerate funding for major capital projects, 
whether for modernization of air traffic control systems or 
improvement or replacement of air traffic control facilities. 
Borrowing authority could provide a means to make significant 
investments for major long-term capital needs with predictable, 
stable expenditures over time. The Committee directs the FAA to 
evaluate options financing long-term capital investments and 
report its findings and recommendations to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations no later than 120 days after 
enactment of this Act.
    VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) with Distance 
Measuring Equipment (DME).--The Committee recommendation 
includes $25,000,000 for VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR) 
with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), an increase of 
$10,000,000 above the budget request to continue FAA's efforts 
to address the rationalization and recapitalization of aging 
infrastructure of en route navigational aids through a service 
base contract. For several years, the Committee has provided 
additional resources and explicit direction to the FAA to move 
forward with this important initiative. Although the FAA has 
conducted two market surveys, there is no indication that the 
agency is on a path to meeting the Committee's timeline and 
objectives. The Committee directs the FAA to report on progress 
to date and on their plan for accomplishing this directed 
action to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 120 days of enactment.
    Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).--The Committee 
continues to be concerned that the FAA's WAAS ground based 
infrastructure will not be ready to work with the new GPS III 
constellation's dual frequency capability. The Committee also 
understands that WAAS DFO Segment 2 is not to begin acquisition 
until 2019. The Committee understands that these efforts were 
to be accomplished in WAAS DFO Segment 2, which will develop 
and implement the new algorithms and integrity validation for 
the new dual frequency enhancement to this safety-of-life 
application. To mitigate risk associated with the GPS-III 
schedule delays combined with reduction in access to original 
engineers over time, the committee recommends that the FAA 
expand WAAS DFO Segment 1 scope to begin modeling and 
prototyping of the new algorithms using all available original 
WAAS development expertise. The Committee directs the FAA to 
provide an update report on the status of accomplishing these 
directed actions within 90 days after passage of this 
legislation.
    Telecommunications Infrastructure.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $59,200,000 FAA Telecommunications 
Infrastructure, which is $52,500,000 above the budget request. 
The Committee directs the FAA to use a portion of this 
additional funding, as well as the funds provided for this 
budget line item in fiscal year 2018, to update security 
equipment to meet new cyber threats and upgrade capacity for 
the NAS Enterprise Security Gateway (NESG). The NESG provides 
cybersecurity boundary protection for SWIM and the national 
airspace system. This level of funding will complete the 
technical refresh and capacity upgrade of the NESG platform.
    Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)-to-Internet Protocol (IP) 
Migration.--The Committee recommendation provides $38,000,000 
for TDM-to-IP migration, which is $35,000,000 above the budget 
request. Major commercial telecommunications carriers have 
stated their intention to discontinue TDM-based services as 
early as 2020. The potential impact to FAA is significant as 
approximately 90 percent of air traffic telecommunications 
services are TDM-based, including radar, navigation aids, and 
weather instruments. While NextGen and other modernization 
programs will field new technology with IP interfaces, most 
legacy systems will continue with TDM access. Of the funds 
provided in the Committee recommendation, $35,000,000 is only 
to provide FTI services to convert an additional approximately 
400 FAA locations from TDM to IP with Ethernet.
    Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.--The 
Committee commends the FAA for the collaborative government-
industry Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
(ASIAS) whose mission is to proactively discover and mitigate 
emerging safety issues, before they result in an incident or 
accident. The Committee appreciates this collaborative 
initiative that has resulted in the implementation of safety 
enhancements that have improved our nation's aviation safety. 
The Committee directs the FAA to accelerate the ASIAS 
capabilities, including Fusion, next generation of ASIAS 
architecture, and expanding General Aviation safety elements. 
Within 180 days of the enactment of this legislation, the FAA 
shall provide a report to Congress on the status of ASIAS 
capability acceleration.

                             BILL LANGUAGE

    Capital investment plan.--The bill continues to require the 
submission of a five-year capital investment plan.

                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $188,926,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        74,406,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       180,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -8,926,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +105,594,000
 

    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 recommendation includes $180,000,000 for 
FAA's research, engineering, and development programs, which is 
$8,926,000 less than the enacted level and $105,594,000 above 
budget request.
    The recommendation rejects the proposal to dramatically 
reduce research, evaluation and demonstration activities for 
aviation. The Committee recommendation supports the current 
level of research personnel at research facilities and 
continues funding for critical research activities associated 
with aviation safety, the integration of UAS into the airspace, 
airplane noise mitigation, and the advancement of commercial 
space applications. The Committee also notes that the Federal 
investment in aviation research is complemented by private 
sector participation at FAA research facilities, test sites, 
and Centers of Excellence, and provides funding to continue to 
support these stakeholder partnerships.
    The Committee recommendation includes the following funding 
levels for research, engineering, and development programs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Request       Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Research & Safety..............        $4,867,000        $7,200,000
Propulsion & Fuel Systems...........           555,000         3,295,000
Advanced Materials/Structural Safety         2,300,000         4,824,000
Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety/        7,684,000         9,673,000
 Aircraft Cyber.....................
Continued Air Worthiness............         4,969,000        11,269,000
Aircraft Catastrophic Failure                    - - -             - - -
 Prevention Research................
Flightdeck/Maintenance/System                5,052,000         7,546,000
 Integration Human Factors..........
Safety System Management............           799,000         6,381,000
Air Traffic Control/Technical                1,436,000         6,091,000
 Operations Human Factors...........
Aeromedical Research................         3,875,000        11,003,000
Weather Research....................         6,580,000        15,216,000
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research..         3,318,000         8,318,000
NextGen--Alternative Fuels for                   - - -         1,900,000
 General Aviation...................
Commercial Space....................         2,500,000         5,262,000
    Total Safety....................        43,935,000        97,978,000
NextGen--Wake Turbulence............         3,519,000         8,019,000
NextGen--Air Ground Integration.....         1,336,000         7,949,000
NextGen--Weather Technology in the           1,525,000         5,860,000
 Cockpit............................
NextGen Information Security........         1,232,000         3,000,000
NextGen--Flight Data Exchange.......         1,035,000         2,628,000
    Total Economic Competiveness....         8,647,000        27,456,000
Environment & Energy................        11,588,000        18,013,000
NextGen Environmental Research--             7,578,000        29,174,000
 Aircraft Technologies, Fuels and
 Metrics............................
    Environmental Sustainability....        19,166,000        47,187,000
System Planning and Resource                 1,480,000         2,808,000
 Management.........................
WJHTC Lab Facilities................         1,178,000         4,571,000
    Mission Support.................         2,658,000         7,379,000
        Total.......................        74,406,000       180,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $8,318,000 for Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems Research, an increase of $5,000,000 above the budget 
request to support research and development activities to 
accelerate the safe integration of UAS into the national 
airspace.
    Accelerating UAS Traffic Management.--The Committee 
believes that an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) traffic 
management (UTM) network is critical to safe integration in the 
National Airspace System (NAS) and innovative uses of beyond 
visual line of sight drone operations, such as package 
delivery, infrastructure inspections, and precision 
agriculture. Unlike crash avoidance and flight planning, UTM 
will allow for the active management of UAS at the volume of 
operations expected. The Committee is concerned that FAA is not 
acting with sufficient urgency to meet its statutory 
obligations under Section 2208 of the FAA Extension, Safety, 
and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190) to develop a UTM 
research plan and establish a pilot program. The nationwide Low 
Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) 
program and a UTM pilot program are both essential building 
blocks to enable states and regions to establish UTM networks. 
Therefore, NASA and the FAA shall submit the research plan 
required under Section 2208 by September 30, 2018 and 
demonstrate pilot program use cases by December 31, 2018. Upon 
completion of the demonstration project, pilot program research 
and development shall be transferred to the FAA Air Traffic 
Organization so that all UTM development efforts are 
consolidated and industry UAS Service Suppliers can build and 
deploy a UTM network.
    Counter unmanned aircraft systems.--The Committee 
recommends that FAA promote research and demonstration 
activities for counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) to 
protect airports and the national airspace (NAS) as the FAA 
accelerates its efforts to safely integrate UASs into the 
national airspace. The Committee believes that the successful 
integration of these capabilities to identify, monitor and 
track the UAS and UAS handset operator; differentiate between 
authorized and unauthorized UASs; capable of identifying the 
specific signature of the UAS and UAS handset; operate in a 
completely passive mode and not interfere with existing 
aviation, civilian or commercial communications systems; and 
non-kinetic will help protect U.S. airports and the NAS from 
errant or nefarious drone operators. CUAS capabilities will 
allow the FAA to protect airport operations, navigation, air 
traffic services and provide for the safe and efficient 
operation of the national airspace system.
    UAS test sites.--The Committee recognizes the critical and 
unique role the FAA UAS Test Sites serve in perpetuating 
technology innovations through safety and operational needs to 
safety integrate in the national airspace. As such, the test 
sites must be on the forefront of the technology and the 
adoption thereof. Therefore, the Committee recommends the FAA 
grant specific beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) authority.
    UAS firefighting interference.--The Committee directs FAA 
to utilize its test sites, research efforts, and pilot programs 
to develop systems to detect and mitigate unauthorized UAS that 
interfere with firefighting efforts in our nation. The system 
should detect, identify and track both the air vehicle and 
ground controller; must be controlled by an entity that is 
independent from and would not be dependent on compliance by 
the UAS manufacturer or the UAS user/operator; would have the 
capability to adapt to fluid borders; differentiate between 
legitimate firefighting UAS and unauthorized UAS; and not 
interfere with essential first responder communications 
systems. The Committee directs FAA to report on these efforts 
no later than 120 days after enactment of this Act.
    Alternative fuels for general aviation.--The Committee 
provides $1,900,000 for alternative fuels for general aviation. 
This program received $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2018 and is 
proposed for elimination in the budget request. Funds are 
provided to complete the testing and certification activities 
under the current test program and support the current 
personnel required for operations and equipment needs of the 
lab.
    NextGen, Environmental Research-Aircraft Technologies, 
Fuels, and Metrics.--The recommendation includes $29,174,000 
for NextGen, Environmental Research-Aircraft Technologies, 
Fuels, and Metrics, the same as the enacted level and an 
increase of $20,156,000 above the budget request. This program 
supports efforts to reduce the impacts associated with aviation 
noise and exhaust emissions and increasing energy efficiency 
and availability. This program utilizes the Center of 
Excellence (COE) to discover, analyze, and develop science-
based solutions to the energy and environmental challenges 
facing the aviation industry. Funding for this activity will 
advance the goal of developing and operating an aviation system 
that improves aviation's energy and environmental position, 
does not constrain growth, and improves sustainability.
    The Committee recognizes that great strides in the safety 
of our airspace have been made possible by the presence of two 
well-trained, qualified pilots in our commercial aircraft. 
Funds made available in this Act to study alternative crew 
compliments for flight decks in commercial operations should 
prioritize the safety effects relative to two-person flights. 
This direction is not intended to limit FAA's research and 
development activities related to unmanned aerial vehicles.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Liquidation of
                                         contract        Limitation on
                                      authorization       obligations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...     $3,000,000,000     $3,350,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019..      3,000,000,000      3,350,000,000
Recommended in the bill...........      3,000,000,000      3,350,000,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year                  - - -              - - -
 2018.............................
    Budget request, fiscal year                 - - -              - - -
 2019.............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The bill includes a liquidating cash appropriation of 
$3,000,000,000 for grants-in-aid for airports, authorized by 
the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, as amended, 
which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 level and the same as 
the budget request. This funding provides for liquidation of 
obligations incurred pursuant to contract authority and annual 
limitations on obligations for grants-in-aid for airport 
planning and development, noise compatibility and planning, the 
military airport program, reliever airports, airport program 
administration, and other authorized activities.

                       LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS

    The bill includes a limitation on obligations of 
$3,350,000,000, which is the same as both the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and the budget request.
    Foreign object detection.--The Committee understands the 
concerns and annual costs associated with foreign object debris 
FOD and pavement damage on the aviation industry and supports 
the implementation of policy for the detection and mitigation 
of FOD and pavement damage at all air carrier airport 
locations. The Committee commends the FAA on developing 
baseline standards for technologies that help guide the air 
transport community in their procurement of FOD detection 
devices and encourages the FAA to continue working with 
industry to identify new technologies as they continue to 
evolve concerning the detection and mitigation of FOD and 
pavement damage. As the FAA continues analyzing such advanced 
automated technologies, the Committee believes there may be 
value in identifying whether these techniques can replace the 
manual inspection requirements currently mandated in FAA policy 
and CFR Part 139. The Committee directs the FAA Administrator 
to provide a report no later than 180 days after the enactment 
of this Act on the use of automated technologies that could 
serve as a viable replacement to manual inspections currently 
required by law for airport certification under CFR Part 139.
    Sound insulation.--The Committee continues to be concerned 
about the impacts of airplane noise on human health and the 
standard of living of residents impacted by airplane noise. 
FAA's criteria for federally funded sound insulation should not 
limit this important tool for airports to address community 
concerns about noise impacts. The Committee strongly encourages 
the FAA to provide airports with flexibility and to expand 
eligibility where appropriate and permit second round 
insulation to account for subsequent improvements in 
technology.

                  ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH PROGRAMS

    Airport administrative expenses.--Within the overall 
obligation limitation, the bill includes $112,600,000 for the 
administration of the airports program by the FAA. This funding 
level is $737,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
the same as the budget request.
    Airport cooperative research program (ACRP).--The 
recommendation includes $15,000,000, which is the same as the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the budget request. The ACRP 
identifies shared problem areas facing airports that can be 
solved through applied research but are not adequately 
addressed by existing federal research programs.
    Airport technology research.--The Committee recommendation 
includes a minimum of $33,194,000 for the FAA's airport 
technology research program, which is $16,000 below the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and the same as the budget request. The 
funds provided for this program are utilized to conduct 
research in the areas of airport pavement; airport marking and 
lighting; airport rescue and firefighting; airport planning and 
design; wildlife hazard mitigation; and visual guidance.
    Airport agreements review.--The Government Accountability 
Office is directed to review the security implications of the 
use of FAA airport funds for contractual agreements with 
foreign-owned, directed, or subsidized companies that have been 
determined by a U.S. Federal court, once all appeals are final, 
to have misappropriated intellectual property and trade secrets 
from a United States company. The review should also evaluate 
the FAA's processes to evaluate and mitigate such risks.

                             BILL LANGUAGE

    Runway incursion prevention systems and devices.--
Consistent with prior year appropriations Acts, the bill allows 
funds under this limitation to be used for airports to procure 
and install runway incursion prevention systems and devices.

                       GRANTS IN AID TO AIRPORTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $1,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       500,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -500,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +500,000,000
 

    The Committee recommendation includes $500,000,000 in 
discretionary funding for additional grants for airport 
infrastructure. This is $500,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $500,000,000 above the budget request. These 
grants are to be allocated to high priority airport projects on 
a competitive basis. The recommendation includes a provision to 
provide reimbursements to airports affected by Temporary Flight 
Restrictions (TFRs).

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

    Section 110. The Committee retains a provision limiting the 
number of technical work years at the Center for Advanced 
Aviation Systems Development to 600 in fiscal year 2019.
    Section 111. The Committee retains a provision prohibiting 
FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the agency 
`without cost' building construction, maintenance, utilities 
and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings, except in 
the case of certain specified exceptions.
    Section 112. The Committee continues a provision allowing 
reimbursement for fees collected and credited under 49 U.S.C. 
45303.
    Section 113. The Committee continues a provision allowing 
reimbursement of funds for providing technical assistance to 
foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the operations 
account.
    Section 114. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting FAA from paying Sunday premium pay, except in those 
cases where the individual actually worked on a Sunday.
    Section 115. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting FAA from using funds to purchase store gift cards 
or gift certificates through a government-issued credit card.
    Section 116. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires approval from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Administration of the Department of Transportation for 
retention bonuses for any FAA employee.
    Section 117. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires the Secretary to block the display of an owner or 
operator's aircraft registration number in the Aircraft 
Situational Display to Industry program, upon the request of an 
owner or operator.
    Section 118. The Committee continues a provision that 
limits the number of FAA political appointees to eight.
    Section 119. The Committee continues a provision that 
prohibits funds for any increase in fees for navigational 
products until FAA has reported a justification for such fees 
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 119A. The Committee continues a provision that 
requires FAA to notify the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations at least 90 days before closing a regional 
operations center or reducing the services it provides.
    Section 119B. The Committee continues a provision 
prohibiting funds to change weight restrictions or prior 
permission rules at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, New Jersey.
    Section 119C. The Committee includes a provision setting 
requirements for the Contract Tower program.
    Section 119D. The Committee includes a provision that 
requires FAA to take certain actions related to organization 
delegation authorization.
    Section 119E. The Committee includes a provision that 
prohibits FAA from excluding funding for certain structures 
from the Airport Improvement Program.

                     FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

    The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides 
financial assistance to the 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.

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $442,691,925
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       449,692,304
Recommended in the bill...............................       449,692,304
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +7,000,379
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    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 $449,692,304, including $3,248,000 
transferred to the Appalachian Regional Commission. The 
recommendation is $7,000,379 above the enacted level, and the 
same as the budget request.

                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Fiscal year 2018     Fiscal 2019
                        Program                               enacted            request          Recommended
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways (obligation limitation)...........        $44,234,212        $45,268,596        $45,268,596
Exempt contract authority..............................            739,000            739,000            739,000
    Total program level................................         44,973,212         46,007,596         46,007,596
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The federal-aid highways program is designed to aid in the 
development, operations, and management of an intermodal 
transportation system that is economically efficient and 
environmentally sound, to provide the foundation for the nation 
to compete in the global economy, and to move people and goods 
safely.
    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.
    Programs included within the federal-aid highways program 
are financed from the highway trust fund. The federal-aid 
highways program is funded by contract authority, and 
liquidating cash appropriations are subsequently provided to 
fund outlays resulting from obligations incurred under contract 
authority. 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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total program level of 
$46,007,596,000 for the regular federal-aid highways program in 
fiscal year 2019. This amount is $1,034,384,000 above the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the same as the budget 
request. Included within the recommended amount is an 
obligation limitation of $45,268,596,000 and $739,000,000 in 
contract authority that is exempt from the obligation 
limitation.
    Permeable Pavements.--The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to accelerate research, demonstration, and deployment 
for permeable pavements to achieve flood mitigation, pollutant 
reduction, stormwater runoff reduction, and conservation. The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to conduct comprehensive 
life cycle cost analyses of permeable pavements compared to 
non-permeable pavements. The Committee encourages the Secretary 
to conduct full-scale load testing to establish structural 
design methods for permeable pavements to enhance roadway 
stormwater mitigation and flood reduction. The Secretary should 
make findings of this research available to state and local 
departments of transportation.
    Structurally deficient bridges.--The Committee is concerned 
with the large number of structurally deficient bridges in the 
U.S. and recognizes that corrosion is a leading cause of bridge 
failure. The committee also recognizes that the use of industry 
best practices in corrosion planning and prevention can greatly 
lengthen the life cycle of a bridge, saving taxpayer money, and 
protecting public safety and the environment. Therefore, the 
Committee directs the Secretary to consult with state 
transportation departments to ensure that contractors and 
subcontractors hired for bridge construction, alteration, or 
maintenance projects using federal taxpayer money, other than 
those involving minor repair work, are utilizing industry best 
practices to prevent, mitigate, and control corrosion. Industry 
best practices include surface preparation, protective 
coatings, materials selection, cathodic protection, corrosion 
engineering, and personnel training. The Secretary should 
ensure that state departments of transportation are using 
qualified contractors and subcontractors capable of meeting 
industry best practices in the prevention of corrosion in 
bridge projects. The employment of appropriately trained 
applicator specialists, the use of certified cathodic 
protection specialists, and the use of industry-certified 
coatings and cathodic protection inspectors can improve the 
chances that best practices are followed. The Secretary shall 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, 
the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the 
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee within one year 
of enactment of this Act on the status of corrosion control 
planning by state departments of transportation and corrosion 
control best practice requirements in state regulations and bid 
specifications for bridge projects using federal funding. The 
Secretary shall also report on what steps have been taken, in 
consultation with state departments of transportation, to 
ensure that contractors and subcontractors hired for bridge 
construction are qualified and utilizing industry best 
practices to prevent, mitigate, and control corrosion.
    The Committee is also concerned about the demands being 
placed on structurally deficient bridges. The June 2015 
Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Technical Reports Summary 
found that 4,845 bridges would need to be strengthened or 
replaced to handle the additional stress if federal truck 
weights were increased to 91,000 pounds. A significant increase 
in federal truck size could create greater funding needs and 
cost implications should be weighed by the Department and 
Congress before any change in national policy is considered.
    Alternative fuel corridors.--The FAST Act required the 
Secretary to designate national electric vehicle charging, 
hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling corridors within one 
year from the date of enactment. Additionally, the FAST Act 
required DOT to submit a report to Congress, which identifies 
charging and fueling infrastructure and an analysis of the 
standardization needs for fuel providers and purchasers with 
the goal of achieving strategic deployment of fueling 
infrastructure in the designated corridors by the end of 2020. 
The Committee urges FHWA to proactively work with the States to 
ensure steady progress is made in achieving this goal. The 
Committee directs FHWA to provide a report to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations on the status of fueling 
infrastructure deployment within 180 days of enactment.
    Advanced digital construction management systems.--The 
Committee supports the technology and innovation deployment 
program's efforts to improve the safety, efficiency, 
reliability, and performance of our transportation 
infrastructure. There is a growing need to accelerate the 
adoption of best practices, technologies, and materials that 
lead to faster construction and cost-effective rehabilitation 
of highway infrastructure. The Committee directs the Secretary 
to prioritize demonstrations and deployments of advanced 
digital construction management systems when awarding funding 
under the technology and innovation deployment program.
    Smart infrastructure research.--The Committee recognizes 
the importance of building advanced infrastructure to meet the 
needs of the 21st Century and encourages the Department to 
prioritize resources provided in this Act toward smart 
infrastructure and smart infrastructure research. In order to 
ensure that infrastructure incorporates advanced sensor and 
other smart technologies, the Department is also encouraged to 
engage with the nation's research community.
    Connected, Automated Vehicles and Infrastructure Systems 
(CAVIS) research and deployment.--Over the past few years, 
various elements of CAVIS have been developed on a limited 
basis in controlled environments to test systems for collision 
avoidance or signal preemption for emergency vehicles. While 
such efforts in proving grounds and test facilities are 
valuable, the full benefits of this technology will be realized 
when integrated CAVIS are broadly deployed into real-world 
environments. This will translate into improved safety, 
mobility, and commerce for many communities across the country. 
The Committee supports the planned transition of this 
technology into real world settings in partnership with 
federal, state and local agencies, academic institutions and 
the private sector. The Committee encourages DOT to include 
small and medium sized communities in this plan, especially in 
states that have developed state-supported, mobile platform 
traffic applications for the public that could be integrated 
into CAVIS systems.
    Since several automation systems with near-term deployment 
opportunity are focused on commercial vehicles, the greatest 
research need may be in the heavy trucking industry including 
the impact of autonomous vehicle systems on pavement 
performance. As advanced driver automation systems technologies 
grow, timely research is needed to study how these systems will 
affect many aspects of highway freight transportation including 
cognitive responses of drivers, driver fatigue, hardware/
software reliability and functionality, and pavement 
performance. Researchers have only recently identified a 
potential problem where pavement service life is significantly 
reduced due to autonomous vehicle systems. Automated systems 
may increase stress concentrations on pavements should vehicles 
drive in less random travel paths within highway lanes. The 
Committee encourages the Department to include research on the 
potential impact of autonomous vehicles, particularly 
commercial vehicles, on pavement performance in its research 
plans.
    Recycled materials.--Recycled materials help the 
environment and provide a cost-effective alternative. The 
Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) requires 
the Secretary to encourage the use of durable and sustainable 
materials and the Committee continues to encourage FHWA to 
fulfill these objectives by working collaboratively with the 
Expert Task Group, the American Association of State Highway 
and Transportation Officials, and industry stakeholders in 
developing revised standards that allow for the maximum use of 
recycled materials without detrimental impact to life cycle 
cost.
    Commercial roads in the Appalachian Development Highway 
System (ADHS).--The Committee encourages FHWA to work with 
relevant state departments of transportation in Appalachia to 
ensure that construction and repair projects are prioritized 
for roads of critical commercial importance in the ADHS. ADHS 
funding in central Appalachia supports high priority 
transportation assets like the Coalfields Expressway that are 
especially critical because they open up portions of multiple 
ADHS states.
    Border state infrastructure.--The Department of 
Transportation shall encourage states using federal funds 
designated for border state infrastructure to ensure 
participation of city and county governments along the U.S.-
Mexico border in project selection processes.
    Transportation infrastructure and military installations.--
Since the passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (P.L. 
84 627), investments in transportation infrastructure have been 
directly tied to supporting national defense. Access to and 
from military installations continues to impact operations and 
local communities. The Committee strongly encourages the 
Secretary to work with the Secretary of Defense to assess the 
transportation infrastructure that supports access to and from 
domestic military installations and to develop a strategy for 
addressing opportunities to improve base access and egress in 
order to minimize negative impacts to local communities and 
national security.
    Critical commerce corridors.--The Committee believes 
critical commerce corridors (CCC), an authorized use of funds 
in the nationally significant freight and highway projects 
program, can improve our economic efficiency, reduce travel 
times, and promote safe travel on our nation's roads and 
highways. CCCs create a barrier on existing highways, 
physically separating lanes dedicated for heavy commercial 
trucks from lanes dedicated for passenger vehicles. The 
Committee encourages DOT to strongly consider applications for 
the creation of CCCs when awarding grants to individual states.
    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.
    Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) and freight 
transportation.--The Committee believes that funding for 
transportation projects that impact the national highway 
freight network should be a high priority. The Committee 
encourages the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize 
funding requests that advance construction of freight networks, 
improve multi-state connectivity, and address freight 
congestion. Major freight corridors, like Corridor 18, improve 
economic efficiency, advance exports and imports, increase the 
efficiency of national and international freight movement, 
promote economic growth on a regional and national basis, and 
increase employment. In addition, the Committee expects the 
Secretary to prioritize INFRA funding awards to projects that 
are within the boundaries of seaport facilities in metropolitan 
areas and the intermodal connectors serving those facilities in 
order to accommodate the increasing flows of commerce.
    Enhanced road maintenance.--Emerging evidence suggests that 
stormwater runoff from federal highways has a significant 
effect on water quality. Relatively straightforward control 
options, including enhanced road maintenance and pavement 
sweeping, have been shown to be effective at correcting this 
problem but have only been tested at small scales. The 
Committee encourages the Department to study the effectiveness 
of enhanced road maintenance and street sweeping to mitigate 
the impacts of nonpoint source pollution on our waterways.
    Twin-trailer truck length.--The Committee urges the 
Department to promptly report to the committees of jurisdiction 
any updated findings on the impact of increasing the length of 
twin-trailers from 28 feet to 33 feet.

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................   $44,973,212,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................    46,007,596,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    46,007,596,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................    +1,034,384,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation 
of $46,007,596,000, which is $1,034,384,000 above the enacted 
level and the same as the budget request. This is the amount 
required to pay the outstanding obligations of the highway 
program at levels provided in this Act and prior appropriations 
Acts.

                    Highway Infrastructure Programs

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $2,525,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................     4,204,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................    +1,679,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +4,204,000,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $4,204,000,000 from the general 
fund for Highway Infrastructure Programs, which is 
$1,679,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$4,204,000,000 more than the budget request. Of the total 
amount provided, $3,765,500,000 is for road and bridge projects 
eligible under the surface transportation block grant program, 
$30,800,000 is for the Puerto Rico highway program, $7,700,000 
is for the territorial highway program, $250,000,000 is for 
projects eligible under the highway safety improvement program, 
$50,000,000 is for the tribal transportation program, and 
$100,000,000 is for the nationally significant federal lands 
and tribal projects program.

       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 Act.
    Section 123 requires congressional notification before the 
Department provides credit assistance under the TIFIA program.
    Section 124 requires 60-day notification to the Committees 
on Appropriations of any grants as authorized under 23 U.S.C. 
117.
    Section 125 allows state DOTs to repurpose certain highway 
project funding to be used within 50 miles of its original 
designation.
    Section 126 modifies title 23 to amend federal truck weight 
exemptions in the State of Kentucky.
    Section 127 modifies title 23 to amend federal truck weight 
exemptions for trucks powered by natural gas and electricity.

              Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was 
established within the Department of Transportation (DOT) by 
Congress through the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 
1999. FMCSA's mission is to promote safe commercial motor 
vehicle operations and reduce truck and bus crashes. FMCSA 
works with federal, state, and local entities, the motor 
carrier industry, highway safety organizations, and the public 
to further its mission.
    FMCSA resources are used to prevent and mitigate commercial 
vehicle accidents through regulation, enforcement, stakeholder 
training, technological innovation, and improved information 
systems. 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)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Liquidation of contract    Limitation on
                                    authorization         obligations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year               $283,000,000     ($283,000,000)
 2018.......................
Budget request, fiscal year               284,000,000      (284,000,000)
 2019.......................
Recommended in the bill.....              284,000,000      (284,000,000)
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal                  +1,000,000       (+1,000,000)
 year 2018..................
    Budget request, fiscal                      - - -            (- - -)
 year 2019..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This limitation controls FMCSA spending on salaries, 
operating expenses, and research. It provides resources 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, grants to states and local partners, safety 
education and outreach, and the safety and consumer telephone 
hotline.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $284,000,000 in liquidating cash 
for motor carrier safety operations and programs. The Committee 
also recommends limiting obligations from the highway trust 
fund to $284,000,000 for motor carrier safety operations and 
programs in fiscal year 2019. These levels are $1,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the same as the budget 
request.
    The Committee continues bill language specifying funding 
amounts for the research and technology program and for 
information management.
    Bus lease and interchange rule.--The bill includes a 
provision which prohibits funds from being used to enforce the 
final rule published on May 27, 2015, entitled ``Lease and 
Interchange of Vehicles; Motor Carriers of Passengers.'' FMCSA 
has repeatedly extended the compliance deadline without any 
evidence of progress in resolving outstanding issues with this 
flawed rule. The Committee therefore prohibits funds for 
enforcement of the rule and directs the Agency to take 
necessary actions to rescind or replace it.
    30-minute rest period exemptions.--The 30-minute rest 
period appropriately seeks to protect safety by ensuring that 
drivers are not driving more than eight hours without a thirty-
minute, non-driving rest period. FMCSA has granted a number of 
exemptions to these regulations without compromising safety in 
order to meet the needs of specific industries. Drivers that 
make multiple stops throughout the day and are working during 
those non-driving periods, including the loading and unloading 
of products to be delivered, are experiencing routine breaks 
from driving while performing on-duty activities. When 
evaluating exemption requests, the Committee encourages FMCSA 
to consider: (1) the safety benefits of making routine stops 
during the day, (2) the safety benefits of drivers remaining 
physically active during non-driving periods, and (3) the 
safety implications of adding additional vehicle miles operated 
to the road if exemptions are not granted.
    Electronic logging devices.--The Committee is concerned 
about the way the implementation of mandatory electronic 
logging devices (ELDs) is impacting the trucking industry and 
those that depend on it. The Committee urges the Department to 
review the implementation of these devices and report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on how they will 
account for concerns from the industry with the implications 
for drivers. That report should address the need to stop in 
proximity to destinations, rest area availability, and how the 
Department will work with state and local partners on 
enforcement. Finally, the report should include recommendations 
on how the Department can better implement ELDs to prevent a 
disruption to the many industries that depend on commercial 
trucks for the movement of freight and goods.
    Transponder-based weigh station technology.--The Committee 
reaffirms the commitment to performance standards regarding the 
core commercial vehicle information systems network requirement 
for transponder-based electronic screening and is concerned 
about any lowering of those performance standards to meet core 
innovative technology deployment requirements. The Committee 
directs FMCSA to study what effect replacing transponder 
systems with license plate readers would have on efficiency and 
safety and report its findings to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations no later than 3 months from the 
date of enactment of this Act.

