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[Senate Report 115-268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                      Calendar No. 445
115th Congress     }                                    {       Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session        }                                    {      115-268

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

 
TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                       APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2019
                                _______
                                

                  June 7, 2018.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

   Ms. Collins, from the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the 
                               following

                                 REPORT

                         [To accompany S. 3023]

    The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 3023) 
making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, 
and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, 
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.

 
Amounts of new budget (obligational) authority for fiscal year 2019

Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $71,417,000,000
Amount of 2018 appropriations........................... 100,128,589,000
Amount of 2019 budget estimate..........................  47,995,897,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
     2018 appropriations................................ -28,711,589,000
    2019 budget estimate................................ +23,421,103,000

                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Overview and Summary of the Bill.................................     3
Program, Project, and Activity...................................     3
Reprogramming Guidelines.........................................     4
Congressional Budget Justifications..............................     5
Guidance Documents...............................................     5
Transparency Requirement.........................................     6
Federally Funded Research........................................     6
Title I: Department of Transportation:
    Office of the Secretary......................................     8
    Federal Aviation Administration..............................    22
    Federal Highway Administration...............................    43
    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration..................    50
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...............    54
    Federal Railroad Administration..............................    59
    Federal Transit Administration...............................    68
    Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation................    76
    Maritime Administration......................................    77
    Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.......    82
    Office of Inspector General..................................    85
    General Provisions--Department of Transportation.............    86
Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development:
    Management and Administration................................    88
    Administrative Support Offices...............................    89
    Program Offices Salaries and Expenses........................    91
    Public and Indian Housing....................................    96
    Community Planning and Development...........................   108
    Housing Programs.............................................   118
    Federal Housing Administration...............................   125
    Government National Mortgage Association.....................   127
    Policy Development and Research..............................   127
    Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity...........................   129
    Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes..............   129
    Information Technology Fund..................................   132
    Office of Inspector General..................................   134
    General Provisions--Department of Housing and Urban 
      Development................................................   135
Title III: Independent Agencies:
    Access Board.................................................   138
    Federal Maritime Commission..................................   139
    National Railroad Passenger Corporation: Office of Inspector 
      General....................................................   139
    National Transportation Safety Board.........................   140
    Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation........................   141
    Surface Transportation Board.................................   142
    United States Interagency Council on Homelessness............   143
Title IV: General Provisions--This Act...........................   146
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI, of the Standing Rules of 
  the 
  Senate.........................................................   148
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI, of the Standing Rules 
  of the Senate..................................................   149
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the Senate.....................................................   150
Budgetary Impact of Bill.........................................   151
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................   152

                    OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL

    The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and 
Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding for a 
wide array of Federal programs, mostly in the Departments of 
Transportation [DOT] and Housing and Urban Development [HUD]. 
The programs and activities supported by this bill include 
significant responsibilities entrusted to the Federal 
Government and its partners to protect human health and safety, 
support a vibrant economy, and achieve policy objectives 
strongly supported by the American people. These programs 
include investments in road, transit, rail, maritime, pipeline, 
aviation and airport infrastructure; the operation of the 
Nation's air traffic control system; resources to support 
community and economic development activities; and housing 
assistance for those in need, including the homeless, elderly, 
and disabled. The bill also provides funding for the Federal 
Housing Administration and the Government National Mortgage 
Association to continue their traditional roles of providing 
access to affordable homeownership in the United States.
    This bill makes possible the operation of the interstate 
highway system, as well as the world's safest, most complex air 
transportation system. This bill also includes funding for 
competitive grants to communities to support transformative 
transportation infrastructure projects of national or regional 
importance. It ensures safe and sanitary housing for nearly 5 
million low and extremely low-income families and individuals, 
over half of whom are elderly and/or disabled. It provides 
funding that is leading to the gradual elimination of 
homelessness among veterans, youth, victims of domestic 
violence, individuals and families.
    The bill, as reported, provides the proper balance of 
transportation, housing, and community development programs and 
activities. It is consistent with the subcommittee's allocation 
for fiscal year 2019. All accounts in the bill have been 
closely examined to ensure that a sufficient level of funding 
is provided to carry out the programs and activities of DOT, 
HUD, and related agencies. Details on each of the accounts and 
the Committee's justifications for the funding levels are 
included in the report.