                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Liquidation of contract    limitation on
                                    authorization         obligations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year               $561,800,000     ($561,800,000)
 2018.......................
Budget request, fiscal year               381,800,000      (381,800,000)
 2019.......................
Recommended in the bill.....              381,800,000      (381,800,000)
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal                -180,000,000     (-180,000,000)
 year 2018..................
    Budget request, fiscal                      - - -              - - -
 year 2019..................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FMCSA's motor carrier safety 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 improvement of state commercial driver's 
license oversight activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $381,800,000 in liquidating cash 
for this program, as well as a $381,800,000 limitation on 
obligations, in fiscal year 2019. These levels are $180,000,000 
below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the same as the 
budget request.
    The Committee recommends the following obligation 
limitations for grants funded under this account:

 
 
 
Motor carrier safety assistance program..............     ($304,300,000)
High priority activities program.....................       (44,000,000)
Commercial motor vehicle operator grants program.....        (1,000,000)
Commercial driver's license program implementation          (32,500,000)
 program.............................................
 

 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

    Section 130 requires FMCSA to send notice of 49 CFR section 
385.308 violations by certified mail, registered mail, or some 
other manner of delivery that records receipt of the notice by 
the persons responsible for the violations.
    Section 131 prohibits funds from being used to enforce the 
requirements of section 31137 of title 49, or any regulation 
pursuant to such section, with respect to carriers transporting 
livestock or insects.
    Section 132 prohibits funds from being used to implement, 
enforce, or otherwise make effective a rule related to the 
lease and interchange of vehicles by motor carriers of 
passengers.
    Section 133 clarifies the preemption of certain state and 
local laws and regulations by federal laws and regulations 
related to motor carriers, and makes such preemption 
retroactive to the date of enactment of the Federal Aviation 
Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-305).
    Section 134 adds an exemption to truck length restrictions 
for certain agricultural carriers on specific routes in the 
State of Oregon.

             National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 
was established in March of 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'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 licenses.
    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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $981,577,000, which is $34,373,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $66,842,000 above 
the budget request.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                                 2018 enacted     2019 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations and research (general fund and highway trust fund)     $349,575,000     $304,527,000     $371,369,000
Highway traffic safety grants (highway trust fund)...........      597,629,000      610,208,000      610,208,000
    Total....................................................      947,204,000      914,735,000      981,577,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommends funding levels that provide NHTSA 
with sufficient resources to continue its critical work 
improving the safety of passenger travel on the nation's 
highway system.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                2018 (General    2019 (Highway
                                                                    fund)         trust fund)         Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018\1\...........................     $200,575,000     $149,000,000     $349,575,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019\2\..........................      152,427,000      152,100,000      304,527,000
Recommended in the bill......................................      219,269,000      152,100,000      371,369,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018..........................      +18,694,000       +3,100,000      +21,794,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019.........................      +66,842,000            - - -      +66,842,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The fiscal year 2018 appropriation included a general provision which provided $11,500,000 from the general
  fund for highway safety activities.
\2\The fiscal year 2019 recommendation includes a general provision which provides $15,000,000 from the general
  fund for highway safety activities.

    The operations and research appropriations support 
research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national 
leadership for highway safety 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. These programs address 
alcohol and drug countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, 
traffic law enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care 
systems, traffic records and licensing, traffic safety 
evaluations, motorcycle safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, 
pupil transportation, distracted and drowsy driving, young and 
older driver safety programs, development of improved accident 
investigation procedures, and emerging technology and 
cybersecurity research related to automated and connected 
vehicles.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $349,575,000, which is $21,794,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $66,842,000 above 
the budget request. Of this total, $204,269,000 is from the 
general fund for operations and vehicle safety research, 
$15,000,000 is from the general fund for certain behavioral 
highway safety activities, and $152,100,000 is from the highway 
trust fund for operations and behavioral highway safety 
research.
    For vehicle safety research, the agreement provides 
$29,000,000 in Rulemaking program funding, of which not less 
than $16,500,000 is for the new car assessment program, 
$35,000,000 is for enforcement program funding, of which not 
less than $22,000,000 is for the Office of Defects 
Investigation, and $53,000,000 is for research and analysis 
programs, of which not less than $18,000,000 is for vehicle 
electronics and emerging technologies, which includes research 
of cybersecurity and automated vehicle technologies. The 
recommendation fully funds Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staffing 
increases consistent with prior year appropriations and the 
program increases provided herein and does not prohibit the 
addition of FTE above those provided in previous fiscal years.
    For behavioral highway safety research, the recommendation 
is consistent with the FAST Act and includes $5,494,000 for in-
vehicle alcohol detection device research. In addition to 
obligation limitation, $15,000,000 in general fund 
appropriations are provided for these programs. Of this amount, 
$10,000,000 is provided for the high visibility enforcement 
paid-media campaign in the area of highway-rail grade crossing 
safety and the remaining $5,000,000 shall be available for 
grants, training, and other activities to combat drug-impaired 
driving including training and deployment of Drug Recognition 
Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement 
(ARIDE) methods and oral fluid roadside testing to detect the 
presence of illicit substances. Such activities shall be in 
collaboration with appropriate state and local governments and 
law enforcement organizations. Also, the recommendation fully 
funds FTE staffing increases consistent with prior year 
appropriations and the program increases provided herein and 
does not prohibit the addition of FTE above those provided in 
previous fiscal years.
    Fatality increases.--The Committee is concerned about the 
recent increase in the number of deaths and accidents on the 
nation's roads. This increase has occurred even though vehicles 
have continued to adopt new and better safety features to avoid 
accidents and protect occupants from injuries. The Committee 
encourages the Department to increase its research on causal 
factors such as distracted driving, drug-impaired driving, as 
well as the effect of road conditions on automobile accidents 
and deaths. This research can provide valuable guidance to 
Congress, the Department, and to auto insurers on how to best 
address auto and infrastructure safety issues.
    Automated vehicles.--The auto industry is in the midst of a 
seismic technological shift that will revolutionize the 
transportation of people and goods in our lifetime. Connected 
and self-driving cars have the potential to dramatically reduce 
the number of lives lost on our roads and highways every year 
and fundamentally transform transportation networks. In 
addition to reducing roadway fatalities, automated vehicle (AV) 
technology will drastically improve mobility options for the 
elderly, persons with disabilities, and other individuals who 
cannot obtain a drivers' license. The fiscal year 2018 
appropriation for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration included a historic, multi-year investment in a 
highly automated vehicle research and demonstration program, 
and the Committee expects the Department to continue to 
dutifully implement that program in fiscal year 2019 in a 
manner consistent with the intent of Congress.
    The Committee is aware of the Department of 
Transportation's January 19, 2018 designation of ten AV proving 
ground pilot sites. The Committee encourages DOT to support the 
development of proving grounds that have existing facilities 
and workforce capable of performing testing and research 
independently or in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research 
and Testing Center on passenger and commercial vehicles. The 
Secretary should consider the extent to which proving grounds 
have the capacity to gather and share critical data with the 
federal government and other testing facilities. Testing at 
such facilities should include but not be limited to: advanced 
driver automation systems; intersections, multiple lanes, and 
pedestrian cross-walks; vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-
infrastructure communications; high speed testing including 
vehicle swarming and truck platooning; all-season and day/night 
environments; and wet and dry vehicle dynamics.
    The transition to self-driving vehicles will take place 
over many years during which these vehicles will interact, and 
sometimes collide with, vehicles driven by humans. Our legal 
system has a vast amount of experience apportioning liability 
after auto accidents but that task could be made more difficult 
should access to data from automated vehicles involved in 
accidents be limited. Automakers in both the United States and 
Europe have already taken some preliminary steps that evidence 
a desire to limit vehicle data access to third parties such as 
insurers. Vehicle data from highly automated vehicles must be 
made available to the parties involved, their insurers and 
authorized representatives on reasonable terms. Failure to make 
that access available could delay compensation to accident 
victims and increase automobile insurance costs. The Committee 
urges the Department of Transportation to consider establishing 
guidelines that allows reasonable access to data for the 
parties in need of such access.
    While the Committee recognizes the vast potential of 
automated vehicles, the Committee is concerned that this 
technological transformation may displace workers who currently 
earn their living driving a vehicle. The Committee encourages 
DOT to consider the potential for job displacement in its 
actions on automated vehicles and urges DOT to convene relevant 
public and private stakeholders to develop a national strategy 
to address potential job displacement.
    Highway-rail grade crossing safety.--NHTSA has vast 
experience in addressing driver behaviors that threaten highway 
safety. Highway-rail grade crossings pose a major risk to 
highway safety and are an ongoing challenge for the safety 
community. Eliminating the most hazardous grade crossings will 
help reduce the risk to automobile and train passengers. The 
Committee urges NHTSA to work with states to target resources 
toward the most hazardous crossings. Additionally, increased 
public awareness will help educate drivers on the dangers of 
entering active highway-rail grade crossings. Therefore, the 
Committee provides $10,000,000 from the general fund for a high 
visibility enforcement paid-media campaign in the area of 
highway-rail grade crossing safety. The Committee directs NHTSA 
to coordinate these resources with the media on other highway 
safety campaigns, and to work collaboratively with the Federal 
Railroad Administration on the campaign's message development.
    Crashworthiness research.--The Committee is concerned that 
vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities have increased in 
recent years. The Committee recognizes the importance that 
lightweight plastics and polymer composites play in improving 
automotive structural safety, meeting consumer demand for 
innovative vehicles, increasing fuel efficiency, and supporting 
new, highly-skilled manufacturing jobs in the United States. 
NHTSA is encouraged to focus on updating countermeasures for 
frontal, side, rollover, front seatback, and lower interior 
impacts for children and small adults, as well as pedestrian 
crashworthiness projects, with an emphasis on vehicle light-
weighting. Research should encompass both traditional and 
autonomous vehicle structural designs. NHTSA should leverage 
lessons learned from light-weight materials research at DOT, 
the Department of Energy, and by industry stakeholders in its 
development of safety-centered approaches for future light-
weight automotive design.
    Child hyperthermia prevention.--In prior years, the 
Committee has recognized the severe child safety crisis 
involving children dying of hyperthermia after being left alone 
in motor vehicles. The Committee has favorably cited the 
awareness programs conducted by NHTSA. In the 20 years since 
records have been maintained, more than 700 children, mostly 
three years old or younger, have died in this tragic way, 
including 42 in 2017. The Committee therefore directs NHTSA to 
continue and expand its public education and outreach efforts 
on child hyperthermia prevention through a public call to 
action encouraging public messaging and the involvement of a 
broad coalition of organizations, government agencies, medical 
professionals, and others who regularly interact with parents 
and the public. The campaign should focus on parents and 
caregivers who transport children and encourage bystanders to 
take action when they see children alone in cars. We urge that 
the campaign commence earlier in the year compared to prior 
campaigns. In addition to public awareness, the Committee urges 
NHTSA to continue to pursue technological solutions in 
coordination with industry that can serve as a reminder to 
parents to remove children from the rear seat prior to leaving 
their vehicle.
    Driver alcohol detection system for safety (DADSS).--For 
several years, NHTSA has partnered with leading auto 
manufacturers on DADSS to develop reliable and relatively 
inexpensive in-vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired 
driving. Progress to date has been significant, and Congress 
showed its continued support for this life-saving program by 
authorizing $21,248,000 for fiscal years 2017 through 2020 in 
the FAST Act. The Committee also continues to strongly support 
this promising and vital program, with its potential to save 
7,000 lives annually, and includes $5,494,000 for accelerated 
research, development, and robust field testing in fiscal year 
2019. Further, the Committee commends NHTSA for steps it has 
recently taken to accelerate DADSS, by partnering with the 
Commonwealth of Virginia to assist in bringing the technology 
closer to commercialization and for the creation of a multi-
disciplinary oversight panel to guide the program. The 
Committee encourages NHTSA and its program partners to work 
diligently toward making this technology ready for vehicle 
integration by the end of the FAST Act authorization in fiscal 
year 2020.
    Drug-impaired driving.--The Committee is concerned about 
increasing rates of drug-impaired driving. The Committee 
previously instructed NHTSA to fulfill the requirement of the 
FAST Act to complete a study of drug-impaired driving. The 
Committee has also previously urged NHTSA to expand efforts to 
increase awareness and use among law enforcement of Drug 
Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving 
Enforcement (ARIDE) training particularly in those states that 
have recently reformed drug-use enforcement laws. The Committee 
is encouraged by NHTSA's announcement of the Drugged Driving 
Initiative to combat this growing problem on our roadways. The 
Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of 
this Act on plans to complete a comprehensive assessment of the 
gaps that exist in what is known about drug-impaired driving. 
The report shall include NHTSA's current and future efforts to 
engage key stakeholders in identifying steps to improve safety 
and reduce fatalities. The agency should also indicate how it 
will increase law enforcement awareness and use of available 
countermeasures including DRE and ARIDE training and oral fluid 
roadside testing, when permitted in state statute, to detect 
the presence of multiple illicit substances concurrently. The 
recommendation includes $5,000,000 from the general fund for 
expansion of these activities.
    Truck underride safety research.--The Committee notes that 
NHTSA's proposed rulemaking in December 2015 to update truck 
rear impact guard requirements cited 362 annual fatalities 
associated with light vehicle crashes into the rear of trucks. 
The Committee encourages NHTSA to move forward with this 
rulemaking and continue working with relevant experts and 
stakeholders, including researchers, engineers, safety 
advocates, and the trucking industry, to facilitate the 
deployment and adoption of rear and side underride protection 
devices.
    Odometer reading disclosure rule.--In 2012, Congress passed 
and the President signed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 
21st Century Act (MAP-21). The legislation required NHTSA to 
adopt schemes for electronic odometer disclosure statements. 
NHTSA did issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on odometer 
disclosure requirements in 2016, but has yet to promulgate it. 
The Committee is concerned that NHTSA has not complied with 
this MAP-21 requirement. Electronic titling capability promises 
immense efficiencies for states and for those industries that 
process a high volume of motor vehicle titles. However, the 
delay in promulgating the rule is discouraging states from 
moving forward with electronic titling initiatives out of fear 
that they may ultimately fall short of a final rule. The 
Committee directs NHTSA to finalize and promulgate a final 
odometer disclosure requirements rule as soon as possible but 
not later than December 31, 2018.
    Autocycles.--The Committee recognizes the growth of three-
wheel light-duty vehicles, also called Autocycles, as a method 
of passenger transportation. Under federal regulations, these 
vehicles are currently classified as motorcycles though they 
have different physical and operational characteristics than 
traditional automobiles and two-wheel motorcycles. 38 states 
have now recognized this difference by establishing new 
regulations and definitions for Autocycles. The Committee is 
concerned that a patchwork of laws and inconsistent regulations 
now exists, absent a federal standard for Autocycles, thereby 
causing confusion and hindering the growth of this emerging 
industry. The Committee directs NHTSA to conduct research on 
the appropriate safety standards and existing state and federal 
regulations of Autocycles and report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of 
this Act.

                     HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Liquidation of
                                       contract          Limitation on
                                     authorization        obligation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.        $597,629,000      ($597,629,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2019         610,208,000       (610,208,000)
Recommended in the bill.........         610,208,000       (610,208,000)
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year           +12,579,000       +(12,579,000)
 2018...........................
    Budget request, fiscal year              (- - -)             (- - -)
 2019...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The highway traffic safety state grant programs authorized 
under the FAST Act include: Highway Safety Programs, the 
National Priority Safety Program, and the High Visibility 
Enforcement Program.
    These grant programs provide resources to states for 
highway safety programs that are data-driven and that meet 
states' most pressing highway safety problems. They are a 
critical asset in reducing highway traffic fatalities and 
injuries.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $610,208,000 in liquidating cash 
from the highway trust fund to pay outstanding obligations of 
the highway safety grant programs at the levels provided in 
this Act and prior appropriations Acts. The Committee also 
recommends limiting the obligations from the highway trust fund 
in fiscal year 2019 for the highway traffic safety grants 
programs to $610,208,000. These levels are $12,579,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and the same as the budget 
request.
    The Committee recommends the following funding allocations 
for grant programs:

 
 
 
Highway safety programs (section 402).................    ($270,400,000)
National priority safety programs (section 405).......     (283,000,000)
High visibility enforcement program...................      (30,200,000)
Administrative expenses...............................      (26,608,000)
 

    Safety promotional materials.--For the purpose of federal 
grants administered by NHTSA, safety equipment purchased for 
traffic safety educational trainings, such as child car seats, 
bicycle helmets and lights, and reflective vests, shall not be 
considered promotional materials or memorabilia.

      ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY 
                             ADMINISTRATION

    Section 140 provides limited funding for travel and related 
expenses associated with state management reviews and highway 
safety core competency development training.
    Section 141 exempts from the current fiscal year's 
obligation limitation any obligation authority that was made 
available in previous public laws.
    Section 142 prohibits funding for the national roadside 
survey.
    Section 143 prohibits funds from being used to mandate 
global positioning system tracking without providing full and 
appropriate consideration of privacy concerns under 5 U.S.C. 
Chapter 5, subchapter II.
    Section 144 provides additional funding for highway safety 
programs.

                    Federal Railroad Administration

    The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was established 
by the Department of Transportation Act, 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. 
railroad system consists of over 650 railroads with 200,000 
freight employees, 171,000 miles of track, and 1.35 million 
freight cars. In addition, the FRA continues to oversee grants 
to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) with 
the goal of assisting Amtrak with improvements to its passenger 
service and physical infrastructure.

                         SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $221,698,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       202,304,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       221,698,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +19,394,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $221,698,000 for safety and 
operations, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and $19,394,000 above the budget request. Of the amount 
provided under this heading, $18,000,000 is available until 
expended. The recommended level fully funds personnel, and does 
not provide additional positions in fiscal year 2019.
    Railroad Safety Information System (RSIS).--The 
recommendation includes a total of $4,800,000 for RSIS. This 
funding level will increase the capabilities of FRA's principal 
repository of safety data and allow FRA to enforce safety 
regulations that have data collection and management 
requirements. In addition, the Committee directs FRA to 
continue work on a user-friendly front-end interface.
    Automated Track Inspection Program (ATIP).--The Committee's 
recommendation includes up to $16,500,000 for ATIP, equal to 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, to inspect tracks and 
analyze data from ATIP operations and inspections. ATIP uses 
track geometry measurement vehicles to automatically measure 
track conditions which supplement the work of FRA's inspectors 
to ensure railroads are compliant with the FRA Track Safety 
Standards. The Committee notes that funds provided for the ATIP 
program in fiscal year 2018 are available for both inspection 
and data analysis.
    Safe Transportation of Energy Products.--The Committee 
includes $2,000,000 for FRA's safe transport of energy products 
programs, which include crude oil safety inspectors, safety 
route managers and tank car quality assurance specialists, tank 
car research, and increased mileage of ATIP on routes that 
carry energy produces.
    Positive Train Control (PTC).--The Committee provides 
$10,000,000 for the PTC support program. The Committee notes 
that FRA expects to review up to 15 additional PTC plans from 
railroad companies in fiscal year 2019. The Committee directs 
FRA to coordinate with industry, as necessary, to streamline 
the PTC review process.
    Confidential Close Call Reporting Systems (C3RS).--The 
recommendation includes $3,000,000 for C3RS. The Committee 
continues to direct FRA to explore ways to increase 
participation, and develop a model that allows and encourages 
private sector investment.
    Bridge Support Program.--FRA has developed a Bridge 
Inventory Database and a Bridge Management Plan Review Risk 
Model. The Committee provides $600,000 to further modify the 
risk model, update the bridge inventory, and perform other 
program activities.
    Trespasser Prevention.--Pedestrian trespassing is the 
leading cause of rail-related injuries; more than derailments 
and collisions combined. There has been no progress in reducing 
the number of deaths from pedestrian trespassing. Since 2015 
trespasser fatalities have increased by 34 percent and 
trespasser injuries also continue to increase. The Committee 
remains concerned about this trend, and looks forward to 
receiving FRA's national trespassing prevention strategy. 
Further, the Committee provides $500,000 for FRA to build on 
its strategy by developing a risk model that includes effective 
engineering and enforcement mitigation efforts to reduce 
trespasser incidents.
    Passenger Rail between Mexico and United States.--The 
Committee looks forward to receiving studies on the standards 
and protocols required to facilitate a passenger and freight 
rail line between the United States and Mexico, in Texas, and 
other international land crossings; and efforts to harmonize 
regulations and address congestion at international rail 
crossings per the recommendations made in the GAO report.
    New transportation projects utilizing existing corridors.--
The Committee is aware that metropolitan planners often seek to 
utilize existing transportation corridors in proposing new 
transportation projects, including high speed rail, to ease the 
project approval process. The Committee encourages the 
Department of Transportation to evaluate the impact of new 
transportation projects and their utilization of existing 
corridors and to provide recommendations on ways to mitigate 
community disruption from new transportation projects in 
existing transportation corridors, including high speed rail 
projects.

                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $40,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        19,550,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,600,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +21,050,000
 

    The railroad research and development program provides 
science and technology support for 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 recommends an appropriation of $40,600,000 
for railroad research and development, which is equal to the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $21,050,000 more than the 
budget request.
    Safe Transportation of Energy Products (STEP).--The 
Committee provides $2,000,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level, for FRA to research and mitigate risks 
associated with frequent and large volume rail transport of 
crude oil, including tank car research in partnership with 
other Federal agencies.
    Short-line Safety.--The Committee's recommendation includes 
$2,500,000, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, to 
improve safety practices and safety training for Class II and 
Class III freight railroads. This funding supports FRA's 
initiative to partner with short-line and regional railroads to 
build a stronger, sustainable safety culture and will support 
safety compliance assessments and training on short lines that 
transport crude oil.
    Intelligent Railroad Systems.--The Committee's 
recommendation includes $1,000,000 to facilitate research with 
universities on intelligent railroad systems.
    System Safety and Risk Reduction Programs.--The Committee 
recognizes that continued investments in critical rail 
infrastructure programs will make our rails, railcars, and 
trains safer. Therefore, the Committee urges FRA to prioritize 
investments in the development of technologies designed to 
verify the functional performance of complex electronic systems 
such as: positive train control, automated train control, 
passenger door control, train communications, train 
environmental control, and railcar signs. In addition, the FRA 
should work with industry to develop standardized performance 
verification and diagnostics for such systems.

       RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

    The Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing 
(RRIF) program was established by Public Law 109-178 to provide 
direct loans and loan guarantees to state and local 
governments, government-sponsored entities, and railroads. 
Credit assistance under the program may be used for 
rehabilitating or developing rail equipment and facilities.

           FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR STATE OF GOOD REPAIR

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................     $ 250,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       500,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +250,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +500,000,000
 

    The FAST Act authorized the federal-state partnership for 
state of good repair under section 11302. The purpose of these 
grants is to reduce the state of good repair backlog on 
publically-owned or Amtrak-owned infrastructure, equipment, and 
facilities. Eligible activities include capital projects to (1) 
replace existing assets in-kind or with assets that increase 
capacity or service levels, (2) ensure that service can be 
maintained while existing assets are brought into a state of 
good repair, (3) bring existing assets into a state of good 
repair.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $500,000,000 for the federal-state 
partnership for state of good repair grants, $250,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $500,000,000 above the 
budget request. The Committee directs the Secretary to publish 
a Notice of Funding Opportunity for these funds not later than 
60 days after enactment of this Act.

        CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $592,547,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       300,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -292,547,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +300,000,000
 

    Authorized under Section 11301 of the FAST Act, the purpose 
of the consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement 
(CRISI) grants is to improve the safety, efficiency, and 
reliability of passenger and freight rail systems. Eligible 
activities include a wide range of capital, regional and 
corridor planning, environmental analyses, research, workforce 
development, and training projects.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for CRISI grants, 
$292,547,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$300,000,000 above the budget request. Of the funds provided, 
$150,000,000 is for positive train control deployment grants 
pursuant to section 24407(c)(1). PTC eligibility is also 
expanded to include commuter rail lines. The Committee directs 
the Secretary to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for 
these funds not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act.
    The Committee is encouraged by the efforts of commuter 
railroads to develop and implement PTC. While the technological 
and financial hurdles can be formidable, PTC is a lifesaving 
technology that enjoys broad support across the nation and the 
Committee encourages the Department to make certification a 
priority and to provide the necessary technical assistance to 
commuter railroads as they move toward full implementation.
    The Committee recognizes that communities with high volume 
international inland ports on the U.S.-Mexico border face 
unique transportation challenges caused by international trade. 
The Committee encourages the agency to consider the impacts of 
these freight movements, including traffic, highway-rail grade 
crossings, congestion and safety.

           MAGNETIC LEVITATION TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................      $150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +150,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +150,000,000
 

    The Magnetic Levitation Technology Deployment (MAGLEV) 
Program is authorized under section 322 of title 23, United 
States Code. The MAGLEV program funds transportation systems 
that employ magnetic levitation and are capable of safe use by 
the public at speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour. Funds are 
available for preconstruction planning activities and capital 
costs, and are available until expended.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $150,000,000 for the MAGLEV 
program, which is $150,000,000 above the fiscal year enacted 
level and the budget request. These funds will provide the 
required Federal investment to leverage billions in private 
funding and deploy this advanced technology along the most 
congested transportation corridors in the Nation.

     GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION (AMTRAK)

    Amtrak, created as a for-profit business in 1970, operates 
trains over 20,000 miles of track owned by freight railroad 
carries, and over about 654 miles of its own track, most of 
which is on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) from Washington, D.C., 
to Boston, Massachusetts. Amtrak operates both electrified 
trains, which can achieve speeds of up to 150 mph on the 
highest quality track on the NEC, and diesel locomotives, which 
currently can achieve speeds between 74 to 110 miles per hour.
    The FAST Act authorizes funds for Amtrak through 2020 for 
the Northeast Corridor (NEC) that runs from Boston to 
Washington, D.C.; and the National Network, which encompasses 
Amtrak's state-supported and long-distance routes, as well as 
other non-NEC activities. The account structure, when combined 
with new planning and reporting requirements focused on 
Amtrak's business lines and asset categories, significantly 
improves the transparency of Amtrak funding and its delivery of 
services.
    In recent years, Amtrak has made great progress at 
increasing its revenue and reducing its operating loss while 
achieving record ridership and striving to provide a more 
modern and reliable customer experience. For example, in fiscal 
year 2017, Amtrak increased its ticket revenue by 2 percent 
over the prior year and reduced its net operating loss to the 
lowest level in Amtrak's history. The corporation also 
increased its cost recovery to nearly 95 percent, another 
record. The Committee fully supports and expects Amtrak to 
continue to operate like a business consistent with its 
Missions and Goals as codified in 49 U.S.C. 24101.
    The Committee recommends $1,941,600,000 for Amtrak, which 
is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$1,203,703,000 above the request. The Committee provides 
funding consistent with the authorized structure.
    Congressional budget justification.--The Committee 
appreciates the level of detail in the fiscal year 2019 budget 
justification and directs Amtrak to submit a justification with 
a similar level of detail for fiscal year 2020.
    Charter Trains and Private Cars.--During fiscal year 2018, 
Amtrak issued new guidelines for charter trains operated by 
Amtrak and private cars on Amtrak trains. Amtrak's new policy 
limits private car services to specific locations and trains 
when facilities and resources are available, requires case-by-
case prior Amtrak written approval, and limits maintenance to 
FRA-required repairs which must be paid by the car owner. 
Charter trains will be limited to existing Amtrak routes, must 
not be one-time trips, must generate sufficient financial 
benefit to justify Amtrak's use of its resources and assets, 
and be subject to a final written agreement.
    While the Committee understands that these policy changes 
reflect Amtrak's mandate to provide efficient, effective, and 
safe regularly-scheduled passenger service with a minimum 
public subsidy consistent with Amtrak's statutory mission and 
goals as codified by 49 USC 24101, the Committee directs Amtrak 
to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this Act on its 
rationale, with supporting data, for its policy changes that 
demonstrate how it supports Amtrak's mission and goals. For 
example, this should include a discussion of the impacts of 
private car delays on Amtrak trains based on historical 
experience and/or estimates, as well as information on minutes 
of delays attributable to private cars, and other impacts 
Amtrak took into consideration, such as customer satisfaction, 
management distraction, and host railroad impacts. The 
Committee also directs Amtrak to provide information on the 
revenues and costs associated with private cars and special 
trains. The Committee acknowledges that certain information may 
be commercially sensitive and cannot be made public.

     NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $650,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       200,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       650,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +450,000,000
 

    The Committee recommends $650,000,000 for grants to the 
Northeast Corridor for operating and capital purposes, equal to 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $450,000,000 above the 
request. In addition to these funds, the Northeast Corridor 
retains its operating profits for use on the corridor. This 
funding level provides $5,000,000 to the Northeast Corridor 
Commission established under section 24905 of title 49, United 
States Code.

 NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $1,291,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       537,897,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,291,600,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +753,703,000
 

    The Committee recommends $1,291,600,000 for National 
Network grants to Amtrak, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and $753,703,000 above the request. These funds subsidize 
operating and capital losses on Amtrak's long-distance routes, 
state-supported routes, as well as other non-NEC activities. 
The FAST Act allows Amtrak to transfer operating profits from 
the Northeast Corridor to this appropriation under certain 
conditions.
    The Committee understands that Amtrak will resume Cardinal 
Line service once track maintenance and repair are complete.

                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Section 150. The Commission continues a provision that 
limits overtime to $35,000 per employee, allows Amtrak's 
president to waive this restriction for specific employees for 
safety or operational efficiency reasons, and requires 
notification to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 30 days of granting such waivers. It also 
requires Amtrak to submit an annual report summarizing overtime 
payments incurred by the Corporation for calendar year 2018 and 
the prior three years. The summary shall include total number 
of employees that received waivers, total overtime payments 
paid to employees receiving waivers for each month for 2018 and 
the prior three calendar years.
    Section 151. Includes a provision relating to high speed 
rail in California and the Surface Transportation Board.
    Section 152. Includes a prohibition relating to high speed 
rail in California.

                     Federal Transit Administration

    The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was established as 
a component of the Department of Transportation on July 1, 
1968, when most of the functions and programs under the Federal 
Transit Act (78 Stat. 302; 49 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) were 
transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. Known as the Urban Mass Transportation 
Administration until enactment of the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the Federal Transit 
Administration 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 the 
Federal Transit Administration is contained in the Fixing 
America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (P.L. 114-94) and 
extensions. Annual Appropriations Acts included annual 
limitations on obligations for the transit formula grants 
programs, and direct appropriations of budget authority from 
the General Fund of the Treasury for FTA's administrative 
expenses, some research programs, and capital investment 
grants.

                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $113,165,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       111,742,260
Recommended in the bill...............................       113,165,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +1,422,740
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $113,165,000 for FTA's 
administrative expenses, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $1,422,740 below the budget request. The 
Committee's recommendation provides these funds from the 
General Fund, as usual.
    Operating plans.--The Committee reiterates its direction 
from previous years, which requires the FTA's operating plan to 
include a specific allocation of administrative expenses 
resources. The operating plan should include a delineation of 
full time equivalent employees, for the following offices: 
Office of the Administrator; Office of Administration; Office 
of Chief Counsel; Office of Communications and Congressional 
Affairs; Office of Program Management; Office of Budget and 
Policy; Office of Research, Demonstration and Innovation; 
Office of Civil Rights; Office of Planning and Environment; 
Office of Safety and Oversight; and Regional Offices. Further, 
the operating plan must include any new programs or changes to 
the budget request, including new grant programs. In addition, 
the Committee directs FTA to notify the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations at least thirty days in advance of 
any change that results in an increase or decrease of more than 
five percent from the initial operating plan submitted to the 
Committees for fiscal year 2020.
    Budget justifications.--The Committee strongly encourages 
FTA to maintain the format and content in the fiscal year 2020 
documents.
    Annual new starts report.--The Committee has again included 
bill language requiring FTA to submit the annual new starts 
report with the initial submission of the budget request due in 
February, 2019.
    Transit security.--The Committee continues bill language 
prohibiting FTA from creating a permanent office of transit 
security.
    Full funding grant agreements (FFGAs).--Title 49 requires 
that 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 sixty 
days before executing a full funding grant agreement. In its 
notification to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, the Committee directs FTA to include the 
following: (1) a copy of the proposed full funding grant 
agreement; (2) the total and annual federal appropriations 
required for that project; (3) yearly and total federal 
appropriations that can be reasonably planned or anticipated 
for future FFGAs for each fiscal year through 2023; (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 sponsor's ability to finance the project, which shall 
be conducted by an independent examiner, and which shall 
include an assessment of the capital cost estimate and the 
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 the direction to FTA to inform the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing thirty 
days before approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to any 
full funding grant agreement. Correspondence relating to 
changes shall include any budget revisions or program changes 
that materially alter the project as originally stipulated in 
the full funding grant agreement, including any proposed change 
in rail car procurements.
    In addition, the Committee directs FTA to continue 
reporting monthly to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the status of each project with a full 
funding grant agreement or that is within two years of a full 
funding grant agreement.
    The Committee is aware of recent congressional actions to 
encourage private sector participation in the nation's transit 
systems. The Committee encourages FTA to promote the 
utilization of private sector expertise, financing, and 
operational capacity to deliver public transportation services 
and provide technical assistance to public transit agencies on 
services such as commuter services, rural access, paratransit 
and first mile-last mile connectivity.

                         TRANSIT FORMULA GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Liquidation of
                                          contract        Limitation on
                                          authority        obligation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.....   $10,300,000,000    $9,733,353,407
Budget request, fiscal year 2019....     9,900,000,000     9,939,380,030
Recommended in the bill.............     9,900,000,000     9,939,380,030
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.      -400,000,000      +206,026,623
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019             - - -             - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAST Act provides 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, bus 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, and the National Transit 
Database. The Appropriations Act sets an annual obligation 
limitation for such authority. This account is the only FTA 
account funded from the Highway Trust Fund.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an obligation limitation of 
$9,939,380,030 for the formula programs and activities, the 
same as the budget request and the program authorization. The 
Committee's recommendation also includes $9,900,000,000 in 
liquidating funds, which is equal to the budget request.
    The Committee is concerned with urban sprawl and 
overwhelming traffic in high population density areas, and 
encourages the Secretary to carry out authorized programs that 
encourage transit planning that connects housing, jobs, and 
mixed use development with transportation options.
    The Committee encourages FTA to work with local transit 
authorities to use formula grant funds to enhance on-time 
performance of commuter trains. It has come to the attention of 
the Committee that some commuter railroads have average delay 
times of 21 minutes. Poor performance deters ridership and 
imperils the future of public transit. Commuter railroads must 
prioritize reliable and efficient service for all riders.

                     TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation fiscal year 2018........................      $834,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       800,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -34,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +800,000,000
 

    The FAST Act provides contract authority for the transit 
formula grants programs from the mass transit account of the 
highway trust fund. Additional funding to FAST Act authorized 
programs is provided from the general fund for transit 
infrastructure grants.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an additional $800,000,000 in 
transit infrastructure grants to remain available until 
expended. Of the funds provided, $350,000,000 is available for 
bus and bus facilities grants authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5339, 
of which $300,000,000 is provided for competitive grants and 
$50,000,000 is provided for low or no emission grants. In 
addition, $50,000,000 is available for formula grants for rural 
areas authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5311, $200,000,000 is 
available for state of good repair grants authorized under 49 
U.S.C. 5337, $50,000,000 is available for high density state 
apportionments authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5340(d), and 
$150,000,000 is available for urbanized area formula grants 
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5307. Funding is provided from the 
general fund, and it is not subject to any limitation on 
obligations.
    The Committee recognizes the important economic, 
environmental, and health benefits of public transit projects, 
including light rail and bus rapid transit. Public transit 
helps reduce commute times, limit gas emissions, improve health 
conditions, and create new jobs.

                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation fiscal year 2018........................        $5,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill                                        5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +5,000,000
 

    The FAST Act authorizes FTA to provide technical assistance 
under section 5314 of title 49 for human resource and training 
activities, and workforce development programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for technical 
assistance and training authorized under section 5314(a)(2), 
equal to the 2018 enacted level and $5,000,000 above the budget 
request. In addition to the directly appropriated funds, 
another $9,000,000 is provided through the obligation 
limitation under the header ``transit formula grants.''
    Of the amount provided for Technical Assistance and 
Training, no less than $5,000,000 will be available for 
technical assistance and training to increase mobility for 
people with disabilities and older adults, and no less than 
$1,500,000 is designated for FTA to enter into a cooperative 
agreement with a competitively selected qualified nonprofit 
entity for a program of applied innovation, capacity building 
and other technical assistance that does not duplicate the 
Regional Transportation Assistance Program or FTA's research 
and innovation activities. The Committee intends for FTA and 
the cooperative agreement partner to work on targeted field-
based programs to, for example, assist small-urban, rural, and 
tribal transit providers and regional planning agencies with 
deploying new transit service, provide shared ride mobility 
service in small urban areas that historically have not 
received FTA formula grants, promote regionalized approaches to 
transit and other shared ride mobility services, and assist 
rural and urban areas with deploying changing mode-share 
strategies. Qualified non-profit entities with existing 
contracts or cooperative agreements with FTA may compete for 
these funds.

                       CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $2,644,960,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     1,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,613,650,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -31,310,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +1,613,650,000
 

    Grants for capital investment to rail or other fixed 
guideway transit systems are awarded to public bodies and 
agencies (transit authorities and other state and local public 
bodies and agencies thereof) 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 recommends $2,613,650,000 for capital 
investment grants, which is $31,310,000 below the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $1,613,650,000 above the budget request.
    The Committee supports the President's commitment to invest 
in infrastructure, and maintains its position to recognize the 
need for a robust capital investment grant program. The 
Committee directs FTA to carry out the will of Congress and 
continue to advance eligible projects into Project Development, 
Engineering, and Construction through the capital investment 
grant evaluation, rating, and approval process. Specifically, 
the Committee directs the Secretary to allow a project to enter 
into project development when the applicant satisfies the 
requirements described in 49 USC 5309(d)(1), 49 USC 5309(e)(1), 
or 49 USC 5309(h)(2)(A), as applicable; to advance a project 
into engineering when the applicant satisfies the requirements 
described in 49 USC 5309(d)(2) or 49 USC 5309(e)(2), as 
applicable; to enter into a full funding grant agreement for 
any new fixed guideway capital project or core capacity 
improvement project that has met the requirements of section 
5309(k)(2)(B) after completion of the 30 day notice period for 
such projects as required under section 5309(k)(5); and to 
enter into a grant agreement for any small start project that 
has met the requirements of section 5309(h)(3) after completion 
of the 10 day notice period for such projects as required under 
section 5309(h)(7)(C).
    The Committee directs FTA to continue to update this 
Committee on the status of projects that are in the current 
funding pipeline and assist those project sponsors who seek to 
enter into and advance through the funding pipeline of the 
capital investment grant process. Specifically, FTA is directed 
to evaluate, rate, and recommend projects for funding, and 
subsequently award grants to projects that meet the statutory 
requirements of 49 U.S.C. 5309. The Committee further directs 
that FTA may provide funding for projects without a full 
funding grant agreement.
    The Committee directs the Secretary to provide notice to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than 
90 days prior to altering or rescinding any rule, circular or 
guidance relating to the evaluation, rating, and approval 
process pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5309.
    The Committee directs the Secretary to submit the fiscal 
year 2020 annual report on funding recommendations as required 
by 49 U.S.C. 5309, and directs the Secretary to maintain the 
Federal funding commitments for all existing grant agreements 
and identify all projects with a medium or higher rating that 
anticipate requesting a grant agreement in fiscal year 2020.
    The fiscal year 2019 recommendation provides $835,700,000 
for all current and on-going New Starts full funding grant 
agreements, consistent with the agreed-upon payout schedules 
for each project, $500,000,000 for new New Starts projects, 
$200,000,000 for ongoing core capacity projects, consistent 
with the agreed-upon payout schedules for each project, 
$550,000,000 for new core capacity projects, and $502,150,000 
for small start projects. Finally, the Committee's 
recommendation includes $25,800,000 (about 1.0 percent) for 
oversight activities related to the investments of this 
account.

             WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       120,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +30,000,000
 

    Section 601 of Division B of the Passenger Rail Investment 
and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) (Public Law 110-432) 
authorized $1,500,000,000 over a ten-year period for preventive 
maintenance and capital grants for the Washington Metropolitan 
Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). The law requires that 
the federal funds be matched dollar-for-dollar by Virginia, 
Maryland, and the District of Columbia in equal proportions. 
The compact required under the law has been established, and 
Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia have all 
committed to providing $50,000,000 each in local matching 
funds.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $150,000,000 for 
safety capital grants for WMATA, which is $30,000,000 above the 
budget request and equal to last year's enacted level.
    The Committee directs WMATA to continue addressing the 
safety issues within the agency, specifically, those 
identified, and in many cases mandated by the NTSB and FTA. 
WMATA is further directed to continue implementing any and all 
corrective actions to address financial, contracting, and 
accounting concerns raised by FTA's financial management 
oversight audit.
    Should the WMATA board endorse any effort to defer 
maintenance, or move funds from maintenance and safety to 
operating expenses in order to address an operating budget 
shortfall, the Committee will view those budgetary shifts as a 
lack of commitment to the spirit in which PRIIA funds were 
provided and the Committee will consider its financial 
contributions accordingly.
    The Committee provides an additional one-year extension of 
the wireless service requirement. The Committee is aware of the 
agreement between the wireless carriers and WMATA, which lays 
out the schedule for installation and activation by the 
carriers of cell phone availability, as required in the PRIIA 
authorization. Accordingly, the Committee expects WMATA to 
continue to work with the consortium of wireless partners to 
finalize completion of this project no later than December of 
2020. The Committee directs WMATA to provide the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations a report each quarter 
detailing its progress in installing wireless service in 
Metrorail.
    The Committee is encouraged by WMATA's efforts to control 
operational costs, which are currently rising at nearly twice 
the rate of revenues, by exploring innovative approaches, 
including competitive contracting of targeted functions and 
services, where permitted. The Committee believes this will 
promote efficiencies and eliminate inefficient business 
practices; enhance accountability; and ensure the most 
effective use of finite financial resources.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

    Section 160. The Committee continues the provision that 
exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on 
obligations.
    Section 161. The Committee allows funds appropriated for 
capital investment grants and bus and bus facilities not 
obligated by September 30, 2022, plus other recoveries to be 
available for other projects under 49 U.S.C. 5309.
    Section 162. The Committee continues the provision that 
allows for the transfer of prior year appropriations from older 
accounts to be merged into new accounts with similar, current 
activities.
    Section 163. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds in this Act from being used to advance a 
specific line in Harris County, Texas without benefit of a 
local election.
    Section 164. The Committee continues the provision 
prohibiting funds to enter into a Full Funding Grant Agreement 
for a project with a New Starts share greater than 50 percent.
    Section 165. The Committee prohibits the use of funds to 
procure any mass transit and passenger rail or freight rail 
Transportation Systems Sector asset to an entity that is owned, 
directed, or subsidized by a country identified as a Priority 
Watch List country, and is subject to monitoring by the U.S. 
Trade Representative.

             Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

                       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

                    (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $40,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        28,837,012
Recommended in the bill...............................        40,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +11,163,000
 

    The Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway System, located 
between Montreal and Lake Erie, is a binational, 15-lock system 
jointly operated by the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development 
Corporation (SLSDC) and its Canadian counterpart, the Canadian 
St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. The SLSDC was 
established by the St. Lawrence Seaway Act of 1954 and is a 
wholly owned government corporation and an operating 
administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 
SLSDC is charged with operating and maintaining the U.S. 
portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway. This responsibility 
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 St. Lawrence Seaway.
    The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 authorized the 
Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund as a source of appropriations for 
SLSDC operations and maintenance. Additionally, the SLSDC 
generates non-federal revenues which can then be used for 
operations and maintenance.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total appropriation of 
$40,000,000 to fund the operations, maintenance, and capital 
asset renewal needs of the SLSDC. This funding level is equal 
to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $11,163,000 above the 
budget request. Of this amount, $19,000,000 shall be used for 
asset renewal activities.
    The Committee continues the direction to the SLSDC to 
provide semiannual reports consistent with the requirements 
stated in the Explanatory Statement of the Department of 
Transportation Appropriations Act of 2009.
    The Committee is concerned that efforts to commercialize 
SLSDC may propose the re-imposition of U.S. Seaway tolls. Such 
a proposal may disadvantage the competitive position of Great 
Lakes ports whose users may be subject to two user fees (U.S. 
Seaway tolls and Harbor Maintenance Tax). The Committee directs 
the SLSDC to keep the Committee informed of all actions related 
to commercialization and/or the re-imposition of U.S. Seaway 
tolls.

                        Maritime Administration

    The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is responsible for 
programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime industry in support 
of the Nation's security and economic needs, as authorized by 
the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. MARAD's mission is to promote 
the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced 
United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry the Nation's 
domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its 
waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval 
and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.
    MARAD, working with the Department of Defense (DoD), helps 
provide 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 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 create skilled U.S. 
merchant marine officers.

                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $300,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       214,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       300,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +86,000,000
 

    The purpose of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) is to 
maintain and preserve a U.S. flag merchant fleet to serve the 
national security needs of the United States. The MSP provides 
direct payments to U.S. flagship operators engaged in U.S.-
foreign trade. Participating operators are required to keep the 
vessels in active commercial service and are required to 
provide intermodal sealift support to the Department of Defense 
in times of war or national emergency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the maritime 
security program, consistent with the authorized funding level, 
which is equal to the amount provided in fiscal year 2018 and 
$86,000,000 above the budget request. Funds are available until 
expended.

                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $513,642,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       452,428,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       505,228,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -8,414,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +52,800,000
 

    The operations and training account provides funding for 
headquarters and field offices to administer and direct MARAD 
operations and programs. The account also provides funding for 
the operation of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and financial 
assistance to the six state maritime academies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $505,228,000 for MARAD operations 
and training expenses, $8,414,000 below the fiscal year 2018 
funding level and $52,800,000 above the budget request.
    MARAD operations.--Of the funds provided, a total of 
$56,435,000 is for headquarters and regional office operations, 
of which $3,000,000 is for maritime environment and compliance 
program expenses.
    The Committee continues the reporting requirement that 
MARAD submit information on the number of vacancies at MARAD 
headquarters and regional offices, and the duties associated 
with each vacancy concurrent with the fiscal year 2020 budget 
submission.
    United States Merchant Marine Academy.--The U.S. Merchant 
Marine Academy (the Academy or USMMA) provides educational 
programs for men and women to become shipboard officers and 
leaders in the maritime industry. The Committee's funding 
recommendation includes a total of $88,593,000 in fiscal year 
2019 for the USMMA, of which up to $70,593,000 is for Academy 
operations and not less than $14,000,000 is for capital 
improvements and not less than $4,000,000 is for maintenance, 
repairs, and equipment.
    State maritime academies.--The Committee recommends 
$30,200,000 for the state maritime academies. Of the funds 
provided, $4,000,000 is for direct payments, $2,400,000 is for 
student payments, and $1,800,000 is for fuel assistance.
    Schoolships.--The Committee's recommendation for the state 
maritime academies includes $22,000,000 for the repair and 
maintenance of existing schoolships. Further, another 
$300,000,000 is recommended for the construction of a new 
national security multi-mission training vessel and $30,000,000 
is recommended to refurbish an existing schoolship for a state 
academy under MARAD.
    Sexual assault reporting.--The Committee requests an 
updated report within 120 days of enactment of this Act that: 
(1) details the USMMA's current system for reporting and 
investigating allegations of sexual harassment and assault at 
the Academy and during Sea Year; (2) details the sexual assault 
and sexual harassment prevention training programs for students 
at the Academy and at sea; (3) details the industry 
implementation of sexual assault and sexual harassment 
prevention and response best practices in the commercial Sea 
Year program; (4) and compares student sentiment in Sea Year 
sailings under the revised Sea Year program with a similar 
cohort under the old program guidelines.
    United States Merchant Marine Academy Study.--Unlike 
civilian colleges, the USMMA is not currently subject to the 
requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 
Additionally, unlike other Federal service academies, its 
midshipmen are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice (UCMJ). Maintaining the safety and security of all 
persons on campus is a high priority for the Committee. To 
ensure that a proper mechanism is in place to enforce sexual 
harassment and sexual assault policies, the Committee directs 
the GAO to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations not later than 120 days after enactment of 
this Act, that determine whether the USMMA should be subject to 
the protections and requirements of Title IX, the UCMJ, or any 
other laws designed to ensure that campuses remain free of 
sexual harassment and assault.
    Further, the Committee notes no consequences currently 
exist for those that retaliate against student survivors who 
report sexual assault. The Committee requires MARAD and the 
USMMA to create and implement a plan to combat retaliation 
against student sexual assault survivors and determine 
consequences for retaliation. The plan shall be submitted to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriation by not later 
than 120 days after enactment of this Act.
    The Committee notes that MARAD has and will continue to 
support the USMMA Board of Visitors, as required by 46 USC 
51312(g). Further, the Committee looks forward to receiving 
MARAD's review of existing statutory authorities and 
impediments to effective and efficient operations.

                     ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $20,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        20,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +20,000,000
 

    As authorized under section 54101 of title 46, the 
Assistance to Small Shipyards program provides assistance in 
the form of grants, loans, and loan guarantees to small 
shipyards for capital improvements and training programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $20,000,000 for Assistance to 
Small Shipyards, equal to the fiscal year 2018 level and 
$20,000,000 above the budget request.

                             SHIP DISPOSAL

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $116,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        30,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -111,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       -25,000,000
 

    MARAD serves as the Federal government's disposal agent for 
government-owned merchant vessels weighing 1,500 gross tons or 
more. The ship disposal program provides resources to dispose 
of obsolete merchant-type vessels in the National Defense 
Reserve Fleet (NDRF). The Maritime Administration was required 
by Public Law 106-398 to dispose of its obsolete inventory by 
the end of 2006. These vessels pose a significant environmental 
threat due to the presence of hazardous substances such as 
asbestos and solid and liquid polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 for ship disposal 
activities, $111,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 funding 
level and $25,000,000 below the budget request. The 
recommendation includes $3,000,000 to maintain the NS SAVANNAH 
in protective storage in accordance with the Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission's license requirements while it is being disposed. 
Funds are available until expended. The Committee notes that it 
provided adequate funding in fiscal year 2018 to fully dispose 
of the NS SAVANNAH.

              MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN (TITLE XI) PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $3,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -3,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The maritime guaranteed loan program, as provided for by 
Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, provides for 
guaranteed loans for purchasers of ships from the U.S. 
shipbuilding industry and for modernization of U.S. shipyards.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides no appropriation under this heading, 
but provides administrative funding for the maritime guaranteed 
loan program under the ``National Surface Transportation and 
Innovative Finance Bureau'' account under the Office of the 
Secretary of Transportation, consistent with the budget 
request.

                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Section 170. The Committee continues a provision that 
allows the Maritime Administration to furnish utilities and 
services and make repairs in connection with any lease, 
contract, or occupancy involving government property under the 
control of MARAD and rental payments shall be paid into the 
Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
    Section 171. The Committee includes a provision modifying 
penalty wages regarding foreign and intercostal voyages and 
coast-wise voyages.

         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 agency'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.

                          OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $23,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        23,710,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        23,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          -710,000
 

    This appropriation finances the operational support costs 
for PHMSA, including 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 recommends $23,000,000 for PHMSA operational 
expenses. This is the same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level, and $710,000 below the budget request. The 
recommendation does not include the budget proposal to combine 
the community safety grant and pipeline safety information 
grant programs.

                       HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $59,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        52,070,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        59,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +6,930,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $59,000,000, which is the same as 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $6,930,000 above the 
budget request. This funding level supports the agency's 
existing hazardous materials safety program, including prior 
year increases provided to support the safe transport of energy 
products.
    Inland ports of entry.--The Committee directs PHMSA to work 
with local governments at international inland ports of entry 
with a high volume of hazardous materials crossing the border 
to reduce the risk associated with crossing and storing 
hazardous material and to enhance the capacity of local 
officials in dealing with threats of hazardous materials 
incidents. The Committee directs DOT to report back to the 
Committee on its progress within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act.

                            PIPELINE SAFETY

                         (PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

                    (OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  (Underground
                                                                  (Oil spill      natural gas
                                                 (Pipeline     liability trust      storage           Total
                                                safety fund)        fund)       facility safety
                                                                                     fund)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.............     $131,000,000      $23,000,000       $8,000,000     $162,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019............      119,200,000       23,000,000        8,000,000      150,200,000
Recommended in the bill.....................      134,000,000       23,000,000        8,000,000      165,000,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.........       +3,000,000            - - -            - - -       +3,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019........      +14,800,000            - - -            - - -      +14,800,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    PHMSA oversees the safety, security, and environmental 
protection of pipelines through analysis of data, damage 
prevention, education and training, development and enforcement 
of regulations and policies, research and development, grants 
for states pipeline 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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $165,000,000 to continue pipeline 
safety operations, research and development, and state grants-
in-aid, which is $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and $14,800,000 above the budget request. Of the total, 
$23,000,000 is from the oil spill liability trust fund, 
$134,000,000 is from the pipeline safety fund, and $8,000,000 
is from the underground natural gas storage facility safety 
account within the pipeline safety fund.
    The Committee recommendation provides $15,000,000 for 
research and development, $53,000,000 for state pipeline safety 
grants, $1,058,000 for state one-call grants, and $1,500,000 
for state damage prevention grants. PHMSA shall deliver a 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 120 days of enactment that details staffing and hiring 
plans for fiscal year 2019 as well as actual turnover and 
hiring in fiscal year 2018.
    Natural gas storage safety.--The Committee urges the 
Administrator of PHMSA to ensure that PHMSA defines levels of 
performance, addresses core program activities, and uses 
baseline data as it continues developing performance goals for 
its natural gas storage program. The Committee directs PHMSA to 
report back to the Committee on natural gas storage program 
performance goal development within 90 days of enactment of 
this Act.

                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

                 (Emergency preparedness grant program)
 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................     ($28,318,000)
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................      (28,318,000)
Recommended in the bill...............................      (28,318,000)
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................           (- - -)
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................           (- - -)
 

    The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 
of 1990 (Public Law 101-616) requires PHMSA to: (1) develop and 
implement a reimbursable emergency preparedness grant program; 
(2) monitor public sector emergency response training and 
planning and provide technical assistance to states, political 
subdivisions, and Indian tribes; and (3) develop and update 
periodically a mandatory training curriculum for emergency 
responders.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $28,318,000 for the emergency 
preparedness grants program, which is the same as the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and the budget request.

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $92,152,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        91,500,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        92,152,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          +652,000
 

    The Office of Inspector General 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 (IG) is to report dually to the Secretary of 
Transportation and to the Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $92,152,000 for the 
Office of Inspector General, which is equal to the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $652,000 above the budget request. The 
Committee continues to highly value IG's oversight of 
departmental programs and activities.
    Unfair business practices.--The bill maintains language 
first enacted in fiscal year 2000, which authorizes the OIG to 
investigate allegations of fraud and unfair or deceptive 
practices and unfair methods of competition by air carriers and 
ticket agents.
    Audit reports.--The Committee requests the OIG to continue 
forwarding copies of all audit reports to the Committee 
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. 
The OIG is also directed to withhold from public distribution 
for a period of 15 days any final audit or investigative report 
that was requested by the House or Senate Committees on 
Appropriations.

            GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    Section 180 provides authorization for DOT to maintain and 
operate aircraft, hire passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, 
purchase liability insurance, buy uniforms, or allowances 
therefor.
    Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
by 5 U.S.C. 3109 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 stipulates that revenue collected by FHWA and 
FRA from States, counties, municipalities, other public 
authorities, and private sources for training be transferred 
into specific accounts within the agency with an exception.
    Section 184 prohibits DOT from using funds to make a grant, 
loan, loan guarantee, or cooperative agreement, unless DOT 
gives a 3-day advance notice to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations. The provision also requires notice of any 
``quick release'' of funds from FHWA's emergency relief 
program, and prohibits notifications from involving funds not 
available for obligation. The provision requires DOT to provide 
a comprehensive list of all loans, loan guarantees, lines of 
credit, cooperative agreements, and discretionary grants that 
will be announced with a 3-day advance notice to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 185 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of DOT.
    Section 186 allows amounts from improper payments to a 
third party contractor that are lawfully recovered by DOT to be 
made available until expended to cover expenses incurred in 
recovery of such payments.
    Section 187 requires that reprogramming actions have 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 modal 
administrations to be obligated for the Office of the Secretary 
for costs related to assessments only when such funds provide a 
direct benefit to that modal administration.
    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.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

                     Management and Administration

    Management and Administration accounts provide operating 
support to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 
Funding supports the salaries and expenses of nearly all HUD 
employees, as well as certain non-personnel expenses critical 
to carrying out HUD's mission, including funding for shared 
service agreements. The Committee supports the Department's 
efforts to transform the way it does business and encourages 
the Department to continue efforts to streamline operations 
while making targeted technology and human capital investments.
    Budget presentation.--The Committee directs HUD to continue 
to clearly identify and explain within its budget request the 
movement, reclassification, or transfer of budgetary resources 
from one account, program, project, or activity to another 
account, program, project, or activity in order to facilitate 
year-over-year comparisons. Any programs, projects, or 
activities that are newly requested or transferred from 
accounts outside Management and Administration shall also be 
clearly identified and clearly distinguished from adjustments 
to baseline spending.
    New initiatives.--The Committee reiterates that the 
Department must limit the reprogramming of funds between the 
programs, projects, and activities within each account and that 
no changes may be made to any program, project, or activity 
without prior approval of the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations. Unless otherwise identified in the bill or 
report, the most detailed allocation of budgetary resources 
presented in the budget justifications is approved with any 
deviation from such approved allocation subject to 
reprogramming requirements. All carryover funds, including 
recaptures and deobligations, are also subject to reprogramming 
requirements.
    HUD Management Challenges.--Annually since 1991, the Office 
of Inspector General has reported on the lack of an integrated 
financial management system at HUD. The Department has been 
working to replace its core financial management system since 
fiscal year 2003, and has yet to deliver a successful 
replacement. Many of the financial challenges and risks are 
exacerbated by the Department's outdated information technology 
systems, and yet the Department has shown weaknesses in 
planning, managing, executing, and appropriately funding its 
projects, making it difficult to successfully update outdated 
systems. As HUD addresses its future financial management 
objectives, it must ensure the project is properly planned and 
managed, its objectives are sequentially met during 
implementation, and additional funding is spent appropriately. 
The Committee expects regular updates on its efforts to correct 
these financial management deficiencies and improve information 
technology governance.
    Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act.--The 
Committee urges HUD to fully implement the Housing Opportunity 
Through Modernization Act of 2016.
    Broadband infrastructure.--The Committee reminds HUD that 
funds dispersed through the Home Investment Partnerships 
program, the Public Housing Fund, Choice Neighborhoods, and the 
Community Development Block Grant program are applicable to the 
construction and rehabilitation of broadband infrastructure in 
housing units and communities, along with other necessary 
investments in plumbing, electrical, and other utilities.