                     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), 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.

                        REPROGRAMMING GUIDELINES

    The Committee includes a provision (section 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 advanced 
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;
  --proposes to redirect 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 should provide a table for each appropriation with 
columns displaying the prior year enacted level; budget 
request; adjustments made by Congress; adjustments for 
rescissions, if appropriate; and the fiscal year enacted level. 
The table shall delineate the appropriation and prior year 
enacted level both by object class and by PPA, as well as 
identify balances available for use under section 406 of the 
bill. The report must also identify items of special 
congressional interest.
    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 the proposed changes will have on the budget 
request for the following fiscal year. Except in emergency 
situations, reprogramming requests should be submitted no later 
than June 30.
    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. 
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 the Department of Transportation's Working Capital 
Fund, and that no funds may be obligated from such funds 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 6 specifically states 
that the ``agency should consult with your congressional 
committees beforehand to ensure their awareness of your plans 
to modify the format of agency budget documents.'' 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.
    While the Committee values the inclusion of performance 
data and presentations, it is important to ensure vital budget 
information that the Committee needs is not lost. Therefore, 
the Committee directs 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 the 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, and 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 level.
    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.
    The Committee directs each agency to include within its 
budget justification a report on all efforts made to address 
the duplication identified by the annual GAO reports along with 
legal barriers preventing the agency's ability to further 
reduce duplication and legislative recommendations, if 
applicable.

                           GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

    The Committee remains concerned about the use of guidance 
documents, or interpretive rules, to impose new requirements on 
regulated entities even though such documents are not legally 
binding. The Supreme Court has recognized there can be a fine 
line between what should be issued as a regulation for purposes 
of notice and comment rulemaking under the Administrative 
Procedure Act and what can be issued as guidance. The Supreme 
Court has also recognized that Federal agencies may sometimes 
issue guidance to circumvent the notice and comment rulemaking 
process. Legal scholars and multiple members of Congress have 
also expressed concern about the use of guidance to avoid 
rulemaking. Finally, the GAO found that if an agency 
periodically reviews its guidance it can significantly reduce 
unnecessary guidance. For example, after a sub-agency in the 
Department of Labor reviewed its guidance to determine if it 
was relevant and current, the sub-agency was able to reduce its 
guidance by 85 percent. GAO also found that the dissemination 
of guidance to the public can be improved.
    The Committee recommends the Departments of Transportation 
and Housing and Urban Development clearly label in a plain, and 
prominent, manner that the agency's guidance documents are not 
legally binding and may not be relied upon by the agency as 
grounds for agency action. The Committee also recommends a 
thorough explanation on an agency's guidance document about why 
the agency believes it is appropriate to issue guidance about a 
matter instead of proposing a regulation and what specific 
statutory provisions or regulation(s) the guidance is 
interpreting. The Committee further recommends this guidance be 
updated every 2 years, with input solicited from the public, to 
determine if it is duplicative, outdated, ineffective, 
insufficient, or excessively burdensome and needs to be 
modified, streamlined, or repealed. All guidance documents 
should be in one place on agency websites as well as on the 
relevant sub-agency web page. This guidance should be easily 
accessible for the public to comment on and should be sent to 
the Office of Management and Budget to determine if it is 
significant.

                        TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENT

    The Committee is aware that agencies funded in this act use 
resources for advertising purposes. The Committee directs the 
agencies in this act to state within the text, audio, or video 
used for new advertising purposes, including advertising/
posting on the Internet, that the advertisements are printed, 
published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer 
expense. The agencies may exempt any such advertisements from 
this requirement if it creates an ad- verse impact on safety or 
impedes the ability of these agencies to carry out their 
statutory authority.

                       FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

    The Committee urges the Department of Transportation and 
the Department of Housing and Urban Development to 
affirmatively determine, justified in writing made available on 
a publically accessible website, that research grants or 
agreements promote the progress of science in the United States 
or will advance a national security or economic interest.