                           Executive Offices

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $14,708,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        15,583,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        14,743,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................           +35,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          -840,000
 

    The Executive Offices account funds the salaries and 
expenses of the Office of the Secretary, 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.
    The Office of the Secretary provides program and policy 
guidance, and operations management and oversight in 
administering all programs, functions, and authorities of the 
Department.
    The Office of the Deputy Secretary provides operations 
management and helps the Department achieve its strategic goals 
by providing management support to program offices under the 
direction of the Office of the Secretary.
    The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and 
Intergovernmental Relations is responsible for coordinating 
Congressional and intergovernmental relations activities 
involving program offices to ensure the effective and accurate 
presentation of the Department's views.
    The Office of Public Affairs educates the American people 
about the Department's mission through media outreach and other 
communication tools, such as press releases, press conferences, 
the Internet, media interviews, new media, and community 
outreach.
    The Office of Adjudicatory Services conducts hearings and 
makes determinations regarding formal complaints or adverse 
actions initiated by HUD based upon alleged violations of 
federal statutes and implementing regulations.
    The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
provides small business program design and outreach to the 
business community and serves as the central referral point for 
small business regulatory compliance information.
    The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships 
conducts outreach, recommends changes to HUD policies and 
programs that present barriers to grassroots organizations, and 
initiates special projects, such as grant writing training.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $14,743,000, which is $35,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $840,000 below the 
budget request.
    The bill also provides that no more than $25,000 provided 
under the immediate Office of the Secretary shall be available 
for official reception and representation expenses as the 
Secretary may determine.
    Notice of HUD assistance.--HUD provides many different 
types of financial assistance to accomplish the missions of 
housing and development. Grants, loans, mortgages, contracts, 
and cooperative agreements are provided in support of many 
different types of stakeholders including individuals, public 
housing authorities, not-for-profit organizations, states and 
governors, mayors and cities, and landlords. As a consequence, 
there is no single HUD point of contact in a given community, 
or one single grant recipient and it is difficult to 
comprehensively track all of HUD's investments, projects, and 
programs across a single community. The Committee directs the 
Secretary, either though the various program offices or through 
technical assistance initiatives, to notify local officials 
where HUD assistance is, or will be, used for new construction, 
hazard remediation, or substantial rehabilitation of 
multifamily units, public buildings, or other projects which 
involve the construction of or rehabilitation of properties 
other than single family homes.

                     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $518,303,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       507,372,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       525,657,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +7,354,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +18,285,000
 

    The Administrative Support Offices (ASO) account funds the 
salaries and expenses of 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 Field Policy and Management, the Office of the 
Chief Procurement Officer, the Office of Departmental Equal 
Employment Opportunity, the Office of Business Transformation, 
and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
    The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides 
leadership in instituting financial integrity, fiscal 
responsibility, and accountability. The CFO is responsible for 
all aspects of financial management, accounting, and budgetary 
matters; ensuring the Department establishes and meets 
financial management goals and objectives; ensuring the 
Department is in compliance with financial management 
legislation and directives; analyzing budgetary implications of 
policy and legislative proposals; and providing technical 
oversight with respect to all budget activities throughout the 
Department.
    The General Counsel, as the chief legal officer and legal 
voice of the Department, is the legal adviser to the Secretary 
and other principal staff of the Department. It is the 
responsibility of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to 
provide legal opinions, advice and services with respect to all 
programs and activities, and to provide counsel and assistance 
in the development of the Department's programs and policies.
    The Office of Administration provides general operational 
support services to all offices and divisions throughout HUD. 
These services include HUD's non-information technology 
infrastructure in the following areas: nationwide management 
and operation of buildings, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 
processing, records management, Privacy Act administration, 
protective and physical security for HUD's Secretary and Deputy 
Secretary, and disaster and emergency response coordination.
    The Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer provides 
human resource services to all offices and divisions throughout 
HUD. These services include HUD's non-information technology 
infrastructure in the following areas: strategic human capital 
management, enterprise level training and learning, recruitment 
and staffing, workforce planning, retention, engagement, 
succession planning and Departmental performance management.
    The Office of Field Policy and Management (FPM) serves as 
the principal advisor providing oversight and communicating 
Secretarial priorities and policies to field office staff and 
HUD clients. The Regional and Field Office Directors act as the 
operational managers in each of the field offices and manage 
and coordinate cross-program delivery in the field.
    The Office of the Chief Procurement Officer's mission is to 
provide high-quality acquisition support services to all HUD 
program offices by purchasing necessary operational and 
mission-related goods and services; provide advice, guidance, 
and technical assistance to all departmental offices on matters 
concerning procurement; assist program offices in defining and 
specifying their procurement needs; develop and maintain all 
procurement guidance, including regulations, policies, and 
procedures; and assist in the development of sound acquisition 
strategies.
    The mission of the Office of Departmental Equal Employment 
Opportunity (ODEEO) is to ensure the enforcement of Federal 
laws relating to the elimination of all forms of discrimination 
in the Department's employment practices. The mission is 
carried out through the functions of three divisions: the 
Affirmative Employment division, the Alternative Dispute 
Resolution division, and the Equal Employment Opportunity 
division.
    The Office of Business Transformation (OBT), formerly known 
as the Office of Strategic Planning and Management, is 
responsible for driving organizational, programmatic, and 
operational changes across HUD to maximize agency performance. 
OBT facilitates the Department-wide strategic planning process 
by identifying strategic priorities and change initiatives, 
monitoring key performance measures, and implementing and 
overseeing formula and competitive grants.
    The Office of the Chief Information Officer is led by the 
Chief Information Officer (CIO) who reports to the Office of 
the Secretary/Deputy Secretary. HUD's CIO advises senior 
managers on the strategic use of information technology to 
support core business processes and to achieve mission critical 
goals. OCIO is responsible for providing modern information 
technology that is secure, accessible and cost effective while 
ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $525,657,000 for this account, 
which is $7,354,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $18,285,000 above the budget request.
    Funding specified for each office is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Office
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer...................      49,556,000
Office of General Counsel...............................      96,307,000
Office of Administration................................     211,408,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer...............      45,688,000
Office of the Field Policy and Management...............      51,822,000
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer.................      18,370,000
Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity.....       3,542,000
Office of Business Transformation.......................       4,197,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer.................      44,767,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Program Office Salaries and Expenses

                       PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $216,633,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       209,473,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       215,689,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................          -944,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +6,216,000
 

    The Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) oversees the 
administration of HUD's Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, 
and Native American Programs. PIH is responsible for 
administering and managing programs authorized and funded by 
Congress under the basic provisions of the U.S. Housing Act of 
1937.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $215,689,000 for this account, 
which is the $944,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, 
and $6,216,000 above the budget request.

                   COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $107,554,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       105,906,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       109,689,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +2,135,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +3,783,000
 

    The Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) 
assists communities in their efforts to provide affordable 
housing and expanded economic opportunities for low and 
moderate-income persons. The primary means toward this end is 
the development of partnerships among all levels of government 
and the private sector. This Office is responsible for the 
effective administration of Community Development Block Grants 
(CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership (HOME), Homeless 
Assistance Grants, and other HUD community development 
programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $109,689,000 for this account, 
which is $2,135,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, 
and $3,783,000 above the budget request.

                                HOUSING

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $383,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       359,448,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       370,222,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -12,778,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +10,774,000
 

    The Office of Housing implements programmatic, regulatory, 
financial, and operational responsibilities under the 
leadership of six deputy assistant secretaries and the field 
staff for activities related to Federal Housing Administration 
(FHA) multifamily and single family homeownership programs, and 
assisted rental housing programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $370,222,000 for this account, 
which is $12,778,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $10,774,000 above the budget request.

                    POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $24,065,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        25,366,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        25,056,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................          +991,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          -310,000
 

    The Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) 
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. Research proposals are determined through 
consultation with senior staff from each HUD program office, 
the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $25,056,000 for this account, 
which is $991,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$310,000 below the budget request.

                   FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $69,808,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        71,312,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        71,312,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +1,504,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is 
responsible for developing policies and guidance, and for 
providing technical support for enforcement of the Fair Housing 
Act and the civil rights statutes. FHEO serves as the central 
point for the formulation, clearance and dissemination of 
policies, intra-departmental clearances, and public information 
related to fair housing issues. FHEO 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, FHEO conducts civil rights 
compliance reviews and compliance reviews under Section 3.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $71,312,000 for this account, 
which is $1,504,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and equal to the budget request.
    The Committee directs the Department to expeditiously issue 
the Equal Access Rule Guidance that was requested in fiscal 
year 2016 in House Report 114-129.

            OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOMES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $7,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         7,540,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,303,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................          +703,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................          +763,000
 

    The Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control 
(OHHLHC) is directly 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. 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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,303,000 for this account, which 
is $703,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$763,000 above the budget request.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Working 
Capital Fund (WCF) was established by the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2016 to consolidate by transfer resources 
that support certain centrally performed administrative 
functions. The purpose of the WCF is to promote economy, 
efficiency, and accountability among the various HUD offices 
that rely on these functions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee's recommendation provides the Secretary with 
the authority to transfer amounts provided in this title for 
salaries and expenses, except those for the Office of Inspector 
General, to this account for the purpose of funding centralized 
activities. The Department is required to centralize and fund 
from this account any shared service agreements executed 
between HUD and another Federal agency. For fiscal year 2019, 
the Department is permitted to centralize and fund from this 
account: financial management, procurement, travel, relocation, 
human resources, printing, records management, space 
renovation, furniture, supply services, the management data 
initiative, and working capital fund operations. The Committee 
expects that, 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 expects 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.
    HUD shall include in its annual operating plan a detailed 
outline of its plans for transferring budgetary resources to 
the WCF in fiscal year 2019.

                       Public and Indian Housing

                     TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................   $22,015,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................    20,549,749,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    22,476,613,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +461,613,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +1,926,864,000
 

    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 $22,476,618,000 for tenant-based 
rental assistance, which is $461,613,000 above the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $1,926,864,000 above the budget request. 
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, 2019.
    Voucher renewals.--The Committee provides $20,106,613,000 
for the renewal of tenant-based vouchers. This level is 
$506,613,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$1,357,864,000 above the budget request. 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.
    Veterans affairs supportive housing (VASH).--To continue 
the effort to eliminate homelessness among our Nation's 
veterans, the Committee provides $40,000,000 for new, 
incremental vouchers dedicated to vulnerable veteran 
households. This level is the same as the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $40,000,000 above the budget request. In 
addition, adequate funding within the voucher renewal 
appropriation is available to renew all eligible VASH vouchers 
funded in prior years.
    Since 2008, the Committee has provided more than 
$500,000,000 in targeted funding to increase the number of VASH 
vouchers available to address veteran homelessness and billions 
of dollars have been made available to renew VASH vouchers over 
the same period. Communities across the country have been able 
to use these resources to make tremendous strides in addressing 
veteran homelessness. According to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs (VA), a number of diverse communities across the 
country have been able to announce an effective end to veteran 
homelessness. These successes are the result of hard work, and 
effective collaboration, and are aspirational for the rest of 
the country.
    For this reason, the Committee encourages the Department to 
use existing authority to recapture HUD-VASH voucher assistance 
from public housing agencies (PHAs) that voluntarily declare 
that they no longer have a need for that assistance, and 
reallocate it to PHAs with an identified need. The Committee 
directs HUD to expedite this process to ensure that communities 
that have successfully ended veterans' homelessness enable 
other communities to assist this population. The Committee 
directs the agency to report to Congress on its plan to 
implement this section within 120 days of enactment of this 
Act.
    The Committee notes that there are many homeless veterans 
living on the U.S.-Mexico border, many of whom have not 
historically been counted in the point-in-time homeless survey. 
The Committee directs HUD to take action to ensure that HUD-
VASH vouchers are made available to this unique population. The 
Committee further directs HUD to develop strategies and 
recommendations for addressing and reducing veteran 
homelessness on the U.S.-Mexico border, and to provide a report 
on its efforts within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
    Vouchers for homeless Native American veterans.--The 
Committee provides $5,000,000 for renewal of vouchers for 
Native American veterans who are homeless or at risk of 
homelessness living on or near a reservation, or other Indian 
areas. 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 VASH 
appropriations included within voucher renewal funding.
    The Committee is concerned with reports that significant 
delays in the process for hiring case managers required by HUD 
for Tribal HUD-VASH have prevented some tribes and tribally 
designated housing entities from fully implementing their 
programs. The rural and remote nature of many Native 
communities presents unique barriers to hiring and retaining 
qualified professionals who meet the VA's standards for case 
managers. The Committee directs HUD to work collaboratively 
with the VA and Tribal HUD-VASH funding recipients to end 
current delays, prevent future delays, and address the 
associated negative impacts. In addition, the Committee urges 
HUD to ensure that Tribal HUD-VASH funding recipients unable to 
fully implement their program due to hiring delays are not 
treated inequitably due to the delays, particularly in 
performance evaluations and when applying for continued 
funding.
    Tenant protection.--The Committee provides $85,000,000 for 
tenant protection vouchers, which is the same as the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $55,000,000 below the budget 
request. The Committee rejects proposals included in the budget 
to make strategic reductions in public housing and therefore 
does not anticipate a need for increased tenant protection 
funding.
    Administrative fees.--The Committee provides $1,800,000,000 
for allocations to public housing authorities (PHAs) to conduct 
activities associated with placing and maintaining individuals 
under Section 8 assistance. This amount is $40,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $250,000,000 above the 
budget request. The Committee increases the amount of funding 
to be distributed at the discretion of the Secretary and 
directs the Secretary to prioritize the needs of PHAs that 
participate in the mobility demonstration or have been impacted 
by disasters when awarding these funds.
    Section 811 mainstream vouchers.--The Committee provides 
$390,000,000 for Section 811 tenant-based subsidies. This level 
is $115,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$283,000,000 above the budget request. The fiscal year 2018 
appropriation made a historic expansion of this program and 
provided over 40,000 incremental vouchers, more than 
quadrupling the federal commitment to this especially 
vulnerable population. The recommended funding level covers not 
only anticipated renewal costs for fiscal year 2019 but also 
provides for at least 30,000 additional vouchers. However, 
because of the time needed to award and lease the new vouchers 
provided in 2018, only a partial year of renewal funding is 
required and the appropriation is therefore reduced. The 
Committee directs HUD to issue guidance to the housing agencies 
administering these vouchers, and restricts the use of these 
new section 811 vouchers to persons with disabilities who are 
non-elderly at the time of admission. These vouchers, and the 
vouchers provided in prior years that are renewed under this 
subaccount, shall be upon turnover issued only to non-elderly 
persons with disabilities.
    Family mobility demonstration.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $50,000,000 to implement a family 
mobility demonstration. Many families served by HUD face 
significant barriers to economic opportunity and improved self-
sufficiency. Low-income families, including voucher holders, 
tend to be concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods where 
schools are under-resourced, transportation is limited, and 
well-paying jobs are scarce. This demonstration will harness 
the power of the housing choice voucher platform to help 
families with children seek housing and successfully move to 
privately-owned units in lower-poverty areas. A growing body of 
research finds that when families move to higher opportunity 
areas with less poverty, more jobs, and quality schools, their 
children experience significant earnings and educational 
attainment improvements that persist into adulthood. The 
persistence of the improved outcomes for children is remarkable 
and gives hope that family mobility could hold the key to 
arresting generational poverty in families served by HUD.
    The purpose of the demonstration is to implement and study 
the ways that housing and service providers can effectively 
counsel families on neighborhood choice, remove barriers, and 
support successful moves to low-poverty areas. Within the 
recommended funding, no less than $30,000,000 is available to 
support PHA programs designed to empower families to 
successfully move to, and remain in, lower-poverty areas. These 
funds may be used to deliver mobility services to families, 
including pre- and post-move counseling, rent deposits, as well 
as to offset the administrative costs of operating a mobility 
program. In addition, up to $20,000,000 is available for 
incremental housing vouchers for families with children that 
participate in the demonstration and these new vouchers shall 
remain dedicated to families with children upon turnover.
    The Committee expects HUD to use this demonstration to 
identify regulatory and administrative barriers to housing 
mobility and cost-effective strategies to facilitate and 
promote mobility to low-poverty areas. The Department is 
expected to prioritize no less than $3,000,000 within the 
Policy Development and Research account for a systematic 
evaluation of the approaches employed under this demonstration.
    Section 8 Management Assessment Program.--The Section Eight 
Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) reports to Congress in 
2002 and 2003 stated, ``Most non-audit Housing Choice Voucher 
submitters under SEMAP are rated on a maximum of 55 points (65 
points if they operate a Family Self Sufficiency Program) 
versus larger programs that are scored on a maximum range in 
most cases of between 135 and 150 points. . . .'' Due to this 
approach, unaudited, smaller PHAs may be more susceptible to a 
troubled designation. Because they are rated on fewer 
indicators and thus a smaller number of points, each single 
point deduction has a greater impact on their ultimate 
performance rating. The Committee directs the Department to 
analyze whether this difference in the scoring rubric creates a 
fairness problem for unaudited PHAs and to report to the 
Committee on how SEMAP scores and related PHA designations 
could be revised so that the ultimate performance ratings for 
PHAs scored on seven indicators (plus a deconcentration bonus 
indicator) are fair when compared with performance ratings for 
PHAs that are scored on 14 performance areas (plus a 
deconcentration bonus indicator).
    Public housing assessment system.--The Committee directs 
HUD to study and report back to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations on potential changes to the public housing 
assessment system for public housing authorities that operate 
550 or fewer public housing units and housing choice vouchers 
combined by taking into consideration physical inspections and 
an annual financial assessment based on current assets and 
liabilities. The Department shall deliver a report to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations of its findings within 
60 days of enactment of this Act. The Committee remains 
interested in ways to reduce onerous regulations for small 
public housing authorities.
    Rental assistance purchasing power.--The Committee is 
concerned about the impacts rising rental prices have had on 
the Moving to Work (MTW) agencies. HUD is directed to complete 
a report within 180 days of enactment on the impacts that 
rising rental market prices have had on the purchasing power of 
rental assistance vouchers administered by MTW agencies.

                        HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

    The Housing Certificate Fund, until fiscal year 2005, 
provided funding for both the project-based and tenant-based 
components of the Section 8 program. Project-Based Rental 
Assistance and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance are now 
separately funded accounts. The Housing Certificate Fund 
retains balances from previous years' appropriations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Language is included to allow unobligated balances from 
specific accounts to renew or amend Project-Based Rental 
Assistance contracts.

                    RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................      $100,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................             - - -
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      -100,000,000
 

    The Rental Assistance Demonstration was authorized in 2012 
to preserve public and other multifamily housing. Under 
existing authorities, the program allows units assisted under 
various programs to be converted to long-term Section 8 
assistance.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation does not include $100,000,000 
for the Rental Assistance Demonstration requested in the 
budget.

                      PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $2,750,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,750,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +2,750,000,000
 

    The public housing capital 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 $2,750,000,000 for the public 
housing capital fund, which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $2,750,000,000 above the budget request. The 
recommendation does not include the request to eliminate this 
account and direct unobligated balances to the Public Housing 
Operating Fund. The Committee continues to support a 
significant federal commitment to public housing and rejects 
multiple proposals included in the budget intended to 
facilitate a strategic reduction of the public housing 
portfolio.
    Within the amounts provided, the Committee directs that:
    --No more than $10,000,000 is directed to support the 
ongoing public housing financial and physical assessment 
activities of the Real Estate Assessment Center;
    --Up to $20,000,000 is made available for emergency capital 
needs, excluding Presidentially-declared disasters. The 
Committee includes language to ensure that funds are used only 
for repairs needed due to an unforeseen and unanticipated 
emergency event or natural disaster that occurs during fiscal 
year 2019, or for certain security measures;
    --Up to $35,000,000 is for the Resident Opportunity and 
Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program;
    --$15,000,000 is provided for the Jobs Plus program to 
improve employment opportunities and earnings of public housing 
residents; and
    --$30,000,000 is provided for competitive grants to support 
demolition of physically obsolete public housing properties as 
well as associated administrative and relocation costs. The 
Department is directed to prioritize grants to applications 
that will reduce the total number of units located in high-
poverty areas and that include plans for replacing demolished 
units either with new public housing or voucher-supported 
housing at a ratio of no less than 1:1.
    Physical needs assessment prohibition.--The Committee has 
included bill language prohibiting funds for HUD's Physical 
Needs Assessment (PNA) requirement for PHAs. Implementation of 
PNA requirements on PHAs unnecessarily increases administrative 
burdens on PHAs and appears to have no operational benefit for 
local housing programs.

                     PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $4,550,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     3,279,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     4,550,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +1,271,000,000
 

    The public housing operating fund subsidizes the costs 
associated with operating and maintaining public housing. This 
subsidy supplements funding received by public housing 
authorities from tenant rent contributions and other income. In 
accordance with section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 
1937, as amended, funds are allocated by formula to public 
housing authorities for the following purposes: utility costs; 
anti-crime and anti-drug activities, including the costs of 
providing adequate security; routine maintenance cost; 
administrative costs; and general operating expenses.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $4,550,000,000 for the federal 
share of PHA operating expenses. This amount is the same as the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $1,271,000,000 above the 
budget request.
    Quality assurance of physical inspections.--The Committee 
is troubled by reports of deplorable living conditions found in 
some HUD-subsidized properties across the country. The scope of 
this issue spans geographic regions, highlights systemic 
problems, and calls into question the effectiveness of HUD 
oversight, and the Real Estate Assessment Center's (REAC) 
inspections of HUD-assisted housing. The Committee encourages 
the Department to work with the Congress on enforcement 
actions, including civil monetary penalties, that HUD can take 
to ensure PHAs and landlords maintain the physical quality of 
HUD-assisted units. Similarly, while the Committee is 
supportive of efforts to quickly issue tenant-protection 
vouchers, the issuance of these vouchers is a tacit 
acknowledgement that the Department has failed to ensure units 
are maintained as decent, safe and sanitary. Additionally, 
failure to maintain the physical condition of HUD-assisted 
properties results in a loss of critical affordable housing and 
tenant protection vouchers are of questionable value to 
families that encounter a lack of affordable housing in their 
communities. The Committee directs the Department to solicit 
comments from stakeholders, including tenants, to identify ways 
the Department can improve its inspection protocols and 
oversight. The Committee will continue to closely monitor the 
Department's efforts and progress and directs the Department to 
submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 60 days of enactment of this Act a report identifying 
how HUD is improving the inspection process and related 
protocols, including quality assurance of inspections, 
identified actions yet to be implemented, the status of actions 
undertaken, and a timeline for completion of all actions.
    Lead assessments in federally-assisted housing.--The 
Committee continues to believe that, given the significant 
impact lead exposure can have on children and their 
development, there continues to be a need for lead inspection 
standards within federally assisted housing, including public 
housing and the housing choice voucher program. The Committee 
believes that the Department has the statutory authority 
necessary to require stringent inspections when checking homes 
for lead paint. Visual lead inspections have proven at times 
insufficient and more rigorous standards such as requiring risk 
assessments prior to a family moving into a home should be 
considered where appropriate to ensure that children living in 
federally-assisted homes are protected from lead poisoning.
    Operating fund adjustment factors.--The Committee is 
concerned that the Department's current methodology for 
calculating formula income and utility expenses for PHAs does 
not accurately reflect the reality that many experience 
locally. This is especially true for those PHAs that serve 
large elderly or disabled populations, or operate on a utility 
that is of higher cost than other parts of the country. The 
Committee appreciates that the Department takes seriously 
concerns raised by PHAs and is reviewing its data and 
evaluating alternative approaches. The Committee directs the 
Department to report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this Act on 
alternative methodologies for calculating PHA formula income 
for purposes of Operating Fund eligibility.

                    CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $150,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +150,000,000
 

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $150,000,000 for the Choice 
Neighborhoods Initiative Program, which is the same as the 2018 
enacted level and $150,000,000 above the budget request. The 
Committee encourages the Department to give prior year planning 
grant recipients priority consideration when awarding 
implementation grants.

                        FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $75,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        75,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        75,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The Family Self-Sufficiency program funds coordinators to 
help HUD-assisted residents achieve economic independence.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $75,000,000 to support the Family 
Self-Sufficiency program. This is the same as the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and the same as the budget request. The 
Committee expects the Department to prioritize assistance to 
individuals and families that results in job stability, 
increased tenant incomes, and greater rent contributions.

                  NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $755,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       600,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       755,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +155,000,000
 

    The Native American Housing Block Grants program, 
authorized by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4111 et seq.), provides 
funds to American Indian tribes and their Tribally Designated 
Housing Entities (TDHEs) to address affordable housing needs 
within their communities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $755,000,000 for the Native 
American Housing Block Grants account, which is the same as the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $155,000,000 above the 
budget request.
    --$646,000,000 is for formula grants to tribes as 
authorized under title I of the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA);
    --$100,000,000 is for competitive grants to be awarded on 
the basis of need and administrative capacity to recipients 
eligible under NAHASDA;
    --$7,000,000 is for training and technical assistance to 
Indian housing authorities and TDHEs. Of this amount, no less 
than $2,000,000 is for a national organization as authorized 
under NAHASDA; and
    --$2,000,000 is for Title VI loan guarantees up to 
$17,761,989.
    Formula grant overfunding.--The Native American Housing 
Block Grant allocation formula is based on need as measured in 
part by current assisted housing stock. However, housing data 
used to calculate allocations in any given year often contains 
inaccuracies that are subsequently corrected. These data 
revisions result in some Indian tribes having received grants 
in excess of their accurate formula allocation which in turn 
causes all other Indian tribes to be technically underfunded 
for that same year. To address this recurring problem, the 
Department has in the past recouped prior year awards made in 
excess of eligibility by offsetting current year awards. The 
Committee believes that this practice is within the 
Department's authority. To ensure that block grants under this 
heading are allocated accurately and in accordance with 
statutory requirements, the Committee directs the Department to 
continue the practice of offsetting formula allocations in 
fiscal year 2019 should it receive data indicating that an 
overpayment occurred, provided the Department takes action 
within 3 years from the date the Formula Response Form is sent 
out. If the Department recoups funds from a tribe and a 
subsequent appeals process determines that the funds should not 
have been recouped, the Committee directs the Department to 
increase the tribe's next funding allocation, following the 
final appeals determination, equal to the amount of the 
improperly recouped funds.

           INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
Credit subsidy:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $1,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................         1,440,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................          +440,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +1,440,000
Limitation on guaranteed loans:
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       270,270,270
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................       553,846,140
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +283,575,884
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +553,846,140
 

    Section 184 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1992 establishes a loan guarantee program for Native American 
individuals and housing authorities 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 recommends $1,440,000 in new credit subsidy 
for the Section 184 loan guarantee program, which is $440,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $1,440,000 above 
the budget request. This will guarantee a loan volume of 
$553,846,140, which is $283,575,884 above the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $553,846,140 above the budget request.

      NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                              (RESCISSION)

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................             - - -
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        -5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -5,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        -5,000,000
 

    Section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act 
of 1992 establishes a loan guarantee program for Native 
Hawaiian families 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 Committee recommendation rescinds $5,000,000 in 
unobligated balances for the Section 184A loan guarantee 
program as requested in the budget. There was no rescission or 
appropriation for this account in fiscal year 2018. The program 
has been operating on a negative subsidy basis and has 
sufficient balances of prior-year loan guarantee limitation to 
maintain program operations.

                   Community Planning and Development

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $7,669,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     2,713,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     7,554,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -115,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +4,841,000,000
 

    The Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) is 
responsible for administering the Community Development Block 
Grants (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership (HOME), Housing 
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), Homeless 
Assistance Grants (HAG), and other HUD community development 
programs. Most of these programs pass Federal funds through to 
state and local governments and other entities to address 
housing and development needs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $7,554,000,000 for Community 
Planning and Development programs, which is $115,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $4,841,000,000 above the 
budget request.

              HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $375,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       330,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       393,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       +18,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +$63,000,000
 

    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. 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 a total of $393,000,000 for the 
HOPWA program, which is $18,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 
enacted and $63,000,000 above the budget request. This funding 
level is sufficient to ensure that HOPWA grantees are held 
harmless due to HOPWA formula modernization. The Committee 
recommendation includes formula grants and funding for the 
renewal of certain expiring contracts that were previously 
funded under HOPWA competitive grants.

                       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $3,365,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................     3,365,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +3,365,000,000
 

    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 $3,365,000,000 for the 
Community Development Fund account, which is equal to the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $3,365,000,000 above the 
budget request.
    Of the amounts made available:
    --$3,300,000,000 is for the CDBG formula program for 
entitlement communities and states. This is equal to the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $3,300,000,000 above the budget 
request; and
    --$65,000,000 is for the Indian CDBG program, which is 
equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $65,000,000 
above the budget request.
    Of the amount provided for the CDBG formula programs, 
$7,000,000 is for insular areas, per 42 U.S.C. 5306(a)(2), 
which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    The recommendation continues language requiring the 
Department to notify grantees of their formula allocation 
within 60 days of enactment of this Act.
    Resilience.--The Secretary is directed to encourage 
grantees of the CDBG program to utilize funds for activities 
designed to increase project resilience to harden structures to 
withstand severe weather and other natural hazards including 
flooding, wind, and other hazards identified by the Secretary.
    Distressed Coal Communities.--The Committee encourages the 
Department to prioritize technical assistance to assist coal 
communities emerge from the economic downturn and help utilize 
CDBG funds to revitalize those communities.

         COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Limitation on
                                   Budget  authority   guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.               - - -        $300,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019               - - -               - - -
Recommended in the bill.........               - - -         300,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year                 - - -               - - -
 2018...........................
    Budget request, fiscal year                - - -        +300,000,000
 2019...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. The 
Committee provides a limit on guaranteed loan volume of 
$300,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The budget request did not include a request for this 
loan guarantee authority.

                  HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $1,362,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................                 0
Recommended in the bill...............................     1,200,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      -162,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................    +1,200,000,000
 

    The HOME investment partnerships program provides block 
grants to participating jurisdictions (states and units of 
general local government) to undertake activities that expand 
the supply of affordable housing in the jurisdiction. 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 $1,200,000,000 for activities 
funded under this account, which is $162,000,000 below the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted and $1,200,000,000 above the budget 
request.
    High-cost metropolitan areas.--The Committee is concerned 
that a combination of income concentration and housing supply 
constraints in high-productivity metropolitan areas has created 
entry limits harmful to geographic and economic mobility. The 
Committee directs the Department to report to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations to identify metropolitan 
areas where such conditions are most prevalent no later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this Act. In addition, the 
Committee encourages the Department to recommend best practices 
for localities and states to promote the production of new 
housing stock in high-cost metropolitan areas.

        SELF-HELP AND ASSISTED HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $54,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................             - - -
Recommended in the bill...............................        50,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -4,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +50,000,000
 

    Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) funds 
are distributed through grants to nonprofit organizations and 
consortia that have experience in providing or facilitating 
self-help homeownership opportunities. Grant funds are used for 
land acquisition and improvements associated with developing 
new, decent dwellings for low-income persons, including those 
living in colonias, using the self-help model.
    Section 4 Capacity Building funds are set-aside within this 
account for activities described under section 4(a) of the HUD 
Demonstration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 9816 note). Section 4 
funds are awarded to a limited number of non-profits, which use 
the funds to develop the capacity of community development 
corporations (CDCs) and community housing development 
organizations (CHDOs). The CDCs and CHDOs then undertake 
community development and affordable housing activities. 
Section 4 funds must be matched by recipients with at least 
three times the grant amount in private funding.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for this account which 
includes $10,000,000 for SHOP, $35,000,000 for Section 4 
capacity building, and $5,000,000 for rural capacity building 
activities.
    The Committee encourages that the Section 4 funds be 
awarded competitively to non-profits to aid community 
development corporations and community housing development 
organizations. Further, the Committee recognizes that the 
Section 4 capacity building program strengthens the nation's 
lower-income urban and rural communities through the expansion 
of affordable housing units.
    The Committee commends grantees for leveraging private 
funding and encourages continued efforts to attract non-Federal 
resources to help carry out activities funded under this 
account. The Committee commends grantees for the important role 
that they have played on the ground in Texas, Florida, Puerto 
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help with the recovery 
effort following the recent unprecedented disasters.

                       HOMELESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................    $2,513,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................     2,383,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................     2,571,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       +58,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +188,000,000
 

    The Homeless Assistance Grants account provides 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 $2,571,000,000 for the homeless 
assistance grants programs, which is $58,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $188,000,000 above the 
budget request. The recommendation includes funding to support 
Continuum of Care project renewals of no less than 
$2,204,000,000, at least $270,000,000 in formula emergency 
solutions grants, up to $7,000,000 for the national homeless 
data analysis project, up to $40,000,000 for grants for rapid 
re-housing projects to reduce unsheltered homelessness in areas 
with high rates of unsheltered homelessness, and $50,000,000 
for projects and activities that assist survivors of domestic 
violence, dating violence, and stalking.
    Performance-driven funding awards.--Holding projects 
accountable to their ability to demonstrate effectiveness 
through performance data is essential to getting the most out 
of limited federal resources. The recommendation continues 
language which directs the Secretary to direct an increasing 
share of funding on the basis of system performance.
    Continuum of Care funding reallocation.--The recommendation 
includes language that directs the Secretary to prioritize 
funding to grantees that, when appropriate, reallocate funding 
from lower performing projects to higher performing projects. 
Reallocation drives higher return on investment and can also 
serve as a mechanism for containing annual inflation.
    Timeliness of contracts.--The Committee recognizes that 
significant work on housing and homelessness is done by smaller 
nonprofit organizations across the country. As an 
acknowledgement of their contribution to HUD's goals to address 
homelessness, the Committee encourages HUD to ensure these 
organizations do not carry a heavy cash flow burden due to the 
very slow flow of government contract dollars to these 
entities. As such, the Committee encourages HUD to agree to 
have all contracts signed and funds available for draw no more 
than 45 days beyond the beginning of the normal contract 
period.
    Rapid Re-Housing Initiative.--Between January 2016 and 
January 2017, there was an estimated 9 percent increase in 
unsheltered homelessness nationwide. This in part caused total 
homelessness to rise for the first time since 2010. The budget 
request proposes a new rapid re-housing initiative to address 
this recent upsurge in unsheltered homelessness. The Committee 
is very concerned with this recent increase in homelessness and 
agrees that this problem must be addressed. Accordingly, the 
recommendation includes up to $40 million for a rapid re-
housing initiative designed to reduce unsheltered homelessness.
    Serving victims of domestic violence and youth.--In recent 
years, Congress has appropriated funding under this account for 
projects that target specific vulnerable populations. This 
includes projects that serve homeless youth, and projects that 
serve victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and 
stalking. Some of these projects have adopted innovative 
approaches to serving homeless at-risk populations that could 
also benefit all beneficiaries of the Continuum of Care 
program. Therefore, the Committee encourages HUD to ensure that 
the core Continuum of Care program accommodates all 
populations, including homeless youth and victims of domestic 
violence.
    Evictions.--The Committee notes that evictions have 
increased in recent years. While incomes have stagnated in the 
last two decades (adjusted for inflation), the median rent has 
increased by 70 percent since 1995, adjusting for inflation. 
Estimates suggest that in 2016, there were 4 evictions filed 
each minute. To enable communities' flexibility in use of 
grants to address local needs, the Committee reminds the 
Department that pursuant to PL 111-22, Emergency Solutions 
Grants may be used to support families at risk of becoming 
evicted, and encourages the Department to remind grantees as 
such.

                            Housing Programs

                    PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................   $11,515,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................    11,147,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................    11,747,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................      +232,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +600,000,000
 

    The Project-Based Rental Assistance account provides a 
rental subsidy to a private landlord tied to a specific housing 
unit so that the properties themselves, rather than the 
individual living in the unit, remain subsidized. Amounts 
provided in this account include funding for 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 provides a total of $11,747,000,000, 
including $400,000,000 provided as advance appropriations, for 
the annual renewal of project-based contracts. This funding 
level is $232,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $660,000,000 above the budget request.
    The recommendation funds renewals, amendments, and provides 
12 months of funding for all contracts in the portfolio to 
continue to provide safe, stable affordable housing to 
approximately 1.2 million households each year. The funding 
level does not assume any rental reforms proposed in the 
request.
    Performance-based contract administrators (PBCAs).--PBCAs 
are public housing agencies, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 1437(a), 
which include state and local public housing authorities and 
their instrumentalities. They are responsible for conducting 
on-site management reviews of assisted properties, adjusting 
contract rents, and reviewing, processing, and paying monthly 
vouchers, among other tasks. PBCAs have been integral to the 
Department's efforts to reduce improper payments, protect 
residents, and ensure properties are well maintained.
    The Committee has had concerns about HUD's PBCA 
solicitation and award procedures and has directed and 
continues to direct the Department to solicit and award PBCA 
contracts under full and open competition and without 
geographic limitation in accordance with the Competition in 
Contracting Act and the Federal Acquisition Regulation. In 
December 2017, HUD issued a solicitation for PBCA services that 
appears to have met the requirements for full and open 
competition; however, HUD cancelled it on March 13 to ensure 
full consideration of all comments.
    The Committee has also been concerned that the structure of 
the contacts increases costs and creates potential for 
excessive profits. The fees earned by PBCAs are unrelated to 
the costs of performing the contract, but instead are based on 
the area's fair market rent. HUD also spent hundreds of 
millions on incentive fees for performing required tasks on 
time and for providing customer service. In addition, the HUD 
OIG has reported that the contracts are wasteful and 
inefficient.
    In 2011, HUD renegotiated 42 of the 53 PBCA contracts to 
reduce costs and eliminate needless incentive fees. In doing 
so, HUD also increased the basic administrative fee and 
eliminated or reduced important PBCA tasks, including the 
Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs). MORs, which include 
the critical tasks of income verification and improper 
payments, were reinstated on a limited basis, outside of the 
contracts, if funds are available. PBCAs indicate that they 
continue to earn a margin on the contracts, which are invested 
elsewhere.
    The Committee is concerned that while PBCAs are investing 
their profits in other programs, HUD has eliminated important 
PBCA tasks because of inadequate funding. Thus the current 
compensation model has resulted in a transfer of funds out of 
the PBCA program at a time when some tasks are underfunded. 
Further, a Committee analysis of the 2011 and 2012 PBCA bids 
indicates that competitive bidding of PBCA contracts could have 
saved $80 to $100 million in fiscal year 2017 alone.
    While HUD reviews the comments from its most recent 
solicitation, the Committee directs HUD to engage the PBCAs and 
re-negotiate the current contracts to achieve savings while 
ensuring all important tasks are included. The Committee 
provides $200,000,000 for PBCA contracts to reflect those 
savings.

                        HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $678,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       601,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       632,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -46,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +31,000,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $632,000,000, which is $46,000,000 
below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $31,000,000 above 
the budget request. This amount will fully fund contract 
renewals and amendments in fiscal year 2019 for the elderly 
program. The recommendation does not include rental reforms 
proposed in the budget request.
    The recommendation provides $542,000,000 for the renewal 
and amendment of project rental assistance contracts (PRAC), up 
to $90,000,000 for service coordinators and the continuation of 
congregate services grants, and allows funds for property 
inspections and related costs.
    The Committee continues to include bill language relating 
to the initial contract and renewal terms for assistance 
provided under this heading and language allowing funds to be 
used for inspections and analysis of data by HUD's real estate 
assessment center (REAC) program office.

                 HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $229,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       140,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       154,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -75,600,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +14,000,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $154,000,000 for Section 811 
activities, which is $75,600,000 below the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $14,000,000 above the budget request. This 
level will fully fund the project rental assistance and project 
assistant contract renewals and amendments in fiscal year 2019. 
The Committee continues to include bill language allowing funds 
to be used for inspections and analysis of data by HUD's REAC 
program office.

                     HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $55,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        45,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        56,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +11,000,000
 

    Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 
1968 authorized HUD to provide housing counseling services to 
homebuyers, homeowners, low and moderate income renters, and 
the homeless. This funding is distributed competitively to 
support the direct provision of a holistic range of housing 
counseling services appropriate to local market conditions and 
individual consumer needs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $56,000,000 for Housing Counseling 
Assistance, which is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $11,000,000 above the budget request. These 
funds will help provide quality counseling services to 
approximately 1.1 million consumers in fiscal year 2019.
    The Committee notes that the economy continues to improve 
and foreclosures continue to decline. ATTOM Data Solutions 
reports that foreclosure filings for 2017 were reported on 
676,535 properties, down 27 percent from 2016 and down 76 
percent from a peak of nearly 2.9 million in 2010. The 
foreclosure rate has stayed within a historically normal range 
for four years, even with the pipeline of legacy foreclosures 
resulting from the housing bubble. The Committee, however, 
continues to be concerned about foreclosures associated with 
the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program (HECM). The 
Committee directs HUD to distribute not less than $3,000,000 of 
funds provided for HECM default counseling services. Further, 
the Committee directs HUD to explore ways to track foreclosures 
resulting from technical defaults and provide the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriation a proposal not later than 60 
days after enactment of this Act.
    The Committee continues to provide funding for the 
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation's core program, which 
offers housing counseling services.
    The Committee retains bill language that provides two year 
funding availability to allow HUD flexibility to obligate 
recaptures and unobligated balances to support counseling 
activity rather than allowing the funds to expire. The bill 
retains language that requires HUD to make grants within 180 
days of enactment, and allows multi-year agreements, subject to 
the availability of annual appropriations.
    The Committee encourages HUD to coordinate with FEMA's 
flood insurance advocate to ensure HUD counselors located in 
flood-prone states receive adequate training and information to 
educate future homeowners on their potential flood risks, 
associated flood insurance premiums, home mitigation measures 
available proven to reduce flood risk, and any federal 
assistance available for mitigation projects and activities.

                       RENTAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $14,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         5,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         5,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        -9,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The rental housing assistance account includes existing 
long-term project-based rental assistance contracts covering 
affordable housing units under the rent supplement and section 
236 rental assistance payment (RAP) programs. Enacted in 1965 
and 1974 respectively, these programs created affordable units 
for low-income families. Monthly payments are made to project 
owners from existing contract balances, and new budget 
authority for short-term extensions of expiring contracts and 
annual contract amendments. Contract amendments provide 
additional subsidy to below-market contracts where rents have 
been constrained and owners are unable to adequately service 
properties and perform ongoing maintenance.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $5,000,000 in funding for the 
rental housing assistance program, which is $9,000,000 below 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget 
request. This appropriation will fully fund contract amendment 
and extension needs in fiscal year 2019. The Committee 
continues bill language that allows HUD to use unobligated 
balances and recaptured funds for extensions and amendments.

            PAYMENT TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING FEES TRUST FUND

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $11,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        12,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        12,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +1,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety 
Standards Act of 1974, as amended by the Manufactured Housing 
Improvement Act of 2000, authorizes the Secretary to establish 
Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards for 
the construction, design, and performance of manufactured 
homes. All manufactured homes are required to meet the Federal 
standards, and fees are charged to producers to cover the costs 
of administering the Act. HUD estimates that there are 8 
million manufactured homes built since 1976 that are currently 
in use.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends up to $12,000,000 for the 
manufactured housing standards programs to be derived from 
certification label fees collected and deposited in the 
manufactured housing fees trust fund, established pursuant to 
the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000. The Committee 
does not provide a direct appropriation for this account. The 
recommendation is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and equal to the budget request. This increase reflects 
the growth in production since 2011, which is projected to 
continue.
    The Committee includes language allowing the Department to 
collect fees from program participants for the dispute 
resolution and installation programs. These fees are to be 
deposited into the trust fund and may be used by the Department 
subject to the overall cap placed on the account.

                     FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION

               MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Limitation of       Limitation of      Administrative
                                                         direct loans      guaranteed loans    contract expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Appropriation, fiscal year 2018....................          $5,000,000    $400,000,000,000        $130,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019....................           1,000,000     400,000,000,000         150,000,000
Recommended in the bill.............................           1,000,000     400,000,000,000         130,000,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.................          -4,000,000               - - -               - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019................               - - -               - - -         -20,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) mutual mortgage 
insurance program account includes the Mutual Mortgage 
Insurance (MMI) and cooperative management housing insurance 
funds. This program account covers unsubsidized programs, 
primarily the single-family home mortgage program, which is the 
largest of all the FHA programs. These include the Condominium, 
Section 203(k) rehabilitation, and Home Equity Conversion 
Mortgage programs (HECM) and the multifamily Cooperative 
Management Housing Insurance (CMHI) funds. The cooperative 
housing insurance program provides mortgages for cooperative 
housing projects of more than five units that are occupied by 
members of a cooperative housing corporation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends the following limitations on loan 
commitments in the MMI program account: $400,000,000,000 for 
loan guarantees and $1,000,000 for direct loans. The 
recommendation also includes $130,000,000 for administrative 
contract expenses. The Committee denies authority to assess a 
new fee to augment funding.
    Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).--The Committee 
includes bill language that lifts the statutory aggregate cap 
of 275,000 HECM loan guarantees in fiscal year 2019. The 
Committee has carried similar language in prior years.
    Eminent Domain.--The Committee continues to carry bill 
language that prohibits financing of properties obtained 
through eminent domain. The Committee continues to be concerned 
about proposals for local governments to seize underwater 
performing mortgages and then refinance them into an FHA 
product, and the effects on the housing market, including FHA 
primary and refinance market, as well as the broader mortgage 
market, interest rates, homeownership, and affordability.
    FHA Loan Limit Study.--The Committee looks forward to 
receiving the study to determine if counties with a large 
geographic size have distorted loan limit calculations and if 
loan limits are adequate for distinct subareas.

                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Limitation of       Limitation of
                                     direct loans      guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.          $5,000,000     $30,000,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019           1,000,000      30,000,000,000
Recommended in the bill.........           1,000,000      30,000,000,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year            -4,000,000               - - -
 2018...........................
    Budget request, fiscal year                - - -               - - -
 2019...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) 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 on loan guarantees of 
$30,000,000,000, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and the budget request. It includes a limitation of 
$1,000,000 for direct loans, which is $4,000,000 below the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 
This program provides short-term purchase money mortgages to 
allow non-profit and governmental agencies to acquire single 
family properties and resell to low income purchasers. However, 
use has declined recently due to the shortage of state/local 
government subsidies needed to offset participants' development 
costs associated with administering the program.
    The Committee directs HUD to evaluate the impact of 
including hospitals with more than 50% of total patients 
attributable to mental health and substance abuse treatment in 
the Section 242 Mortgage Insurance for Hospitals program.
    The Committee encourages HUD to coordinate with FEMA's 
flood insurance advocate and identify rehabilitation activities 
eligible under section 203(k) that also fulfill FEMA's hazard 
mitigation standards and to identify qualifying disaster 
mitigation rehabilitation options on its website and other 
promotional materials.

                Government National Mortgage Association

        GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE

                            PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Limitation of      Administrative
                                   guaranteed loans    contract expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.    $500,000,000,000         $27,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019     550,000,000,000          24,400,000
Recommended in the bill.........     550,000,000,000          24,400,000
Bill compared to:
    Appropriation, fiscal year       +50,000,000,000          -2,600,000
 2018...........................
    Budget request, fiscal year                - - -               - - -
 2019...........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Guarantees of Mortgage-Backed Securities Program 
facilitates the financing of residential mortgage loans insured 
or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Rural Housing Services 
program. The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) 
guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on 
securities issued by private service institutions such as 
mortgage companies, commercial banks, savings banks, and 
savings and loan associations that assemble pools of mortgages 
and issue securities backed by the pools. In turn, investment 
proceeds are used to finance additional mortgage loans. 
Investors include non-traditional sources of credit in the 
housing market such as pension and retirement funds, life 
insurance companies, and individuals.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The recommendation includes a $550,000,000,000 limitation 
on loan commitments for mortgage-backed securities, 
$50,000,000,000 above the request, and $24,400,000 for the 
personnel costs of GNMA, to be funded by Commitment and 
Multiclass fees. The recommendation for personnel costs is 
$2,600,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and equal 
to the budget request.

                    Policy Development and Research

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $89,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        85,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        92,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................        +3,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +7,000,000
 

    Title V of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970, 
as amended, directs the Secretary of the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development to undertake programs of research, 
evaluation, and reports relating to the Department's mission 
and programs. These functions are carried out internally and 
through grants and contracts with industry, nonprofit research 
organizations, educational institutions, and through agreements 
with state and local governments and other federal agencies. 
The research programs seek ways to improve the efficiency, 
effectiveness, and equity 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 $92,000,000 for this account, 
which is $3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $7,000,000 above the budget request.
    Of the activities proposed in the budget, the Committee 
recommends up to $50,000,000 for the core research programs, 
including market surveys, research support and dissemination, 
data acquisition, housing finance studies, research 
partnerships, and housing technology.
    The Committee recommends $9,000,000 for new and continuing 
studies and demonstration evaluations, including the:
           Envision Center Evaluation--$2,000,000,
           Moving To Work Expansion--$4,000,000,
           Rent Reform Demonstration,
           Choice Neighborhoods Evaluation, and
           Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Study.
    Further, the Committee directs HUD to compile and publish 
all research work supported by HUD in the prior 5 years within 
90 days of enactment of this Act.
    Further, the Committee's recommendation includes 
$33,000,000 for all technical assistance. Of the funds made 
available under technical assistance, $3,000,000 shall be 
available on a competitive basis to non-profit or private 
sector organizations to provide technical assistance to 
distressed cities with a population under 40,000 that were 
impacted by a natural disaster.
    Of the funds identified for technical assistance to 
troubled PHA's, the Committee strongly urges the Department to 
target truly troubled or at-risk PHAs requiring assistance to 
conduct basic business and housing responsibilities versus 
assisting with glitzy and bonus endeavors that reflect the 
previous Administration's strategies, such as energy 
performance contracts, but do little to fulfill basic needs.
    As in prior years, the bill includes a general provision in 
Title II that prohibits funds from being used for a doctoral 
dissertation research grant program. The bill includes a 
general provision in Title II that allows the Department to use 
prior year deobligated or unexpended funds made available to 
the Office of Policy Development and Research for other 
research and evaluations. The Committee provides this authority 
under the condition that any new obligations are subject to the 
regular reprogramming procedures outlined in Section 405.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

                        FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $65,300,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        62,300,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        65,300,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +3,000,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $65,300,000 for fair housing 
programs, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $3,000,000 above the request. Of the total, $24,300,000 is 
for the fair housing assistance programs; and $39,200,000 for 
the fair housing initiative programs, of which not less than 
$7,450,000 is for education and outreach programs. A total of 
$300,000 is for the limited English proficiency initiative and 
$1,500,000 is for the National Fair Housing Training Academy to 
move its training to an on-line platform. The Committee directs 
HUD to focus resources on education, outreach, and training 
initiatives, and supporting local and state organizations that 
conduct investigations and adjudicate claims.
    Spend Plan.--The Committee directs the Department to 
provide a spend plan for all funds and activities in this 
account concurrent with the fiscal year 2019 operating plan and 
provide 3 days' notice prior to the announcement of any grant.
    Disparate Impact and Insurance.--The Committee notes that 
the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 explicitly states that, 
``unless a Federal law specifically relates to the business of 
insurance, that law shall not apply where it would interfere 
with State insurance regulation.''
    The Fair Housing Act does not specifically relate to the 
business of insurance. In fact, The United States District 
Court, Northern Division of Illinois found that ``HUD's 
response to the insurance industry's concerns [regarding the 
Disparate Impact Rule] was arbitrary and capricious'' and 
remanded a portion of the ``Implementation of the Fair Housing 
Act's Discriminatory Effects Standard'' rule regarding 
insurance back to HUD for further consideration and 
explanation.
    The Committee is concerned that HUD's response to the 
remand continues to assert insurance regulatory authority that 
contradicts the McCarran-Ferguson statutory mandate and the 
limitations on disparate impact liability set forth by the US 
Supreme Court in Texas Department of Housing and Community 
Affairs v The Inclusive Communities Project, Inc., 135 S.Ct. 
2507 (2015).
    Fair Housing.--The Committee is aware that HUD compiles 
information regarding fair housing investigations, settlements, 
closures and dismissals. The Committee directs HUD, no later 
than 90 days of enactment of this Act, to submit a report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriation detailing the 
total number of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 
investigations, settlements, closures and dismissals that 
occurred over the past year, categorized by State. HUD should 
refrain from including any information that may be privileged, 
is otherwise protected from disclosure, or that HUD determines 
would be detrimental to any investigation, settlement, or case.

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

                         LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $230,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       145,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       230,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       +85,000,000
 

    The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes is 
responsible for administering the lead-based paint hazard 
reduction program authorized by Title X of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1992. The office also addresses 
multiple housing-related health hazards through the healthy 
homes initiative, pursuant to the Secretary's authority in 
sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act 
of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701-1 and 1701-2).
    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 $230,000,000 for the lead 
programs, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level 
and $85,000,000 above the budget request.
    The Committee recommends no more than $45,000,000 for the 
healthy homes initiative, and directs the Department to fund 
activities aimed at reducing incidences of asthma, mold, pests 
and radon.
    The Committee directs the Department to provide a spend 
plan for all funds and activities in this account concurrent 
with the fiscal year 2019 operating plan and provide 3 days' 
notice prior to the announcement of any grant.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to coordinate 
remediation activities performed by healthy homes grantees with 
weatherization activities funded through the Department of 
Energy's weatherization assistance program when a locality is 
served by both programs.

                      Information Technology Fund

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $267,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       260,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       240,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       -27,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................       -20,000,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $240,000,000 in direct 
appropriations for the IT Fund to support Department-wide 
information technology system activities, which is $27,000,000 
less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $20,000,000 
below the budget request. The Department requires approximately 
$300,000,000 simply to operate basic telecommunication services 
and existing information technology contracts. This number has 
grown by $50,000,000 in the past three years due to HUD's 
inability to retire obsolete, unproductive, and expensive 
information technology systems.
    The Committee strongly urges HUD to continue refining the 
services and contracts under the Department's Working Capital 
Fund so that IT services can be funded by the users.
    The Committee directs HUD to continue with efforts to 
retire obsolete, unproductive, and expensive information 
technology systems, and streamline and consolidate current 
services contracts in an effort to direct resources for higher 
priority and more effective systems. The Committee commends the 
Department's efforts for a Department-wide technology 
assessment of all applications and platforms used at HUD, and 
recommends the savings found from the consolidation and 
simplification of the architecture go towards the development, 
modernization, and enhancement of HUD's IT systems.

                      Office of Inspector General

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $128,082,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       128,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       128,082,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................                 0
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................           +82,000
 

    The Office of Inspector General (IG) provides agency-wide 
audit and investigative functions to identify and correct 
management and administrative deficiencies that create 
conditions for existing or potential instances of 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 $128,082,000 for the Office of 
Inspector General, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $82,000 greater than the budget request.
    The Committee has found the reports and investigations 
undertaken by the IG over the past few years to be interesting 
and pertinent to the work of the Committee.

    General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban Development

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                         (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

     Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between 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 of 1950.
    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 requires the Administration's budget and HUD's 
budget justifications for fiscal year 2020 be submitted in the 
identical account and sub-account structure provided in this 
Act.
    Section 209 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
    Section 210 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 211 sets forth requirements for Section 8 voucher 
assistance eligibility, and includes consideration for persons 
with disabilities.
    Section 212 distributes Native American Housing Block 
Grants to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in fiscal year 
2005.
    Section 213 authorizes the Secretary to insure mortgages 
under Section 255 of the National Housing Act.
    Section 214 instructs HUD on managing and disposing of any 
multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
    Section 215 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.
    Section 216 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
requirements.
    Section 217 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 limit established in QHWRA.
    Section 218 requires that no employee of the Department 
shall be designated as an allotment holder unless the CFO 
determines that such employee has received certain training.
    Section 219 requires the Secretary to publish all notices 
of funding availability that are competitively awarded on the 
internet for fiscal year 2019.
    Section 220 requires attorney fees for programmatic 
litigation to be paid from the individual program office and 
Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses appropriations, 
and requires the Department to submit a spend plan to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 221 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 Office Salaries and Expenses'' to any other office 
funded under such headings.
    Section 222 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe 
properties.
    Section 223 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
housing agency officials and employees.
    Section 224 authorizes HUD to obligate balances previously 
made available under the heading ``Choice Neighborhoods 
Initiative'' until September 30, 2019.
    Section 225 requires the Secretary to notify the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business 
days before grant awards are announced.
    Section 226 prohibits funds to be used to require or 
enforce the Physical Needs Assessment (PNA).
    Section 227 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
    Section 228 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 229 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 230 prohibits funds to be used for financial awards 
for employees subject to an administrative discipline decision 
in the past two years.
    Section 231 authorizes the Secretary on a limited basis to 
use funds available under the ``Homeless Assistance Grants'' 
heading to participate in the multiagency Performance 
Partnership Pilots program.
    Section 232 allows program income as an eligible match for 
2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Continuum of Care funds.
    Section 233 permits HUD to provide one year transition 
grants under the continuum of care program with no more than 50 
percent of the grant provided for costs of eligible activities 
of the program component originally funded.
    Section 234 prohibits the use of funds to direct a grantee 
to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws as part 
of carrying out the final rule entitled, ``Affirmatively 
Furthering Fair Housing'' or the notice entitled, 
``Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Assessment Tool''.
    Section 235 limits the applicability of sections 218(g) and 
231(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing 
Act.
    Section 236 prohibits funds from being used to interfere 
with State and local inspections of public housing units.
    Section 237 rescinds certain unobligated balances from the 
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program account.
    Section 238 authorizes a housing choice voucher mobility 
demonstration.
    Section 239 repeals a reporting requirement.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

                              Access Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $8,190,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................         8,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         8,400,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................          +210,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The United States Access Board (Access Board) was 
established by section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
with the primary mission of ensuring accessibility for people 
with disabilities. The Access Board is responsible for 
developing guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities 
Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the Telecommunications 
Act. The Access Board is responsible for developing standards 
under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for accessible 
electronic and information technology used by federal agencies. 
The Access Board also enforces the Architectural Barriers Act 
and provides training and technical assistance on the 
guidelines and standards it develops.
    The Access Board has been given responsibilities under the 
Help America Vote Act to serve on the Election Assistance 
Commission's Board of Advisors and Technical Guidelines 
Development Committee. Additionally, the Board maintains a 
small research program that develops technical assistance 
materials and provides information needed for rulemaking.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,400,000 for the operations of 
the Access Board, which is $210,000 greater than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request.

                      Federal Maritime Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $27,490,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        27,490,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        27,490,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    Established in 1961, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) 
is an independent government agency, responsible for the 
regulation of oceanborne 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 the FMC are 
the Shipping Act of 1984 (46 U.S.C. 40101-41309), 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), 
Public Law 89-777 (46 U.S.C. 44101-44106).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $27,490,000 for the Federal 
Maritime Commission. This amount is equal to the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level, and equal the budget request. Of the funds 
provided, up to $437,817 is available for the Office of 
Inspector General.

            National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)

                      Office of Inspector General

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $23,274,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        23,274,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        23,274,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The Amtrak Inspector General is an independent, objective 
unit responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, waste, 
abuse, and violations of law and for promoting economy, 
efficiency and effectiveness at Amtrak.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $23,274,000 for Amtrak's Office of 
Inspector General (Amtrak OIG), which is equal to the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and the budget request. The recommended 
level will allow Amtrak OIG to undertake audits, evaluations, 
and investigations and will ensure the OIG's effective 
oversight of Amtrak's programs and operations.
    The OIG's efforts have resulted in valuable studies and 
recommendations for this Committee and for the Corporation that 
have yielded cost savings and management improvements. These 
studies have been in a number of areas, including food and 
beverage service, capital planning, overtime, and fraud. In 
addition, Amtrak OIG has been instrumental in developing an 
audit process to review invoices and identifying overpayments.

                  National Transportation Safety Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $110,400,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................       108,000,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       110,400,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................            +2,400
 

    Initially established along with the Department of 
Transportation (DOT), the National Transportation Safety Board 
(NTSB) commenced operations on April 1, 1967, as 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--
railroad, highway, marine and pipeline--and issuing safety 
recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. Although 
it has always operated independently, the NTSB relied on the 
DOT for funding and administrative support until the 
Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-633) 
severed all ties between the two organizations effective April 
of 1975.
    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. The NTSB also serves as 
the court of appeals for any airman, mechanic or mariner 
whenever certificate action is taken by the Administrator of 
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the U.S. Coast 
Guard Commandant, or when civil penalties are assessed by the 
FAA. In addition, the NTSB operates the NTSB Academy in 
Ashburn, Virginia.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $110,400,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of the NTSB, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and $2,400 greater than the budget request.
    NTSB Academy.--The agency is encouraged to continue to seek 
additional opportunities to lease out, or otherwise generate 
revenue from the NTSB Academy, so that the agency can 
appropriately focus its resources on the important 
investigative work that is central to the agency's mission. In 
addition, the agency is again directed to submit detailed 
information on the costs associated with the NTSB Academy, as 
well as the revenue the facility is expected to generate, as 
part of the fiscal year 2019 budget request.
    FIU Bridge Collapse.--The Committee is concerned by the 
recent collapse of the pedestrian walkway bridge at Florida 
International University and requests that the NTSB, within 180 
days, provide the Committee with a report that details: (1) any 
prior safety violations during construction or structural 
deficiencies related to design or construction flaws in bridge 
projects involving any of the firms involved in the design, 
construction, and inspection of the structure, or their 
contractors; and (2) any criminal conviction of these firms for 
alleged design or construction deficiencies. In addition, the 
report shall include a list of all firms which have received 
Federal funding from the Department and that have a history of 
accidents, violations, and/or structural deficiencies with 
frequencies greater than those that would be consistent with 
construction completed with the appropriate focus on the safety 
and security of workers and the public requisite for these 
types of projects.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

          PAYMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD REINVESTMENT CORPORATION

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................      $140,000,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        27,400,000
Recommended in the bill...............................       150,000,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................       +10,000,000
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................      +122,600,000
 

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $150,000,000 
for fiscal year 2019, which is $10,000,000 above the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $122,600,000 above the budget 
request.

                      Surface Transportation Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................       $37,100,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................        37,100,000
Recommended in the bill...............................        37,100,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................             - - -
 

    The Surface Transportation Board (STB) was created in the 
Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 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, as the regulation of other 
surface transportation carriers, including 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 Board as a wholly 
independent agency and expanded the Board's membership from 
three to five Board Members.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $37,100,000 
for fiscal year 2019, which is equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level and to the budget request. The STB is estimated 
to collect $1,250,000 in fees, which will offset the 
appropriation for a total program cost of $35,850,000.

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

 
 
 
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018.......................        $3,600,000
Budget request, fiscal year 2019......................           630,000
Recommended in the bill...............................         3,600,000
Bill compared with:
    Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...................             - - -
    Budget request, fiscal year 2019..................        +2,970,000
 

    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 $3,600,000 for continued 
operations of the United States Interagency Council on 
Homelessness.
    The Committee recognizes the value of trauma-informed care 
and housing services and supports expanding the availability of 
these services to families, families with children, and 
individuals that are currently or on the verge of being 
homeless. Therefore, the Committee directs USICH to report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 
days of enactment on what steps can be taken to improve access 
to services across all federal, state, and local homeless 
services, outreach, and prevention programs.
    The Committee is concerned that the number of people 
experiencing homelessness increased last year. This is largely 
due to an increase in the number of people living in 
unsheltered locations, particularly in the 50 largest cities. 
Therefore, the Committee directs USICH to work with HUD and 
other federal agencies to ensure that the Federal response to 
this recent uptick in homelessness is coordinated, and to 
ensure that limited federal dollars are used strategically to 
effectively address this problem.

                                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 in order to 
establish the baseline for the application of reprogramming and 
transfer authorities.
    Section 406 provides that not to exceed fifty percent of 
unobligated balances for salaries and expenses may remain 
available until September 30, 2020, 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 to permanently 
replace an employee intent on returning to his or her past 
occupation following completion of military service.
    Section 410 prohibits funds from being used by an entity 
unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
Act.
    Section 411 prohibits funds from being made available to 
any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the 
Buy American Act.
    Section 412 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 413 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 414 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
may send to international conferences unless such attendance is 
important to the national interest.
    Section 415 caps the amount of fees the Surface 
Transportation Board can charge or collect for rate or practice 
complaints filed at the amount authorized for district court 
civil suit filing fees.
    Section 416 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
    Section 417 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 418 establishes a spending reduction account.

            House of Representatives Reporting Requirements

    The following materials are submitted in accordance with 
various requirements of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives:

         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.

                          RESCISSION OF FUNDS

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the rescissions 
of unexpended balances included in the accompanying bill:
     Such sums that are available from Department of 
Housing and Urban Development-Housing Certificate Fund;
     Section 201 rescinds 50% of funds that are 
recaptured from projects described in section 1012(a) of the 
Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988;
     Section 237 rescinds certain unobligated balances 
from the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program account.

                           TRANSFER OF FUNDS

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the transfers of 
unexpended balances included in the accompanying bill:

              UNDER TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Account to which
 Account from which the transfer    the transfer is         Amount
             is made                     made
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary.........  Office of the       10% of certain
                                   Secretary.          funds subject to
                                                       conditions
Federal Aviation Administration,  Federal Aviation    5% of certain
 Operations.                       Administration,     funds subject to
                                   Operations-.        conditions
FHWA: Limitation on               Appalachian         $3,248,000
 administrative expenses.          Regional
                                   Commission.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

      UNDER TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Account to which
 Account from which the transfer    the transfer is         Amount
             is made                     made
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Offices,                Working Capital     Such sums as
 Administrative Support Offices,   Fund.               necessary
 Program Office Salaries and
 Expenses, Government National
 Mortgage Association.
Administrative Support Offices..  Program Office      $5,000,000 subject
                                   Salaries and        to conditions
                                   Expenses.
Program Office Salaries and       Administrative      $5,000,000 subject
 Expenses.                         Support Offices.    to conditions
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS

    Neither the bill nor the report contains any Congressional 
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as 
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI.

          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 italic, existing law in which no changes 
is proposed is shown in roman):

          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 italic, existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

                      TITLE 23, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Sec. 127. Vehicle weight limitations--Interstate System

  (a) In General.--
          (1) The Secretary shall withhold 50 percent of the 
        apportionment of a State under section 104(b)(1) in any 
        fiscal year in which the State does not permit the use 
        of The Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and 
        Defense Highways within its boundaries by vehicles with 
        a weight of twenty thousand pounds carried on any one 
        axle, including enforcement tolerances, or with a 
        tandem axle weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, 
        including enforcement tolerances, or a gross weight of 
        at least eighty thousand pounds for vehicle 
        combinations of five axles or more.
          (2) However, the maximum gross weight to be allowed 
        by any State for vehicles using The Dwight D. 
        Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways 
        shall be twenty thousand pounds carried on one axle, 
        including enforcement tolerances, and a tandem axle 
        weight of thirty-four thousand pounds, including 
        enforcement tolerances and with an overall maximum 
        gross weight, including enforcement tolerances, on a 
        group of two or more consecutive axles produced by 
        application of the following formula: W=500(LN/(N-
        1)+12N+36)
        where W equals overall gross weight on any group of two 
        or more consecutive axles to the nearest five hundred 
        pounds, L equals distance in feet between the extreme 
        of any group of two or more consecutive axles, and N 
        equals number of axles in group under consideration, 
        except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may 
        carry a gross load of thirty-four thousand pounds each 
        providing the overall distance between the first and 
        last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles (1) 
        is thirty-six feet or more, or (2) in the case of a 
        motor vehicle hauling any tank trailer, dump trailer, 
        or ocean transport container before September 1, 1989, 
        is 30 feet or more: Provided, That such overall gross 
        weight may not exceed eighty thousand pounds, including 
        all enforcement tolerances, except for vehicles using 
        Interstate Route 29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the 
        border between Iowa and South Dakota or vehicles using 
        Interstate Route 129 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the 
        border between Iowa and Nebraska, and except for those 
        vehicles and loads which cannot be easily dismantled or 
        divided and which have been issued special permits in 
        accordance with applicable State laws, or the 
        corresponding maximum weights permitted for vehicles 
        using the public highways of such State under laws or 
        regulations established by appropriate State authority 
        in effect on July 1, 1956, except in the case of the 
        overall gross weight of any group of two or more 
        consecutive axles on any vehicle (other than a vehicle 
        comprised of a motor vehicle hauling any tank trailer, 
        dump trailer, or ocean transport container on or after 
        September 1, 1989), on the date of enactment of the 
        Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974, whichever is 
        the greater.
          (3) Any amount which is withheld from apportionment 
        to any State pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall 
        lapse if not released and obligated within the 
        availability period specified in section 118(b).
          (4) This section shall not be construed to deny 
        apportionment to any State allowing the operation 
        within such State of any vehicles or combinations 
        thereof, other than vehicles or combinations subject to 
        subsection (d) of this section, which the State 
        determines could be lawfully operated within such State 
        on July 1, 1956, except in the case of the overall 
        gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive 
        axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid 
        Highway Amendments of 1974.
          (5) With respect to the State of Hawaii, laws or 
        regulations in effect on February 1, 1960, shall be 
        applicable for the purposes of this section in lieu of 
        those in effect on July 1, 1956.
          (6) With respect to the State of Colorado, vehicles 
        designed to carry 2 or more precast concrete panels 
        shall be considered a nondivisible load.
          (7) With respect to the State of Michigan, laws or 
        regulations in effect on May 1, 1982, shall be 
        applicable for the purposes of this subsection.
          (8) With respect to the State of Maryland, laws and 
        regulations in effect on June 1, 1993, shall be 
        applicable for the purposes of this subsection.
          (9) he State of Louisiana may allow, by special 
        permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle 
        weight of up to 100,000 pounds for the hauling of 
        sugarcane during the harvest season, not to exceed 100 
        days annually.
          (10) With respect to Interstate Routes 89, 93, and 95 
        in the State of New Hampshire--
                  (A) State laws (including regulations) 
                concerning vehicle weight limitations that were 
                in effect on January 1, 1987, and are 
                applicable to State highways other than the 
                Interstate System, shall be applicable in lieu 
                of the requirements of this subsection; and
                  (B) effective June 30, 2016, a combination of 
                truck-tractor and dump trailer equipped with 6 
                axles or more with a gross weight of up to 
                99,000 pounds shall be permitted if the 
                distances between the extreme axles, excluding 
                the steering axle, is 28 feet or more.
          (11)(A) With respect to all portions of the 
        Interstate Highway System in the State of Maine, laws 
        (including regulations) of that State concerning 
        vehicle weight limitations applicable to other State 
        highways shall be applicable in lieu of the 
        requirements under this subsection.
          (B) With respect to all portions of the Interstate 
        Highway System in the State of Vermont, laws (including 
        regulations) of that State concerning vehicle weight 
        limitations applicable to other State highways shall be 
        applicable in lieu of the requirements under this 
        subsection.
          (12) Heavy duty vehicles.--
                  (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) 
                and (C), in order to promote reduction of fuel 
                use and emissions because of engine idling, the 
                maximum gross vehicle weight limit and the axle 
                weight limit for any heavy-duty vehicle 
                equipped with an idle reduction technology 
                shall be increased by a quantity necessary to 
                compensate for the additional weight of the 
                idle reduction system.
                  (B) Maximum weight increase.--The weight 
                increase under subparagraph (A) shall be not 
                greater than 550 pounds.
                  (C) Proof.--On request by a regulatory agency 
                or law enforcement agency, the vehicle operator 
                shall provide proof (through demonstration or 
                certification) that--
                          (i) the idle reduction technology is 
                        fully functional at all times; and
                          (ii) the 550-pound gross weight 
                        increase is not used for any purpose 
                        other than the use of idle reduction 
                        technology described in subparagraph 
                        (A).
          (13) Milk products.--A vehicle carrying fluid milk 
        products shall be considered a load that cannot be 
        easily dismantled or divided.
  (b) Reasonable Access.--No State may enact or enforce any law 
denying reasonable access to motor vehicles subject to this 
title to and from the Interstate Highway System to terminals 
and facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest.
  (c) Ocean Transport Container Defined.--For purposes of this 
section, the term ``ocean transport container'' has the meaning 
given the term ``freight container'' by the International 
Standards Organization in Series 1, Freight Containers, 3rd 
Edition (reference number IS0668-1979(E)) as in effect on the 
date of the enactment of this subsection.
  (d) Longer Combination Vehicles.--
          (1) Prohibition.--
                  (A) General continuation rule.--A longer 
                combination vehicle may continue to operate 
                only if the longer combination vehicle 
                configuration type was authorized by State 
                officials pursuant to State statute or 
                regulation conforming to this section and in 
                actual lawful operation on a regular or 
                periodic basis (including seasonal operations) 
                on or before June 1, 1991, or pursuant to 
                section 335 of the Department of Transportation 
                and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991 
                (104 Stat. 2186).
                  (B) Applicability of state laws and 
                regulations.--All such operations shall 
                continue to be subject to, at the minimum, all 
                State statutes, regulations, limitations and 
                conditions, including, but not limited to, 
                routing-specific and configuration-specific 
                designations and all other restrictions, in 
                force on June 1, 1991; except that subject to 
                such regulations as may be issued by the 
                Secretary pursuant to paragraph (5) of this 
                subsection, the State may make minor 
                adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature 
                to route designations and vehicle operating 
                restrictions in effect on June 1, 1991, for 
                specific safety purposes and road construction.
                  (C) Wyoming.--In addition to those vehicles 
                allowed under subparagraph (A), the State of 
                Wyoming may allow the operation of additional 
                vehicle configurations not in actual operation 
                on June 1, 1991, but authorized by State law 
                not later than November 3, 1992, if such 
                vehicle configurations comply with the single 
                axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits 
                set forth in subsection (a) and do not exceed 
                117,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
                  (D) Ohio.--In addition to vehicles which the 
                State of Ohio may continue to allow to be 
                operated under subparagraph (A), such State may 
                allow longer combination vehicles with 3 cargo 
                carrying units of 28 1/2 feet each (not 
                including the truck tractor) not in actual 
                operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated 
                within its boundaries on the 1-mile segment of 
                Ohio State Route 7 which begins at and is south 
                of exit 16 of the Ohio Turnpike.
                  (E) Alaska.--In addition to vehicles which 
                the State of Alaska may continue to allow to be 
                operated under subparagraph (A), such State may 
                allow the operation of longer combination 
                vehicles which were not in actual operation on 
                June 1, 1991, but which were in actual 
                operation prior to July 5, 1991.
                  (F) Iowa.--In addition to vehicles that the 
                State of Iowa may continue to allow to be 
                operated under subparagraph (A), the State may 
                allow longer combination vehicles that were not 
                in actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be 
                operated on Interstate Route 29 between Sioux 
                City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa and 
                South Dakota or Interstate Route 129 between 
                Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa 
                and Nebraska.
          (2) Additional state restrictions.--
                  (A) In general.--Nothing in this subsection 
                shall prevent any State from further 
                restricting in any manner or prohibiting the 
                operation of longer combination vehicles 
                otherwise authorized under this subsection; 
                except that such restrictions or prohibitions 
                shall be consistent with the requirements of 
                sections 31111-31114 of title 49.
                  (B) Minor adjustments.--Any State further 
                restricting or prohibiting the operations of 
                longer combination vehicles or making minor 
                adjustments of a temporary and emergency nature 
                as may be allowed pursuant to regulations 
                issued by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph 
                (5) of this subsection, shall, within 30 days, 
                advise the Secretary of such action, and the 
                Secretary shall publish a notice of such action 
                in the Federal Register.
          (3) Publication of list.--
                  (A) Submission to secretary.--Within 60 days 
                of the date of the enactment of this 
                subsection, each State (i) shall submit to the 
                Secretary for publication in the Federal 
                Register a complete list of (I) all operations 
                of longer combination vehicles being conducted 
                as of June 1, 1991, pursuant to State statutes 
                and regulations; (II) all limitations and 
                conditions, including, but not limited to, 
                routing-specific and configuration-specific 
                designations and all other restrictions, 
                governing the operation of longer combination 
                vehicles otherwise prohibited under this 
                subsection; and (III) such statutes, 
                regulations, limitations, and conditions; and 
                (ii) shall submit to the Secretary copies of 
                such statutes, regulations, limitations, and 
                conditions.
                  (B) Interim list.--Not later than 90 days 
                after the date of the enactment of this 
                subsection, the Secretary shall publish an 
                interim list in the Federal Register, 
                consisting of all information submitted 
                pursuant to subparagraph (A). The Secretary 
                shall review for accuracy all information 
                submitted by the States pursuant to 
                subparagraph (A) and shall solicit and consider 
                public comment on the accuracy of all such 
                information.
                  (C) Limitation.--No statute or regulation 
                shall be included on the list submitted by a 
                State or published by the Secretary merely on 
                the grounds that it authorized, or could have 
                authorized, by permit or otherwise, the 
                operation of longer combination vehicles, not 
                in actual operation on a regular or periodic 
                basis on or before June 1, 1991.
                  (D) Final list.--Except as modified pursuant 
                to paragraph (1)(C) of this subsection, the 
                list shall be published as final in the Federal 
                Register not later than 180 days after the date 
                of the enactment of this subsection. In 
                publishing the final list, the Secretary shall 
                make any revisions necessary to correct 
                inaccuracies identified under subparagraph (B). 
                After publication of the final list, longer 
                combination vehicles may not operate on the 
                Interstate System except as provided in the 
                list.
                  (E) Review and correction procedure.--The 
                Secretary, on his or her own motion or upon a 
                request by any person (including a State), 
                shall review the list issued by the Secretary 
                pursuant to subparagraph (D). If the Secretary 
                determines there is cause to believe that a 
                mistake was made in the accuracy of the final 
                list, the Secretary shall commence a proceeding 
                to determine whether the list published 
                pursuant to subparagraph (D) should be 
                corrected. If the Secretary determines that 
                there is a mistake in the accuracy of the list 
                the Secretary shall correct the publication 
                under subparagraph (D) to reflect the 
                determination of the Secretary.
          (4) Longer combination vehicle defined.--For purposes 
        of this section, the term ``longer combination 
        vehicle'' means any combination of a truck tractor and 
        2 or more trailers or semitrailers which operates on 
        the Interstate System at a gross vehicle weight greater 
        than 80,000 pounds.
          (5) Regulations regarding minor adjustments.--Not 
        later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall issue regulations 
        establishing criteria for the States to follow in 
        making minor adjustments under paragraph (1)(B).
  (e) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on 
Interstate Route 68.--The single axle, tandem axle, and bridge 
formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to 
the operation on Interstate Route 68 in Garrett and Allegany 
Counties, Maryland, of any specialized vehicle equipped with a 
steering axle and a tridem axle and used for hauling coal, 
logs, and pulpwood if such vehicle is of a type of vehicle as 
was operating in such counties on United States Route 40 or 48 
for such purpose on August 1, 1991.
  (f) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on 
Certain Wisconsin Highways.--If the 104-mile portion of 
Wisconsin State Route 78 and United States Route 51 between 
Interstate Route 94 near Portage, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin 
State Route 29 south of Wausau, Wisconsin, is designated as 
part of the Interstate System under section 103(c)(4)(A), the 
single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, 
and bridge formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not 
apply to the 104-mile portion with respect to the operation of 
any vehicle that could legally operate on the 104-mile portion 
before the date of the enactment of this subsection.
  (g) Operation of Certain Specialized Hauling Vehicles on 
Certain Pennsylvania Highways.--If the segment of United States 
Route 220 between Bedford and Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania, is 
designated as part of the Interstate System, the single axle 
weight, tandem axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and bridge 
formula limits set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to 
that segment with respect to the operation of any vehicle which 
could have legally operated on that segment before the date of 
the enactment of this subsection.
  (h) Waiver for a Route in State of Maine During Periods of 
National Emergency.--
          (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
        of this section, the Secretary, in consultation with 
        the Secretary of Defense, may waive or limit the 
        application of any vehicle weight limit established 
        under this section with respect to the portion of 
        Interstate Route 95 in the State of Maine between 
        Augusta and Bangor for the purpose of making bulk 
        shipments of jet fuel to the Air National Guard Base at 
        Bangor International Airport during a period of 
        national emergency in order to respond to the effects 
        of the national emergency.
          (2) Applicability.--Emergency limits established 
        under paragraph (1) shall preempt any inconsistent 
        State vehicle weight limits.
  (i) Special Permits During Periods of National Emergency.--
          (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
        of this section, a State may issue special permits 
        during an emergency to overweight vehicles and loads 
        that can easily be dismantled or divided if--
                  (A) the President has declared the emergency 
                to be a major disaster under the Robert T. 
                Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
                Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
                  (B) the permits are issued in accordance with 
                State law; and
                  (C) the permits are issued exclusively to 
                vehicles and loads that are delivering relief 
                supplies.
          (2) Expiration.--A permit issued under paragraph (1) 
        shall expire not later than 120 days after the date of 
        the declaration of emergency under subparagraph (A) of 
        that paragraph.
  (j) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Other Wisconsin 
Highways.--If any segment of the United States Route 41 
corridor, as described in section 1105(c)(57) of the Intermodal 
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, is designated as 
a route on the Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate 
legally on that segment before the date of such designation may 
continue to operate on that segment, without regard to any 
requirement under subsection (a).
  (k) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Mississippi Highways.--
If any segment of United States Route 78 in Mississippi from 
mile marker 0 to mile marker 113 is designated as part of the 
Interstate System, no limit established under this section may 
apply to that segment with respect to the operation of any 
vehicle that could have legally operated on that segment before 
such designation.
  (l) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Kentucky Highways.--
          (1) In general.--If any segment of highway described 
        in paragraph (2) is designated as a route on the 
        Interstate System, a vehicle that could operate legally 
        on that segment before the date of such designation may 
        continue to operate on that segment, without regard to 
        any requirement under subsection (a).
          (2) Description of highway segments.--The highway 
        segments referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:
                  (A) Interstate Route 69 in Kentucky (formerly 
                the Wendell H. Ford (Western Kentucky) Parkway) 
                from the Interstate Route 24 Interchange, near 
                Eddyville, to the Edward T. Breathitt 
                (Pennyrile) Parkway Interchange.
                  (B) The Edward T. Breathitt (Pennyrile) 
                Parkway (to be designated as Interstate Route 
                69) in Kentucky from the Wendell H. Ford 
                (Western Kentucky) Parkway Interchange to near 
                milepost 77, and on new alignment to an 
                interchange on the Audubon Parkway, if the 
                segment is designated as part of the Interstate 
                System.
                  (C) The William H. Natcher Parkway (to be 
                designated as a spur of Interstate Route 65) 
                from Interstate Route 65 in Bowling Green, 
                Kentucky, to United States Route 60 in 
                Owensboro, Kentucky.
  (m) Covered Heavy-duty Tow and Recovery Vehicles.--
          (1) In general.--The vehicle weight limitations set 
        forth in this section do not apply to a covered heavy-
        duty tow and recovery vehicle.
          (2) Covered heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicle 
        defined.--In this subsection, the term ``covered heavy-
        duty tow and recovery vehicle'' means a vehicle that--
                  (A) is transporting a disabled vehicle from 
                the place where the vehicle became disabled to 
                the nearest appropriate repair facility; and
                  (B) has a gross vehicle weight that is equal 
                to or exceeds the gross vehicle weight of the 
                disabled vehicle being transported.
  (n) Operation of Vehicles on Certain Highways in the State of 
Texas.--If any segment in the State of Texas of United States 
Route 59, United States Route 77, United States Route 281, 
United States Route 84, Texas State Highway 44, or another 
roadway is designated as Interstate Route 69, a vehicle that 
could operate legally on that segment before the date of the 
designation may continue to operate on that segment, without 
regard to any requirement under this section.
  (o) Certain Logging Vehicles in the State of Wisconsin.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall waive, with 
        respect to a covered logging vehicle, the application 
        of any vehicle weight limit established under this 
        section.
          (2) Covered logging vehicle defined.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``covered logging vehicle'' means 
        a vehicle that--
                  (A) is transporting raw or unfinished forest 
                products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass, or 
                wood chips;
                  (B) has a gross vehicle weight of not more 
                than 98,000 pounds;
                  (C) has not less than 6 axles; and
                  (D) is operating on a segment of Interstate 
                Route 39 in the State of Wisconsin from mile 
                marker 175.8 to mile marker 189.
  (p) Operation of Certain Specialized Vehicles on Certain 
Highways in the State of Arkansas.--If any segment of United 
States Route 63 between the exits for highways 14 and 75 in the 
State of Arkansas is designated as part of the Interstate 
System, the single axle weight, tandem axle weight, gross 
vehicle weight, and bridge formula limits under subsection (a) 
and the width limitation under section 31113(a) of title 49 
shall not apply to that segment with respect to the operation 
of any vehicle that could operate legally on that segment 
before the date of the designation.
  (q) Certain Logging Vehicles in the State of Minnesota.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall waive, with 
        respect to a covered logging vehicle, the application 
        of any vehicle weight limit established under this 
        section.
          (2) Covered logging vehicle defined.--In this 
        subsection, the term ``covered logging vehicle'' means 
        a vehicle that--
                  (A) is transporting raw or unfinished forest 
                products, including logs, pulpwood, biomass, or 
                wood chips;
                  (B) has a gross vehicle weight of not more 
                than 99,000 pounds;
                  (C) has not less than 6 axles; and
                  (D) is operating on a segment of Interstate 
                Route 35 in the State of Minnesota from mile 
                marker 235.4 to mile marker 259.552.
  (r) Emergency Vehicles.--
          (1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a 
        State shall not enforce against an emergency vehicle a 
        vehicle weight limit (up to a maximum gross vehicle 
        weight of 86,000 pounds) of less than--
                  (A) 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle;
                  (B) 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle;
                  (C) 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or
                  (D) 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive 
                steer axle.
          (2) Emergency vehicle defined.--In this subsection, 
        the term ``emergency vehicle'' means a vehicle designed 
        to be used under emergency conditions--
                  (A) to transport personnel and equipment; and
                  (B) to support the suppression of fires and 
                mitigation of other hazardous situations.
  (s) [Natural Gas Vehicles] Natural Gas and Electric Battery 
Vehicles.--A vehicle, if operated by an engine fueled primarily 
by natural gas or powered primarily by means of electric 
battery power, may exceed [any vehicle weight limit] the weight 
limit on the power unit by up to 2,000 pounds (up to a maximum 
gross vehicle weight of 82,000 pounds) under this section [by 
an amount that is equal to the difference between--] .
          [(1) the weight of the vehicle attributable to the 
        natural gas tank and fueling system carried by that 
        vehicle; and
          [(2) the weight of a comparable diesel tank and 
        fueling system.]
  (t) Vehicles in Idaho.--A vehicle limited or prohibited under 
this section from operating on a segment of the Interstate 
System in the State of Idaho may operate on such a segment if 
such vehicle--
          (1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or 
        less;
          (2) other than gross vehicle weight, complies with 
        the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits 
        set forth in subsection (a); and
          (3) is authorized to operate on such segment under 
        Idaho State law.
  (u) Vehicles in North Dakota.--A vehicle limited or 
prohibited under this section from operating on a segment of 
the Interstate System in the State of North Dakota may operate 
on such a segment if such vehicle--
          (1) has a gross vehicle weight of 129,000 pounds or 
        less;
          (2) other than gross vehicle weight, complies with 
        the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula limits 
        set forth in subsection (a); and
          (3) is authorized to operate on such segment under 
        North Dakota State law.

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                              ----------                              

                      TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SUBTITLE IV--INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION

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PART B--MOTOR CARRIERS, WATER CARRIERS, BROKERS, AND FREIGHT FORWARDERS

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CHAPTER 145--FEDERAL-STATE RELATIONS

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Sec. 14501. Federal authority over intrastate transportation

  (a) Motor Carriers of Passengers.--
          (1) Limitation on state law.--No State or political 
        subdivision thereof and no interstate agency or other 
        political agency of 2 or more States shall enact or 
        enforce any law, rule, regulation, standard, or other 
        provision having the force and effect of law relating 
        to--
                  (A) scheduling of interstate or intrastate 
                transportation (including discontinuance or 
                reduction in the level of service) provided by 
                a motor carrier of passengers subject to 
                jurisdiction under subchapter I of chapter 135 
                of this title on an interstate route;
                  (B) the implementation of any change in the 
                rates for such transportation or for any 
                charter transportation except to the extent 
                that notice, not in excess of 30 days, of 
                changes in schedules may be required; or
                  (C) the authority to provide intrastate or 
                interstate charter bus transportation.
        This paragraph shall not apply to intrastate commuter 
        bus operations, or to intrastate bus transportation of 
        any nature in the State of Hawaii.
          (2) Matters not covered.--Paragraph (1) shall not 
        restrict the safety regulatory authority of a State 
        with respect to motor vehicles, the authority of a 
        State to impose highway route controls or limitations 
        based on the size or weight of the motor vehicle, or 
        the authority of a State to regulate carriers with 
        regard to minimum amounts of financial responsibility 
        relating to insurance requirements and self-insurance 
        authorization.
  (b) Freight Forwarders and Brokers.--
          (1) General rule.--Subject to paragraph (2) of this 
        subsection, no State or political subdivision thereof 
        and no intrastate agency or other political agency of 2 
        or more States shall enact or enforce any law, rule, 
        regulation, standard, or other provision having the 
        force and effect of law relating to intrastate rates, 
        intrastate routes, or intrastate services of any 
        freight forwarder or broker.
          (2) Continuation of Hawaii's authority.--Nothing in 
        this subsection and the amendments made by the Surface 
        Freight Forwarder Deregulation Act of 1986 shall be 
        construed to affect the authority of the State of 
        Hawaii to continue to regulate a motor carrier 
        operating within the State of Hawaii.
  (c) Motor Carriers of Property.--
          (1) General rule.--Except as provided in [paragraphs 
        (2) and (3)] paragraphs (3) and (4), a State, political 
        subdivision of a State, or political authority of 2 or 
        more States may not enact or enforce a law, regulation, 
        or other provision having the force and effect of law 
        related to a price, route, or service of any motor 
        carrier (other than a carrier affiliated with a direct 
        air carrier covered by section 41713(b)(4)) or any 
        motor private carrier, broker, or freight forwarder 
        with respect to the transportation of property.
          (2) Additional limitation.--
                  (A) In general.--A State, political 
                subdivision of a State, or political authority 
                of 2 or more States may not enact or enforce a 
                law, regulation, or other provision having the 
                force and effect of law prohibiting employees 
                whose hours of service are subject to 
                regulation by the Secretary under section 31502 
                from working to the full extent permitted or at 
                such times as permitted under such section, or 
                imposing any additional obligations on motor 
                carriers if such employees work to the full 
                extent or at such times as permitted under such 
                section, including any related activities 
                regulated under part 395 of title 49, Code of 
                Federal Regulations.
                  (B) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this 
                paragraph shall be construed to limit the 
                provisions of paragraph (1).
          [(2)] (3) Matters not covered.--[Paragraph (1)--] 
        Paragraphs (1) and (2)--
                  (A) shall not restrict the safety regulatory 
                authority of a State with respect to motor 
                vehicles, the authority of a State to impose 
                highway route controls or limitations based on 
                the size or weight of the motor vehicle or the 
                hazardous nature of the cargo, or the authority 
                of a State to regulate motor carriers with 
                regard to minimum amounts of financial 
                responsibility relating to insurance 
                requirements and self-insurance authorization;
                  (B) does not apply to the intrastate 
                transportation of household goods; and
                  (C) does not apply to the authority of a 
                State or a political subdivision of a State to 
                enact or enforce a law, regulation, or other 
                provision relating to the regulation of tow 
                truck operations performed without the prior 
                consent or authorization of the owner or 
                operator of the motor vehicle.
          [(3)] (4) State standard transportation practices.--
                  (A) Continuation.--[Paragraph (1)] Paragraphs 
                (1) and (2) shall not affect any authority of a 
                State, political subdivision of a State, or 
                political authority of 2 or more States to 
                enact or enforce a law, regulation, or other 
                provision, with respect to the intrastate 
                transportation of property by motor carriers, 
                related to--
                          (i) uniform cargo liability rules,
                          (ii) uniform bills of lading or 
                        receipts for property being 
                        transported,
                          (iii) uniform cargo credit rules,
                          (iv) antitrust immunity for joint 
                        line rates or routes, classifications, 
                        mileage guides, and pooling, or
                          (v) antitrust immunity for agent-van 
                        line operations (as set forth in 
                        section 13907),
                if such law, regulation, or provision meets the 
                requirements of subparagraph (B).
                  (B) Requirements.--A law, regulation, or 
                provision of a State, political subdivision, or 
                political authority meets the requirements of 
                this subparagraph if--
                          (i) the law, regulation, or provision 
                        covers the same subject matter as, and 
                        compliance with such law, regulation, 
                        or provision is no more burdensome than 
                        compliance with, a provision of this 
                        part or a regulation issued by the 
                        Secretary or the Board under this part; 
                        and
                          (ii) the law, regulation, or 
                        provision only applies to a carrier 
                        upon request of such carrier.
                  (C) Election.--Notwithstanding any other 
                provision of law, a carrier affiliated with a 
                direct air carrier through common controlling 
                ownership may elect to be subject to a law, 
                regulation, or provision of a State, political 
                subdivision, or political authority under this 
                paragraph.
          [(4)] (5) Nonapplicability to Hawaii.--This 
        subsection shall not apply with respect to the State of 
        Hawaii.
          [(5)] (6) Limitation on statutory construction.--
        Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a 
        State from requiring that, in the case of a motor 
        vehicle to be towed from private property without the 
        consent of the owner or operator of the vehicle, the 
        person towing the vehicle have prior written 
        authorization from the property owner or lessee (or an 
        employee or agent thereof) or that such owner or lessee 
        (or an employee or agent thereof) be present at the 
        time the vehicle is towed from the property, or both.
  (d) Pre-Arranged Ground Transportation.--
          (1) In general.--No State or political subdivision 
        thereof and no interstate agency or other political 
        agency of 2 or more States shall enact or enforce any 
        law, rule, regulation, standard or other provision 
        having the force and effect of law requiring a license 
        or fee on account of the fact that a motor vehicle is 
        providing pre-arranged ground transportation service if 
        the motor carrier providing such service--
                  (A) meets all applicable registration 
                requirements under chapter 139 for the 
                interstate transportation of passengers;
                  (B) meets all applicable vehicle and 
                intrastate passenger licensing requirements of 
                the State or States in which the motor carrier 
                is domiciled or registered to do business; and
                  (C) is providing such service pursuant to a 
                contract for--
                          (i) transportation by the motor 
                        carrier from one State, including 
                        intermediate stops, to a destination in 
                        another State; or
                          (ii) transportation by the motor 
                        carrier from one State, including 
                        intermediate stops in another State, to 
                        a destination in the original State.
          (2) Intermediate stop defined.--In this section, the 
        term ``intermediate stop'', with respect to 
        transportation by a motor carrier, means a pause in the 
        transportation in order for one or more passengers to 
        engage in personal or business activity, but only if 
        the driver providing the transportation to such 
        passenger or passengers does not, before resuming the 
        transportation of such passenger (or at least 1 of such 
        passengers), provide transportation to any other person 
        not included among the passengers being transported 
        when the pause began.
          (3) Matters not covered.--Nothing in this subsection 
        shall be construed--
                  (A) as subjecting taxicab service to 
                regulation under chapter 135 or section 31138;
                  (B) as prohibiting or restricting an airport, 
                train, or bus terminal operator from 
                contracting to provide preferential access or 
                facilities to one or more providers of pre-
                arranged ground transportation service; and
                  (C) as restricting the right of any State or 
                political subdivision of a State to require, in 
                a nondiscriminatory manner, that any individual 
                operating a vehicle providing prearranged 
                ground transportation service originating in 
                the State or political subdivision have 
                submitted to pre-licensing drug testing or a 
                criminal background investigation of the 
                records of the State in which the operator is 
                domiciled, by the State or political 
                subdivision by which the operator is licensed 
                to provide such service, or by the motor 
                carrier providing such service, as a condition 
                of providing such service.

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SUBTITLE VI--MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER PROGRAMS

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PART B--COMMERCIAL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

CHAPTER 311--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

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SUBCHAPTER II--LENGTH AND WIDTH LIMITATIONS

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Sec. 31112. Property-carrying unit limitation

  (a) Definitions.--In this section--
          (1) ``property-carrying unit'' means any part of a 
        commercial motor vehicle combination (except the truck 
        tractor) used to carry property, including a trailer, a 
        semitrailer, or the property-carrying section of a 
        single unit truck, but not including a trailer or a 
        semitrailer transported as part of a towaway trailer 
        transporter combination (as defined in section 
        31111(a)).
          (2) the length of the property-carrying units of a 
        commercial motor vehicle combination is the length 
        measured from the front of the first property-carrying 
        unit to the rear of the last property-carrying unit.
  (b) General Limitations.--A State may not allow by any means 
the operation, on any segment of the Dwight D. Eisenhower 
System of Interstate and Defense Highways and those classes of 
qualifying Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by 
the Secretary of Transportation under section 31111(e) of this 
title, of any commercial motor vehicle combination (except a 
vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled easily or divided 
easily and that has been issued a special permit under 
applicable State law) with more than one property-carrying unit 
(not including the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units 
are more than--
          (1) the maximum combination trailer, semitrailer, or 
        other type of length limitation allowed by law or 
        regulation of that State before June 2, 1991; or
          (2) the length of the property-carrying units of 
        those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by 
        specific configuration, in actual, lawful operation on 
        a regular or periodic basis (including continuing 
        seasonal operation) in that State before June 2, 1991.
  (c) Special Rules for Wyoming, Ohio, Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, 
[and Kansas] Kansas, and Oregon._In addition to the vehicles 
allowed under subsection (b) of this section--
          (1) Wyoming may allow the operation of additional 
        vehicle configurations not in actual operation on June 
        1, 1991, but authorized by State law not later than 
        November 3, 1992, if the vehicle configurations comply 
        with the single axle, tandem axle, and bridge formula 
        limits in section 127(a) of title 23 and are not more 
        than 117,000 pounds gross vehicle weight;
          (2) Ohio may allow the operation of commercial motor 
        vehicle combinations with 3 property-carrying units of 
        28.5 feet each (not including the truck tractor) not in 
        actual operation on June 1, 1991, to be operated in 
        Ohio on the 1-mile segment of Ohio State Route 7 that 
        begins at and is south of exit 16 of the Ohio Turnpike;
          (3) Alaska may allow the operation of commercial 
        motor vehicle combinations that were not in actual 
        operation on June 1, 1991, but were in actual operation 
        before July 6, 1991;
          (4) Iowa may allow the operation on Interstate Route 
        29 between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between 
        Iowa and South Dakota or on Interstate Route 129 
        between Sioux City, Iowa, and the border between Iowa 
        and Nebraska of commercial motor vehicle combinations 
        with trailer length, semitrailer length, and property-
        carrying unit length allowed by law or regulation and 
        in actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic 
        basis (including continued seasonal operation) in South 
        Dakota or Nebraska, respectively, before June 2, 1991; 
        [and]
          (5) Nebraska and Kansas may allow the operation of a 
        truck tractor and 2 trailers or semitrailers not in 
        actual lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis 
        on June 1, 1991, if the length of the property-carrying 
        units does not exceed 81 feet 6 inches and such 
        combination is used only to transport equipment 
        utilized by custom harvesters under contract to 
        agricultural producers to harvest one or more of wheat, 
        soybeans, and milo during the harvest months for such 
        crops, as defined by the relevant state[.]; and
          (6) Oregon may allow the operation of a truck tractor 
        and 2 property-carrying units not in actual lawful 
        operation on a regular or periodic basis on June 1, 
        1991, if--
                  (A) the length of the property-carrying units 
                does not exceed 82 feet 8 inches;
                  (B) the combination is used only to transport 
                sugar beets; and
                  (C) the operation occurs on United States 
                Route 20, United States Route 26, United States 
                Route 30, or Oregon Route 201 in the vicinity, 
                or between any, of--
                          (i) Vale, Oregon;
                          (ii) Ontario, Oregon; or
                          (iii) Nyssa, Oregon.
  (d) Additional Limitations.--(1) A commercial motor vehicle 
combination whose operation in a State is not prohibited under 
subsections (b) and (c) of this section may continue to operate 
in the State on highways described in subsection (b) only if at 
least in compliance with all State laws, regulations, 
limitations, and conditions, including routing-specific and 
configuration-specific designations and all other restrictions 
in force in the State on June 1, 1991. However, subject to 
regulations prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (g)(2) 
of this section, the State may make minor adjustments of a 
temporary and emergency nature to route designations and 
vehicle operating restrictions in effect on June 1, 1991, for 
specific safety purposes and road construction.
  (2) This section does not prevent a State from further 
restricting in any way or prohibiting the operation of any 
commercial motor vehicle combination subject to this section, 
except that a restriction or prohibition shall be consistent 
with this section and sections 31113(a) and (b) and 31114 of 
this title.
  (3) A State making a minor adjustment of a temporary and 
emergency nature as authorized by paragraph (1) of this 
subsection or further restricting or prohibiting the operation 
of a commercial motor vehicle combination as authorized by 
paragraph (2) of this subsection shall advise the Secretary not 
later than 30 days after the action. The Secretary shall 
publish a notice of the action in the Federal Register.
  (4) Nebraska may continue to allow to be operated under 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, the State of 
Nebraska may allow longer combination vehicles that were not in 
actual operation on June 1, 1991 to be operated within its 
boundaries to transport sugar beets from the field where such 
sugar beets are harvested to storage, market, factory or 
stockpile or from stockpile to storage, market or factory. This 
provision shall expire on February 28, 1998.
  (e) List of State Length Limitations.--(1) Not later than 
February 16, 1992, each State shall submit to the Secretary for 
publication a complete list of State length limitations 
applicable to commercial motor vehicle combinations operating 
in the State on the highways described in subsection (b) of 
this section. The list shall indicate the applicable State laws 
and regulations associated with the length limitations. If a 
State does not submit the information as required, the 
Secretary shall complete and file the information for the 
State.
  (2) Not later than March 17, 1992, the Secretary shall 
publish an interim list in the Federal Register consisting of 
all information submitted under paragraph (1) of this 
subsection. The Secretary shall review for accuracy all 
information submitted by a State under paragraph (1) and shall 
solicit and consider public comment on the accuracy of the 
information.
  (3) A law or regulation may not be included on the list 
submitted by a State or published by the Secretary merely 
because it authorized, or could have authorized, by permit or 
otherwise, the operation of commercial motor vehicle 
combinations not in actual operation on a regular or periodic 
basis before June 2, 1991.
  (4) Except as revised under this paragraph or paragraph (5) 
of this subsection, the list shall be published as final in the 
Federal Register not later than June 15, 1992. In publishing 
the final list, the Secretary shall make any revisions 
necessary to correct inaccuracies identified under paragraph 
(2) of this subsection. After publication of the final list, 
commercial motor vehicle combinations prohibited under 
subsection (b) of this section may not operate on the Dwight D. 
Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways and other 
Federal-aid Primary System highways designated by the Secretary 
except as published on the list. The list may be combined by 
the Secretary with the list required under section 127(d) of 
title 23.
  (5) On the Secretary's own motion or on request by any person 
(including a State), the Secretary shall review the list 
published under paragraph (4) of this subsection. If the 
Secretary decides there is reason to believe a mistake was made 
in the accuracy of the list, the Secretary shall begin a 
proceeding to decide whether a mistake was made. If the 
Secretary decides there was a mistake, the Secretary shall 
publish the correction.
  (f) Limitations on Statutory Construction.--This section may 
not be construed--
          (1) to allow the operation on any segment of the 
        Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense 
        Highways of a longer combination vehicle prohibited 
        under section 127(d) of title 23;
          (2) to affect in any way the operation of a 
        commercial motor vehicle having only one property-
        carrying unit; or
          (3) to affect in any way the operation in a State of 
        a commercial motor vehicle with more than one property-
        carrying unit if the vehicle was in actual operation on 
        a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal 
        operation) in that State before June 2, 1991, that was 
        authorized under State law or regulation or lawful 
        State permit.
  (g) Regulations.--(1) In carrying out this section only, the 
Secretary shall define by regulation loads that cannot be 
dismantled easily or divided easily.
  (2) Not later than June 15, 1992, the Secretary shall 
prescribe regulations establishing criteria for a State to 
follow in making minor adjustments under subsection (d) of this 
section.

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                      TITLE 46, UNITED STATES CODE

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SUBTITLE II--VESSELS AND SEAMEN

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PART G--MERCHANT SEAMEN PROTECTION AND RELIEF

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CHAPTER 103--FOREIGN AND INTERCOASTAL VOYAGES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Sec. 10313. Wages

  (a) A seaman's entitlement to wages and provisions begins 
when the seaman begins work or when specified in the agreement 
required by section 10302 of this title for the seaman to begin 
work or be present on board, whichever is earlier.
  (b) Wages are not dependent on the earning of freight by the 
vessel. When the loss or wreck of the vessel ends the service 
of a seaman before the end of the period contemplated in the 
agreement, the seaman is entitled to wages for the period of 
time actually served. The seaman shall be deemed a destitute 
seaman under section 11104 of this title. This subsection 
applies to a fishing or whaling vessel but not a yacht.
  (c) When a seaman who has signed an agreement is discharged 
improperly before the beginning of the voyage or before one 
month's wages are earned, without the seaman's consent and 
without the seaman's fault justifying discharge, the seaman is 
entitled to receive from the master or owner, in addition to 
wages earned, one month's wages as compensation.
  (d) A seaman is not entitled to wages for a period during 
which the seaman--
          (1) unlawfully failed to work when required, after 
        the time fixed by the agreement for the seaman to begin 
        work; or
          (2) lawfully was imprisoned for an offense, unless a 
        court hearing the case otherwise directs.
  (e) After the beginning of the voyage, a seaman is entitled 
to receive from the master, on demand, one-half of the balance 
of wages earned and unpaid at each port at which the vessel 
loads or delivers cargo during the voyage. A demand may not be 
made before the expiration of 5 days from the beginning of the 
voyage, not more than once in 5 days, and not more than once in 
the same port on the same entry. If a master does not comply 
with this subsection, the seaman is released from the agreement 
and is entitled to payment of all wages earned. Notwithstanding 
a release signed by a seaman under section 10312 of this title, 
a court having jurisdiction may set aside, for good cause 
shown, the release and take action that justice requires. This 
subsection does not apply to a fishing or whaling vessel or a 
yacht.
  (f) At the end of a voyage, the master shall pay each seaman 
the balance of wages due the seaman within 24 hours after the 
cargo has been discharged or within 4 days after the seaman is 
discharged, whichever is earlier. When a seaman is discharged 
and final payment of wages is delayed for the period permitted 
by this subsection, the seaman is entitled at the time of 
discharge to one-third of the wages due the seaman.
  (g)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), when payment is not made as 
provided under subsection (f) of this section without 
sufficient cause, the master or owner shall pay to the seaman 2 
days' wages for each day payment is delayed.
  (2) The total amount required to be paid under paragraph (1) 
with respect to [all claims in a class action suit by seamen] 
each claim by a seaman on a passenger vessel capable of 
carrying more than 500 passengers for wages under this section 
against a vessel master, owner, or operator or the employer of 
[the seamen] the seaman shall not exceed ten times the unpaid 
wages that are the subject of the claims.
  (3) A [class action] suit for wages under this subsection 
must be commenced within three years after the later of--
          (A) the date of the end of the last voyage for which 
        the wages are claimed; or
          (B) the receipt[, by a seaman who is a claimant in 
        the suit,] by the seaman of a payment of wages that are 
        the subject of the suit that is made in the ordinary 
        course of employment.
  (h) Subsections (f) and (g) of this section do not apply to a 
fishing or whaling vessel or a yacht.
  (i) This section applies to a seaman on a foreign vessel when 
in a harbor of the United States. The courts are available to 
the seaman for the enforcement of this section.

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CHAPTER 105--COASTWISE VOYAGES

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Sec. 10504. Wages

  (a) After the beginning of a voyage, a seaman is entitled to 
receive from the master, on demand, one-half of the balance of 
wages earned and unpaid at each port at which the vessel loads 
or delivers cargo during the voyage. A demand may not be made 
before the expiration of 5 days from the beginning of the 
voyage, not more than once in 5 days, and not more than once in 
the same port on the same entry. If a master does not comply 
with this subsection, the seaman is released from the agreement 
required by section 10502 of this title and is entitled to 
payment of all wages earned. Notwithstanding a release signed 
by a seaman under section 10312 of this title, a court having 
jurisdiction may set aside, for good cause shown, the release 
and take action that justice requires. This subsection does not 
apply to a fishing or whaling vessel or a yacht.
  (b) The master shall pay a seaman the balance of wages due 
the seaman within 2 days after the termination of the agreement 
required by section 10502 of this title or when the seaman is 
discharged, whichever is earlier.
  (c)(1) Subject to subsection (d), and except as provided in 
paragraph (2), when payment is not made as provided under 
subsection (b) of this section without sufficient cause, the 
master or owner shall pay to the seaman 2 days' wages for each 
day payment is delayed.
  (2) The total amount required to be paid under paragraph (1) 
with respect to [all claims in a class action suit by seamen] 
each claim by a seaman on a passenger vessel capable of 
carrying more than 500 passengers for wages under this section 
against a vessel master, owner, or operator or the employer of 
[the seamen] the seaman shall not exceed ten times the unpaid 
wages that are the subject of the claims.
  (3) A [class action] suit for wages under this subsection 
must be commenced within three years after the later of--
          (A) the date of the end of the last voyage for which 
        the wages are claimed; or
          (B) the receipt[, by a seaman who is a claimant in 
        the suit] by the seaman, of a payment of wages that are 
        the subject of the suit that is made in the ordinary 
        course of employment.
  (d) Subsections (b) and (c) of this section do not apply to:
          (1) a vessel engaged in coastwise commerce.
          (2) a yacht.
          (3) a fishing vessel.
          (4) a whaling vessel.
  (e) This section applies to a seaman on a foreign vessel when 
in harbor of the United States. The courts are available to the 
seaman for the enforcement of this section.
  (f) Deposits in Seaman Account.--On written request signed by 
the seaman, a seaman employed on a passenger vessel capable of 
carrying more than 500 passengers may authorize, the master, 
owner, or operator of the vessel, or the employer of the 
seaman, to make deposits of wages of the seaman into a 
checking, savings, investment, or retirement account, or other 
account to secure a payroll or debit card for the seaman if--
          (1) the wages designated by the seaman for such 
        deposit are deposited in a United States or 
        international financial institution designated by the 
        seaman;
          (2) such deposits in the financial institution are 
        fully guaranteed under commonly accepted international 
        standards by the government of the country in which the 
        financial institution is licensed;
          (3) a written wage statement or pay stub, including 
        an accounting of any direct deposit, is delivered to 
        the seaman no less often than monthly; and
          (4) while on board the vessel on which the seaman is 
        employed, the seaman is able to arrange for withdrawal 
        of all funds on deposit in the account in which the 
        wages are deposited.

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                              ----------                              

    SECTION 221 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2015

  [Sec. 221. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
shall report annually to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the status of all section 8 project-based 
housing, including the number of all project-based units by 
region as well as an analysis of all federally subsidized 
housing being refinanced under the Mark-to-Market program. The 
Secretary shall identify all existing units maintained by 
region as section 8 project-based units, all project-based 
units that have opted out or have otherwise been eliminated, 
and the reasons these units opted out or otherwise were lost as 
section 8 project-based units.]

               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 which directly or indirectly change the 
application of existing law.

                 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    Language is included under Office of the Secretary, 
`Salaries and expenses' specifying certain amounts amounts for 
individual offices of the Office of the Secretary and official 
reception and representation expenses; specifying transfer 
authority among offices; and allowing 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 Infrastructure Investments' which authorizes and 
appropriates grant funding for surface transportation 
infrastructure to be competitively awarded at the discretion of 
the Secretary, limits the availability of funds, specifies 
grantee and project eligibility requirements, authorizes a 
portion of the funds for Federal credit assistance awards, 
specifies requirements for how the Secretary shall prioritize 
funding and select projects, specifies minimum and maximum 
grants sizes and sets limits on awards per project and per 
state, specifies a limit on federal share of projects receiving 
awards, establishes minimum funding amounts for rural, urban, 
and port projects, authorizes the Secretary to use a percentage 
of funds for departmental administrative costs, and establishes 
requirements and deadlines for when and how the Secretary shall 
solicit applications for grants and make awards.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
`National surface and innovative finance bureau' which makes 
funding available until expended and sets a notification 
requirement.
    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, 
`Transportation planning, research, and development' which 
provides funds for conducting transportation planning, 
research, systems development, development activities and 
making grants; changes the availability of funds; and specifies 
funding minimums for and authorities related to the Interagency 
Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center.
    Language is included that limits operating costs and 
capital outlays of the Working Capital Fund for the Department 
of Transportation; provides that services shall be provided on 
a competitive basis, except for non-DOT entities; restricts the 
transfer for any funds to the Working Capital Fund with 
approval; 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, 
`Minority business resource center' which provides funds for 
financial education outreach, monitoring and modification of 
existing loans, and administrative expenses; and makes funds 
available for business opportunities related to any mode of 
transportation.
    Language is included under Office of the Secretary, `Small 
and disadvantaged business utilization and outreach' specifying 
that funds may be used for business opportunities related to 
any mode of transportation, and limits the availability of 
funds.
    Language is included under the Office of the Secretary, 
`Payments to air carriers' that 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 modal 
administrations in this Act, unless such assessments or 
agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for 
Congressional notification.
    Section 102 sets administrative requirements of the 
Department's Credit Council.
    Section 103 allows the Department to use the Working 
Capital Fund to provide transit benefits to Federal employees.
    Language is included under the Federal Aviation 
Administration, `Operations' that specifies funds for certain 
activities; limits the availability of funds; derives funds 
from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; specifies amounts for 
certain activities; specifies transfer authorities among 
activities; requires various staffing plans by a certain date 
with financial penalties for late submissions; permits the use 
of funds to enter into a grant agreement with a nonprofit 
standard setting organization to develop aviation safety 
standards; prohibits the use of funds for new applicants of the 
second career training program; prohibits funds to plan, 
finalize, or implement any regulation that would promulgate new 
aviation user fees not specifically authorized by law; credits 
funds received from other entities for expenses incurred in the 
provision of agency services; specifies funds for the contract 
tower program; prohibits funds from certain activities 
coordinated through the Working Capital Fund; and prohibits 
funds to eliminate the Contract Weather Observer program.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
`Facilities and equipment' that funds various activities from 
the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, limits the availability of 
funds, allows certain funds received for expenses incurred in 
the establishment and modernization of air navigation 
facilities to be credited to the account, and that requires the 
Secretary of Transportation to transmit a comprehensive capital 
investment plan for the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
`Research, engineering, and development' that provides funds 
from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund; that limits the 
availability of funds; and that allows certain funds received 
for expenses incurred in research, engineering and development 
to be credited to the account.
    Language is included under Federal Aviation Administration, 
`Grants-in-aid for airports' that provides funds from the 
Airport and Airway Trust Fund and from general funds, changes 
the availability of funds, prohibits the availability of 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 100 percent, establishes a grant program 
for reimbursements to certain airports due to temporary flight 
restrictions, and allows the Administrator to retain funds for 
administration of discretionary grants.
    Section 110 limits the number of technical work years at 
the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development to 600 in 
fiscal year 2019.
    Section 111 prohibits FAA from requiring airport sponsors 
to provide the agency `without cost' building construction, 
maintenance, utilities and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned 
buildings, except in the case of certain specified exceptions.
    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 the FAA from paying Sunday premium 
pay except in those cases where the individual actually worked 
on a Sunday.
    Section 115 prohibits FAA from using funds to purchase 
store gift cards or gift certificates through a government-
issued credit card.
    Section 116 requires approval from the Assistant Secretary 
for Administration of the Department of Transportation for 
retention bonuses for any FAA employee.
    Section 117 requires the Secretary to block the display of 
an owner or operator's aircraft registration number in the 
Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program, upon the 
request of an owner or operator.
    Section 118 prohibits funds for more than a certain number 
of political appointees at the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Section 119 prohibits funds to increase fees pursuant to 
Section 44721 of title 49, U.S.C. until the FAA submits a 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 119A prohibits funds to close a regional operations 
center or reduce services unless the Administrator notifies the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 119B prohibits funds to change weight restrictions 
or prior permission rules at Teterboro airport in Teterboro, 
New Jersey.
    Section 119C prohibits funds to withhold funds from certain 
contract tower applicants.
    Section 119D requires FAA to take certain actions related 
to organization delegation authorization.
    Section 119E prohibits funds for the apportionment of funds 
for certain storage buildings unless certain conditions are 
met.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, `Limitation on administrative expenses' that 
limits the amount to be paid, together with advances and 
reimbursements received, for the administrative expenses of the 
agency. In addition to this limitation, an amount is specified 
that is to be made available to the Appalachian Regional 
Commission for administrative expenses.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, `Federal-aid highways' that limit the 
obligations for Federal-aid highways and highway safety 
construction programs; allows the Secretary to charge, collect 
and spend fees for the costs of underwriting and servicing 
Federal credit instruments; and provides that such amounts are 
in addition to administrative expenses, and not subject to any 
obligation limitation or limitation on administrative expenses 
under section 608 of title 23, U.S.C., and are available until 
expended.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, `Federal-aid highways' that liquidates contract 
authority from the Highway Trust Fund.
    Language is included under the Federal Highway 
Administration, `Highway infrastructure programs' that 
authorizes and appropriates additional amounts for activities 
eligible under sections 133(b)(1)(A) and 148(e)(1) of title 23, 
the Puerto Rico Highway Program as authorized under such title, 
the Territorial Highway Program as authorized under such title, 
the tribal transportation program as authorized under such 
title, and the Nationally Significant Federal lands and tribal 
projects program as authorized under the FAST Act, specifies 
the formula distribution of funding, applies and waives various 
statutory requirements for each subset of funding, and changes 
the availability of funds.
    Section 120 distributes obligation authority among Federal-
aid highways programs, contingent on enactment of authorization 
legislation.
    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 Act.
    Section 123 requires Congressional notification before the 
Department provides credit assistance under section 603 and 604 
of title 23, U.S.C.
    Section 124 requires Congressional notification before the 
Department provides grant assistance under section 117 of title 
23, U.S.C.
    Section 125 authorizes the Secretary to repurpose certain 
unobligated balances of previously earmarked funds, set 
requirements for exercising such authority, defines what 
constitutes an earmarked amount for purposes of such authority, 
specifies limitations on what earmark balances are eligible for 
repurposing, and specifies requirements that new projects must 
meet in order to be eligible for repurposed funding.
    Section 126 modifies an existing federal truck weight for 
Kentucky under title 23.
    Section 127 modifies an existing truck weight exemption for 
natural gas vehicles under title 23 and adds electric-powered 
vehicles to that exemption.
    Language is included under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration, `Motor carrier safety operations and programs' 
that 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' that provides 
limitation on obligations and liquidation of contract 
authorization; and specifies amounts available for various 
programs.
    Section 130 requires the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration to send notices of certain violations such that 
the receipt of such notice is confirmed.
    Section 131 prohibits funds to enforce Electronic Logging 
Device regulations with respect to carriers transporting 
livestock or insects.
    Section 133 clarifies the preemption of certain state and 
local laws and regulations by federal laws and regulations and 
makes the preemption retroactive to 1994.
    Section 134 modifies an existing federal truck length 
exemption for agricultural vehicles under title 23 to add 
certain kinds of trucks operating on certain routes in Oregon.
    Language is included under National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration, `Operations and research' that 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' that provides a 
limitation on obligations and a liquidation of contract 
authorization from the Highway Trust Fund; specifies amounts 
for various programs; and modifies the period of availability 
of certain funds.
    Language is included under the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration `Highway traffic safety grants' that 
provides a limitation on obligations; changes the availability 
of fund; 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 provides funding for travel and related 
expenses for state management reviews and highway safety core 
competency development training.
    Section 141 exempts obligation authority that was made 
available in previous public laws from limitations on 
obligations set in this Act.
    Section 142 prohibits funding for the national roadside 
survey.
    Section 143 prohibits funding for mandated global 
positioning system tracking.
    Section 144 authorizes and appropriates additional funding 
for activities eligible under section 403 of title 23 and 
changes the availability of funds.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
`Safety and operations' that provides funds and funding 
availability.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
`Railroad research and development' that provides funds and 
funding availability.
    Language is included under Federal Railroad Administration, 
`Railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing program' 
authorizing the Secretary to issue direct loans and loan 
guarantees under sections 501 through 504 of the Railroad 
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act, and provides 
authority availability.
    Language is included under the Federal Railroad 
Administration, `Federal-state partnership for state of good 
repair' that provides funds, provides funding availability, 
allows the Secretary to withhold funds for a specified purpose, 
and requires the Secretary to publish a notice of funding 
opportunity within a specified time frame.
    Language is included under the Federal Railroad 
Administration, `Consolidated rail infrastructure and safety 
improvements' that provides funds and provides funding 
availability. Language sets aside amounts for a specified 
purpose, expands eligibility for that set-aside, allows certain 
funds to be transferred based on criteria, and allows 
unobligated balances remaining after four years to be used for 
any eligible project. Language requires the Secretary to 
publish a notice of funding opportunity within a specified time 
frame and allows the Secretary to withhold funding for a 
specified purpose.
    Language is included under the Federal Railroad 
Administration, `Magnetic levitation technology deployment 
program' that provides funds and funding availability.
    Language is included under the Federal Railroad 
Administration, `Northeast Corridor grants to the National 
Railroad Passenger Corporation' that provides funds, specifies 
funding availability, and specifies a funding levels for 
activities.
    Language is included under the Federal Railroad 
Administration, `National Network grants to the National 
Railroad Passenger Corporation' that provides funding, funding 
availability, and specifies a funding level for specified 
activities.
    Section 150 limits overtime to $35,000 per employee; allows 
Amtrak's president to waive this restriction for specific 
employees for safety or operational efficiency reasons; 
requires quarterly notification to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on waivers granted for overtime 
and specified information related to overtime; requires the 
president of Amtrak to provide report that includes specified 
information on overtime payments incurred for 2018 and three 
prior years.
    Section 151 prohibits funds to take any actions related to 
high speed rail in California unless the Surface Transportation 
Board issues the permit for the entire project.
    Section 152 prohibits funding for high speed rail in 
California or for the California High Speed Rail authority or 
to administrator a grant with the Authority that contains a 
tapered matching requirement.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
`Administrative expenses' specifying amounts for certain 
activities, prohibiting a permanent office of transit security, 
and directing the submission of the annual report on new 
starts.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
`Transit formula grants' that provides limitation on 
obligations from the Highway Trust Fund, and provides for the 
liquidation of contract authority.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
`Transit infrastructure grants' that specifies amounts for 
certain activities from the general fund, and are not subject 
to any limitation on obligations.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration 
`Technical assistance and training' that specifies amounts for 
certain activities.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
`Capital investment grants' that specifies amounts for specific 
purposes, changes the period of availability of funds, changes 
the obligation deadline, and requires the Secretary to continue 
to administer the capital investment grant program pursuant to 
49 U.S.C. 5309.
    Language is included under Federal Transit Administration, 
`Washington metropolitan area transit authority' that changes 
the period of availability of funds, requires the Secretary to 
review projects before a grant is made, requires the Secretary 
to determine that WMATA has placed the highest priority on 
safety investments and has eliminated financial management 
issues, requires the Secretary to place the highest priority on 
safety investments, and allows the Secretary to waive the 
requirement for cellular phone service.
    Section 160 exempts previously made transit obligations 
from limitations on obligations.
    Section 161 allows funds appropriated for capital 
investment grants and bus and bus facilities not obligated by a 
certain date, plus other recoveries to be available for other 
projects under 49 U.S.C. 5309.
    Section 162 allows for the transfer of prior year 
appropriations from older accounts to be merged into new 
accounts with similar, current activities.
    Section 163 prohibits funds for a certain fixed guideway 
project in Houston, Texas.
    Section 164 prohibits a full funding grant agreement for a 
project with a new starts share greater than 50 percent.
    Section 165 prohibits funds for the procurement of mass 
transit, passenger rail, or freight rail asset from a country 
listed on the most recent priority watch list and is subject to 
monitoring by the Trade Representative under section 306 of the 
Trade Act of 1974.
    Language is included under the Saint Lawrence Seaway 
Development Corporation that authorizes expenditures, 
contracts, and commitments as may be necessary.
    Language is included under the Saint Lawrence Seaway 
Development Corporation `Operation and maintenance' that 
provides funds derived from the Harbor Maintenance Trust 
specifies a certain amount for asset renewal activities.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
`Maritime security program' that provides and funds and funding 
availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
`Operations and training' that provides funds for specific 
purposes, limits funding availability, and requires a report on 
sexual assault and harassment at the United States Merchant 
Marine Academy.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, 
`Assistance to small shipyards' that provides funding, and 
limits funding availability.
    Language is included under Maritime Administration, `Ship 
Disposal' that provides funds and limits funding availability.
    Section 170 allows the Maritime Administration to furnish 
utilities and services and make repairs to any lease, contract, 
or occupancy involving government property under the control of 
MARAD.
    Section 171 modifies penalty wages regarding foreign and 
intercoastal voyages and coastwise voyages.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, `Operational expenses' which provides 
funding for operations.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, `Hazardous materials safety' which funds 
hazardous and materials safety functions, limits the period of 
deposited availability, allows up to $800,000 in fees collected 
under 49 U.S.C. 5108(g) to be in the general fund of the 
Treasury as offsetting receipts, and credits to the 
appropriation for the account funds received from states, 
counties, other public authorities, and private sources for 
certain expenses.
    Language is included under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
Safety Administration, `Pipeline safety' which specifies 
amounts derived from the pipeline safety fund, the oil spill 
liability trust fund, and the underground natural gas storage 
facility safety account; limits the period of availability; and 
specifies a minimum amount for certain activities.
    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 some funds; and allows up to 
four percent of funds made available for administrative costs.
    Language is included under Office of Inspector General, 
`Salaries and expenses' that provides the Inspector General 
with all necessary authority to investigate allegations of 
fraud by any person or entity that is subject to regulation by 
the Department of Transportation, the authority to investigate 
unfair or deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition 
by domestic and foreign air carriers and ticket agents, and 
allows funds to be available from forfeiture proceedings.
    Section 180 provides authorization for DOT to maintain and 
operate aircraft, hire passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, 
purchase liability insurance, buy uniforms, or allowances 
therefor.
    Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
by 5 U.S.C. 3109 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 stipulates that revenue collected by FHWA and 
FRA from States, counties, municipalities, other public 
authorities, and private sources for training be transferred 
into specific accounts within the agency with an exception.
    Section 184 prohibits DOT from using funds to make a grant, 
loan, loan guarantee, or cooperative agreement, unless DOT 
gives a 3-day advance notice to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations. Also requires notice of any ``quick 
release'' of funds from FHWA's emergency relief program, and 
prohibits notifications from involving funds not available for 
obligation. Requires DOT to provide a comprehensive list of all 
loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, cooperative 
agreements, and discretionary grants that will be announced 
with a 3-day advance notice to the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations.
    Section 185 allows funds received from rebates, refunds, 
and similar sources to be credited to appropriations of DOT.
    Section 186 allows amounts from improper payments to a 
third party contractor that are lawfully recovered by DOT to be 
made available until expended to cover expenses incurred in 
recovery of such payments.
    Section 187 requires that reprogramming actions have 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 modal 
administrations to be obligated for the Office of the Secretary 
for costs related to assessments only when such funds provide a 
direct benefit to that modal administration.
    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.

         TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Management and administration' which designates 
funds for `Executive offices'; designates funds for 
`Administrative support offices'; specifies funding 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 office, the office of field policy and 
management, the office of the chief procurement officer, the 
office of the departmental equal employment opportunity, the 
office of business transformation, and the office of the chief 
information officer; limits official reception and 
representation expenses to $25,000; provides a certain amount 
for the Weaver Building consolidation; allows funds to be used 
for certain administrative and non-administrative expense; and 
allows funds to be used for advertising and promotional 
activities that directly support program activities funded in 
this title.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Program office salaries and expenses' which 
specifies funds for the office of public and indian housing, 
the office of community planning and development, the office of 
housing, the office of policy development and research, the 
office of fair housing and equal opportunity, and the office of 
lead hazard control and healthy homes.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Working capital Fund' which specifies certain 
shared services used by offices and agencies of the Department, 
derived from centralized sources, through reimbursements and 
transfers, to be funded through the working capital fund; and 
allows for an additional amount from salaries and expenses to 
be merged with the working capital fund.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Tenant-based rental assistance' which specifies 
funds for certain programs, activities and purposes and use and 
availability of certain funds; specifies the methodology for 
allocation of renewal funding; directs the Secretary to provide 
renewal funding based on validated voucher system leasing and 
cost data for the prior year; prohibits funds to exceed a 
public housing authorized level of units under contract, except 
for those participating in the Moving to Work demonstrations; 
directs the Secretary, to the extent necessary, to prorate each 
public agency's (PHA) allocation; directs the Secretary to 
notify PHAs of their annual budget of 60 days after enactment 
of the Act or March 1, 2018; 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); and provides funding for public housing 
that despite taking reasonable measures, would otherwise be 
required to terminate assistance for families as a result of 
insufficient funding.
    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; sets conditions for the reissuance of 
vouchers; and allows the Secretary to use unobligated and 
recaptured funds from prior years.
    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, vouchers under the mobility 
demonstration, 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 
to `Moving to Work' (MTW) agencies be funded pursuant to their 
MTW agreements; provides funds for section 811 mainstream 
vouchers; provides funds for incremental HUD-VASH and specifies 
that the Secretary shall track special purpose vouchers 
including a minimum renewal amount for vouchers targeted at 
veterans; provides funds for rental assistance and 
administrative costs associated with tribal veteran vouchers 
subject to certain conditions; provides funding for a mobility 
demonstration and specifies amounts for certain eligible 
activities and requires vouchers funded therein to be and 
remain for families with children; 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 contract administrators.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Public housing capital 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 public Housing Financial 
and Physical Assessment activities of the Real Estate 
Assessment Center; specifies an amount for judicial 
receiverships, specifies an amount for emergency capital needs; 
specifies an amount for competitive grants that fund 
demolitions, specifies an amount for supportive services; 
specifies the amount for a Jobs-plus Pilot initiative and 
specifies that the initiative shall provide competitive grants; 
specifies that the Secretary may waive or specify alternative 
requirements; and specifies that the Secretary shall public 
notice of any waiver or alternative requirement; establishes a 
limitation on amounts that can be transferred; makes funds 
available for bonuses for high performing PHAs; and establishes 
requirements for notification of public housing agencies' 
formula allocations.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Public housing operating fund' which specifies 
the total amount available for certain activities; and modifies 
the period of availability.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Choice neighborhoods initiative' which allows the 
Secretary to make competitive grants for neighborhood 
rehabilitation; changes the availability of funds; allows funds 
to be used for services, development, and housing; declares 
funds not for ``public housing''; requires a period of 
affordability; requires local planning and cost share; allows 
local governments, tribal entities, public housing authorities 
and non-profits to be grantees; allows for-profits to partner 
and apply with a public entity; requires grantees to partner 
with local organizations; establishes conditions for 
environmental review; requires grantees to create partnerships 
with other local organizations; requires the Secretary to 
consult with other federal agencies; and allows prior year 
program funds and HOPE VI funds to be used for this program.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Family self-sufficiency' which allows the 
Secretary to waive or specify certain requirements, establishes 
entities eligible to compete for funding, allows the 
establishment of escrow funds, and allows the use of residual 
receipt accounts to hire coordinators.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Native American housing block grants' which 
limits the availability of funds; specifies the formula for 
allocation; specifies amounts for training and technical 
assistance; specifies an amount to guarantee notes and 
obligations as defined in section 502 of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974; specifies that grantees are to be notified 
of their allocation within 60 days of enactment; authorizes and 
appropriates funding for competitive grants to be awarded at 
the discretion of the Secretary; specifies considerations for 
the Secretary in making funding awards; authorizes transfers of 
funding for administrative expenses.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Indian housing loan guarantee fund program 
account' which specifies the amount and availability of funds 
to subsidize total loan principal, specifies how to define the 
costs of modifying loans, and provides a dedicated amount for 
administrative expenses.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Native Hawaiian housing loan guarantee fund 
program account' which rescinds certain previously appropriated 
funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Housing opportunities for persons with AIDS' 
which limits availability of funds and sets forth certain 
requirements for the allocation of funds, renewal of contracts, 
and grantee notification.
    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 the amount made available 
for grants to Indian tribes; and requires grantee notification 
of formula allocations within 60 days of enactment.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Community development loan guarantees program 
account' which limits the principal amount of loan guarantees, 
and directs the Secretary to collect fees from borrowers 
adequate to result in credit subsidy cost of zero.
    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; and requires grantee 
notification within 60 days of enactment.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity 
program' which specifies funding amounts for certain programs, 
limits the period of availability, and specifies certain 
amounts for rural activities and organizations.
    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 
grantees to integrate homeless programs with other social 
service providers; allows unobligated balances and recaptures 
from certain project-based rental assistance grants and shelter 
plus care renewals to be used; requires notification of formula 
allocations within 60 days of enactment.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Project-based rental assistance' which provides 
funds, limits the availability of funds, specifies the 
allocation of certain funds for certain purposes, and allows 
the Secretary to recapture residual receipts from certain 
properties.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Housing for the elderly' which limits the 
availability of funds; specifies the allocation of certain 
funds; designates certain funds to be used only for certain 
grants; allows funds to be used for specified inspections or 
inspection-related activities; allows funds to be used to renew 
certain contracts; allows the Secretary to waive certain 
provisions governing contract terms; allows excess funds held 
in residual receipts accounts, after contract termination, to 
be deposited in this account; 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 funds to be used for inspections or 
inspection-related activities; allows funds to be used to renew 
certain contracts; allows funds held in residual account, after 
contract termination, to be deposited in this account; and 
limits the availability and use of these funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development `Housing counseling assistance' that provides funds 
for described purposes, limits the availability of funds, 
specifies amounts to be used for specified purposes, requires 
the Secretary to make grants within a specified time frame, and 
allows multiyear agreements subject to the availability of 
annual appropriations.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Rental assistance' that provides funds; limits 
the availability of funds; and allows the Secretary to use 
specified unobligated balances, including recaptures, carryover 
and other specified remaining funds for specified purposes.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Payment to manufactured housing fees trust fund' 
that provides funds; limits the availability of funds from 
specified sources; permits fees to be assessed, modified, and 
collected; permits temporary borrowing authority from the 
general fund of the Treasury; provides that general fund 
amounts from collection 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 
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 the 
obligations to make direct loans, specifies funds for specific 
purposes, specifies that the Secretary may insure specific 
mortgages only under certain conditions; specifies the extent 
that the commitment levels allow for additional contract 
expenses, and limits the availability of funds.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `General and special risk program account' which 
sets a loan principal limitation on new commitments to 
guarantee loans, limits the obligations to make direct loans, 
specifies funds for specific purposes, 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, allows specified receipts to be credited 
as offsetting collections, allows for additional contract 
expenses as guaranteed loan commitments exceed certain levels, 
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 funds for certain purposes, limits the availability of 
funds, authorizes the Secretary to assess and collect fees, 
places restrictions on the use of funds for lobbying 
activities, and provides funds for programs that support the 
assistance of persons with limited English proficiency.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Office of lead hazard control and healthy homes' 
which changes 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, and requires a certification of adequate capacity.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Information technology fund' which changes the 
period of availability and purpose of funds, including funds 
transferred, and requires a plan for expenditure.
    Language is included under Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, `Office of Inspector General' which specifies the 
use of funds and directs that the IG shall have independent 
authority over all personnel issues within the office.
    Section 201 splits overpayments evenly between 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 of 1950.
    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 requires the Administration's budget and HUD's 
budget justifications for fiscal year 2020 be submitted in the 
identical account and sub-account structure provided in this 
Act.
    Section 209 exempts GNMA from certain requirements of the 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
    Section 210 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 211 sets forth requirements for Section 8 voucher 
assistance eligibility, and includes consideration for persons 
with disabilities.
    Section 212 distributes Native American Housing Block 
Grants to the same Native Alaskan recipients as in fiscal year 
2005.
    Section 213 authorizes the Secretary to insure mortgages 
under Section 255 of the National Housing Act.
    Section 214 instructs HUD on managing and disposing of any 
multifamily property that is owned or held by HUD.
    Section 215 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.
    Section 216 allows PHAs that own and operate 400 or fewer 
units of public housing to be exempt from asset management 
requirements.
    Section 217 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 limit established in QHWRA.
    Section 218 requires that no employee of the Department 
shall be designated as an allotment holder unless the CFO 
determines that such employee has received certain training.
    Section 219 requires the Secretary to publish all notices 
of funding availability that are competitively awarded on the 
internet for fiscal year 2019.
    Section 220 requires attorney fees for programmatic 
litigation to be paid from the individual program office and 
Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses appropriations, 
and requires the Department to submit a spend plan to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 221 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 Office Salaries and Expenses'' to any other office 
funded under such headings.
    Section 222 requires HUD to take certain actions against 
owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain safe 
properties.
    Section 223 places a salary and bonus limit on public 
housing agency officials and employees.
    Section 224 authorizes HUD to obligate balances previously 
made available under the heading ``Choice Neighborhoods 
Initiative'' until September 30, 2019.
    Section 225 requires the Secretary to notify the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business 
days before grant awards are announced.
    Section 226 prohibits funds to be used to require or 
enforce the Physical Needs Assessment (PNA).
    Section 227 prohibits funds for HUD financing of mortgages 
for properties that have been subject to eminent domain.
    Section 228 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 229 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 230 prohibits funds to be used for financial awards 
for employees subject to administrative discipline in fiscal 
years 2018 or 2019.
    Section 231 authorizes the Secretary on a limited basis to 
use funds available under the ``Homeless Assistance Grants'' 
heading to participate in the multiagency Performance 
Partnership Pilots program.
    Section 232 allows program income as an eligible match for 
2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Continuum of Care funds.
    Section 233 permits HUD to provide one year transition 
grants under the continuum of care program with no more than 50 
percent of the grant provided for costs of eligible activities 
of the program component originally funded.
    Section 234 prohibits the use of funds to direct a grantee 
to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws as part 
of carrying out the final rule entitled, ``Affirmatively 
Furthering Fair Housing'' or the notice entitled, 
``Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Assessment Tool''.
    Section 235 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 in 2016 through 2021, 
and to uninvested funds that otherwise were deducted or would 
be deducted in 2018 through 2021, respectively.
    Section 236 prohibits funds from being used to interfere 
with State and local inspections of public housing using units.
    Section 237 rescinds certain balances of previously 
appropriated funds.
    Secion 238 authorizes the Secretary to allow public housing 
authorities to use housing choice voucher assistance and 
related administrative fees to encourage families to move to 
lower-poverty areas; specifies how the Secretary shall select 
public housing authorities for the demonstration; specifies a 
regional housing mobility planning requirement for 
participating public housing authorities; grants the Secretary 
the authority to waive or specify alternatives for certain 
statutory and regulatory requirements; and requires the 
Secretary to conduct and publish an evaluation of the 
demonstration.
    Section 239 repeals a statutory reporting requirement.

                      TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

    Language is included for the Access Board, `Salaries and 
expenses' that limits funds for necessary expenses and allows 
for the credit to the appropriation of funds received for 
publications and training expenses.
    Language is included for the Federal Maritime Commission, 
`Salaries and expenses' that provide funds for services 
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, the hire of passenger motor 
vehicles, uniform and allowances; and limits funds for official 
reception and representation expenses.
    Language is included for the National Railroad Passenger 
Corporation, Office of Inspector General, `Salaries and 
expenses' that provides funds for an independent, objective 
unit responsible for detecting and preventing fraud, waste, 
abuse, and violations of law; promotes economy, efficiency and 
effectiveness at Amtrak; allows the IG to enter into contracts; 
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 and in a similar 
format.
    Language is included under National Transportation Safety 
Board, `Salaries and expenses' that provides funds for hire of 
passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, services authorized by 5 
U.S.C. 3109, uniforms or allowances therefore, limits funds for 
official reception and representation expenses and allows funds 
to be used to pay for costs associated with a capital lease.
    Language is included in the Neighborhood Reinvestment 
Corporation (NRC), `Payment to the neighborhood reinvestment 
corporation' that specifies the allocation of funds.
    Language is included under Surface Transportation Board, 
`Salaries and expenses' that provides funds, allows the 
collection of a specified level of fees established by the 
Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, and provides that 
the sum appropriated from the general fund shall be reduced on 
a dollar-for-dollar basis as such fees are received.
    Language is included under the United States Interagency 
Council on Homelessness, `Operating expenses' that provides 
funds to carry out functions pursuant to title II of the 
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

                 TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS, THIS ACT

    Section 401 prohibits the use of funds for the planning or 
execution of any program to 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 in order to 
establish the baseline for the application of reprogramming and 
transfer authorities.
    Section 406 provides that not to exceed fifty percent of 
unobligated balances for salaries and expenses may remain 
available until September 30, 2020, 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 to permanently 
replace an employee intent on returning to his or her past 
occupation following completion of military service.
    Section 410 prohibits funds from being used by an entity 
unless the expenditure is in compliance with the Buy American 
Act.
    Section 411 prohibits funds from being made available to 
any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the 
Buy American Act.
    Section 412 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 413 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 414 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
may send to international conference unless such attendance is 
important to the national interest.
    Section 415 caps the amount of fees the Surface 
Transportation Board can charge or collect for rate or practice 
complaints filed at the amount authorized for district court 
civil suit filing fees.
    Section 416 Prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
    Section 417 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 418 establishes a spending reduction account.

                  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 (dollars in 
thousands):

                        APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW AND EXPIRING AUTHORIZATIONS
                                             [Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Appropriations
                                                   Last year of    Authorization   in last year   Appropriations
                    Program                       authorization        Level            of          in this bill
                                                                                   authorization
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Title I--Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary:
    National Infrastructure Investments........             n/a   not applicable  not applicable        $750,000
    Payments to Air Carriers\1\................            2018          150,000         155,000         175,000
Federal Aviation Administration:\1\
    Operations.................................            2018       10,025,852      10,211,754      10,410,758
    Facilities and Equipment...................            2018        2,855,000       3,250,000       3,250,000
    Research, Engineering, and Development.....            2018          176,500         188,926         180,000
    Grant-in-Aid for Airports..................            2018        3,350,000       3,350,000       3,350,000
Federal Railroad Administration:
    Safety and Operations......................            2013          293,000         169,254         221,698
Maritime Administration:
    Operations and Training\2\.................            2018          224,146         208,570         505,228
    Ship Disposal\2\...........................            2018            9,000         116,000           5,000
    Maritime Security Program\2\...............            2018          300,000         300,000         300,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\The Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2018 extends FAA authorities through September 30, .
\2\Reflects authorized amounts associated with maintaining national security aspects of the merchant marine per
  Pub. L. 115-91.
 

                              Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development
 
Management and Administration..................            1994       $1,029,496        $916,963      $1,340,671
Rental Assistance:
    Section 8 Voucher Renewals and                         1994        8,446,173       5,458,106      22,471,613
     Administrative Expenses...................
    Public Housing Capital Fund................            2003        3,000,000       2,712,555       2,750,000
    Public Housing Operating Fund..............            2003        2,900,000       3,576,600       4,550,000
    Native American Housing Block Grants.......            2013     Such sums as         616,001         755,000
                                                                       necessary
    Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund.........            2012     Such sums as           6,000           1,440
                                                                       necessary
    Housing Opportunity for Persons with Aids..            1994          156,300         156,000         393,000
    Community Development Fund.................            1994        4,168,000       4,877,389       3,365,000
    Community Development Loan Guarantee                   1994   not applicable  not applicable       [300,000]
     Limitation................................
    Home Investment Partnerships Program.......            1994        2,173,612       1,275,000       1,200,000
    Choice Neighborhoods Initiatives...........             n/a   not applicable  not applicable         150,000
    Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program            2001     Such sums as          48,000          50,000
                                                                       necessary
    Homeless Assistance........................            2011     Such sums as       1,901,190       2,571,000
                                                                       necessary
    Housing for the Elderly....................            2003     Such sums as         783,286         678,000
                                                                       necessary
    Housing for Persons with Disabilities......            2015          300,000         135,000         154,000
FHA General and Special Risk Program Account:
    Limitations on Guaranteed Loans............            1995     Such sums as    [20,885,072]    [30,000,000]
                                                                       necessary
    Limitation on Direct Loans.................            1995     Such sums as       [220,000]         [1,000]
                                                                       necessary
GNMA Mortgage Backed Securities Loan Guarantee
 Program Account:
    Limitations on Guaranteed Loans............            1996    [110,000,000]   [110,000,000]   [550,000,000]
    Administrative Expenses....................            1996     Such sums as           9,101          24,400
                                                                       necessary
    Policy Development and Research............            1994           36,470          35,000          89,000
    Fair Housing Activities, Fair Housing                  1994           26,000          20,481          65,300
     Program...................................
    Lead Hazard Reduction Program..............            1994          250,000         150,000         230,000
 

                                           Title III--Related Agencies
 
National Transportation Safety Board...........            2008           92,625          84,499         110,400
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation..........            1994           30,714          31,715         140,000
Federal Maritime Commission....................            2017           24,700          27,490          27,490
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          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.

                          DIRECTED RULE MAKING

    The bill does not direct any rule making.

                 COMPARISON WITH THE 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 allocations under section 302(b) of the Budget 
Act:

 BUDGETARY IMPACT OF FY2019 TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
 BILL PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344,
                                                   AS AMENDED
                                            [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 and Housing and Urban
 Development and Related Agencies:
    Mandatory...................................               0               0            0\1\               0
    Discretionary...............................          71,800         135,000          71,800         132,364
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

                      FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

    Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(B) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains five-year 
projections prepared by the Congressional Budget Office of 
outlays associated with the budget authority provided in the 
accompanying bill:

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projection of outlays associated with the
 recommendation:
    2019.............................................          \2\45,621
    2020.............................................             43,901
    2021.............................................             17,938
    2022.............................................              8,608
    2023 and future years............................             13,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

               ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    Pursuant to section 308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional 
Budget Act of 1974, the amounts of financial assistance to 
State and local governments is as follows:

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Budget
                                             Authority        Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and local           38,346       \2\33,735
 governments for 2019...................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

                             MINORITY VIEWS

    We want to begin by once again thanking subcommittee 
Chairman Diaz-Balart for his efforts to accommodate the 
requests of Democratic members. The Chairman has been 
accessible and receptive to member priorities on both sides of 
the aisle, and understands the infrastructure needs of the 
country. The funding in the bill is appropriate, though 
Democrats would have made some realignments to prioritize 
additional housing and transit resources in the bill. However, 
we cannot consider this bill in a vacuum, and we vehemently 
disagree with the overall funding levels presented by the 
majority. Until Republicans and Democrats work in a bipartisan 
manner to more evenly distribute funding across all twelve 
appropriations bills, it will be difficult to pass these bills 
into law. We will not accept the premise that we must underfund 
the education, healthcare, and job training programs in this 
country, as well as critical environmental protections, to deal 
with our infrastructure needs. Equally problematic is the 
inclusion of controversial policy provisions, commonly known as 
``riders,'' in the bill that assuredly decrease the likelihood 
of enactment.
    This year's allocation is $71.8 billion for critical 
transportation, housing, and community development programs at 
the Departments of Transportation (DOT), Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD), and related agencies, a $1.5 billion 
increase over last year's enacted level. It allows us to build 
on many of the success of the recently enacted 2018 omnibus, 
which represented an important down payment to address our 
nation's pressing infrastructure and housing needs.
    The bill justly ignores the President's budget and funds 
transit and rail programs that the President's budget proposed 
to eliminate. Democrats sought to provide a more balanced 
approach to transportation funding in the bill by moving excess 
highway funding to rail and transit, but that amendment failed. 
The bill preserves the popular TIGER (BUILD) grant program and 
ensures an appropriate balance between rural and urban 
projects. The bill also would provide additional budget 
authority for aviation, transit, and highway projects above the 
FAST Act authorized levels.
    On the housing side of the ledger, funding is less robust 
but largely locks in the increases that were included in the 
2018 omnibus. However, we must note that level funding does not 
equate sufficient funding.
    We are pleased that the bill included funding for several 
special voucher categories, including:
           $40 million for additional HUD-VASH vouchers 
        for veterans,
           $390 million for Section 811 ``mainstream'' 
        vouchers for the disabled, and
           $50 million to fund a new mobility 
        demonstration project to assist low-income families in 
        finding housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods.
    While numerous programs are well-funded, it is unfortunate 
that several were reduced. We remain concerned that the renewal 
numbers in the bill are not sufficient to renew all vouchers, 
especially in light of the thousands of new vouchers funded in 
the FY 2018 omnibus.
    The Public Housing Capital Fund and Community Development 
Block Grants are flat funded at $2.75 billion and $3.3 billion, 
respectively. Advocates for public housing recommend that the 
Capital Fund be increased to $5 billion. While this would still 
be far from adequate to address the $26 billion maintenance 
backlog in our public housing, it would build on the progress 
we made last year.
    The bill's slashing of the funding for the HOME Investment 
Partnerships program, which is so often utilized as key ``gap 
funding'' in new affordable housing developments, is also 
troubling. It receives $1.2 billion, a 12 percent cut from last 
year's enacted level. With this bill's increased allocation, 
this cut is inexcusable and demonstrates Republicans' raw deal 
for the American people.
    Additionally, important housing grant programs like Section 
202 for the Elderly and Section 811 for the Disabled receive 
enough funding to continue existing renewals and contracts, but 
not enough to construct new units. This is inexplicable. There 
is an acute need for additional units for both our elderly and 
disabled populations, and these programs have proven their 
worth in addressing this need. Developing sufficient units to 
meet the need will require sustained effort over multiple years 
so delaying construction makes no sense. In fact, the 
bipartisan budget caps deal leaves room for that growth. 
Unfortunately, Republicans continue to demonstrate their skewed 
priorities in the funding levels for these housing programs. 
These programs literally put roofs over the heads of our most 
vulnerable citizens. This bill misses an opportunity to start 
making real progress to help those in need.
    To address these critical housing issues, Ranking Member 
Price offered an amendment that would fully fund all Tenant-
based and project-based Section 8 units and restore cuts to the 
Housing for the Elderly, Housing for the Disabled, and the HOME 
program. Also, Rep. Lee offered an amendment to restore the 
HOME program to the FY 2018 level. Both were rejected on party-
line votes.
    For the first time since FY 1986, the bill does not include 
a cap on political appointees at the Department of 
Transportation. We highly doubt that the addition of more 
political appointees at the Department will improve the 
administration of transportation programs or allow them to 
better comply with Congressional intent. Rep. Aguilar offered 
an amendment to restore this longstanding provision to the 
bill. It was defeated on a party-line vote.
    Finally, we strongly oppose several controversial policy 
riders that attack high speed rail, harm labor rights, and roll 
back transportation safety for the traveling public. Democrats 
offered an amendment to strike these objectionable provisions, 
which Republicans did not support, despite the fact that these 
riders are so poisonous they have been repeatedly stripped from 
previous bills. The majority's support for provisions that make 
our roads less safe and block critical infrastructure is 
dumbfounding. These provisions once again prioritize corporate 
profit over saving lives.
    In conclusion, we must reiterate our concerns about the 
shortcomings in this bill that were unnecessary, given its 
allocation level as well as the overall appropriations process 
this year. Our bill's robust allocation is largely the result 
of successful bipartisan budget negotiations that concluded 
earlier this year, but this collaborative approach has not been 
continued in determining allocations for fiscal year 2019. We 
enjoy a close working relationship Chairman Diaz-Balart, a 
situation replicated on most subcommittees. But that 
relationship contrasts considerably with the partisan exclusion 
we've seen at the full committee level and the continued 
inclusion of policy provisions that we know will make enactment 
of this bill more difficult.
    This year, like every year, Democratic votes will be needed 
to enact appropriations legislation. We would do better to 
start functioning in a bipartisan manner sooner rather than 
later.

                                   Nita M. Lowey.
                                   David E. Price.

                                      [all]
```