                                TITLE I

                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    Infrastructure.--The President's budget request once again 
includes $200,000,000,000 in direct Federal funding to leverage 
$1,500,000,000,000 in investment for our Nation's 
infrastructure, but the administration has publically 
acknowledged that its proposal is unlikely to be enacted this 
year. The Committee fully supports the goal to improve our 
Nation's infrastructure, but remains concerned with the 
administration's policy objective to increase the financial 
burden on State and local governments by raising their own 
revenue as a means of meeting the goal.
    The Committee reiterates its support for Federal investment 
in infrastructure to facilitate the safe and efficient movement 
of freight and people across the Nation. The Committee 
recommendation continues increased funding levels provided in 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 for highway, airport, 
transit, rail, maritime, and housing infrastructure, consistent 
with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. However, the 2-year 
budget agreement does not provide the long-term funding 
structure necessary to maintain and improve our Nation's 
transportation infrastructure. Therefore, the Committee 
reiterates that increased funding levels from the general fund 
for airport, highway, and transit programs that have 
historically been funded from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund 
and the Highway Trust Fund are provided to supplement, not to 
supplant, traditional funding for these programs. The Committee 
expects the Administration to work with relevant authorizing 
committees to provide long-term sustainable funding for 
infrastructure before the FAST Act expires at the end of fiscal 
year 2020 to ensure a reauthorization bill is enacted on time.
    Unfortunately, the administration's budget request simply 
ignores the Highway Trust Fund and reflects a reduction of 
$122,000,000,000 in highway and transit programs over the 10-
year budget window. The budget request offers no solutions to 
sustaining the Highway Trust Fund and simply ignores the impact 
of less investment on our transportation network. Therefore, 
the Committee directs the Department to submit to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations a report on the impact of 
the administration's fiscal year 2019 budget request on State 
DOTs, transit agencies, and other entities that currently 
receive funding from the Highway Trust Fund within 120 days of 
enactment of this act. The Department is further directed to 
include a future investment scenario in its next Conditions and 
Performance report, as required by 23 U.S.C. 503(b)(8) and 49 
U.S.C. 308(e), that also reflects funding levels consistent 
with the administration's fiscal year 2019 budget request.

                        Office of the Secretary

    Section 3 of the Department of Transportation Act of 
October 15, 1966 (Public Law 89-670) provides for the 
establishment of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
[OST]. OST is comprised of the Secretary and the Deputy 
Secretary immediate and support offices; the Office of the 
General Counsel; the Office of the Under Secretary of 
Transportation for Policy, including the offices of the 
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs and 
the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy; four 
Assistant Secretarial offices for Budget and Programs, 
Governmental Affairs, Research and Technology, and 
Administration; and the Offices of Public Affairs, the 
Executive Secretariat, Intelligence, Security and Emergency 
Response, and the Chief Information Officer. OST also includes 
the Department's Office of Civil Rights and the Department's 
Working Capital Fund.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $112,813,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     113,842,000
Committee recommendation................................     113,535,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation finances the costs of policy development 
and central supervisory and coordinating functions necessary 
for the overall planning and direction of the Department. It 
covers the immediate secretarial offices as well as those of 
the assistant secretaries, and the general counsel.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $113,535,000 for 
salaries and expenses of OST, including $60,000 for reception 
and representation expenses. The recommendation is $307,000 
less than the budget request and $722,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. The accompanying bill stipulates that 
none of the funding provided may be used for the position of 
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
    The accompanying bill authorizes the Secretary to transfer 
up to 5 percent of the funds from any office within the Office 
of the Secretary to another. The Committee recommendation also 
continues language that permits up to $2,500,000 of fees to be 
credited to the Office of the Secretary for salaries and 
expenses.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendation in comparison to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and the budget request:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary...................................        $3,001,000  ................        $3,001,000
Office of the Deputy Secretary............................         1,040,000  ................         1,040,000
Office of the General Counsel.............................        20,555,000  ................        20,428,000
Office of the Under Secretary for Policy..................        10,331,000  ................        10,265,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.        14,019,000  ................        14,019,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs         2,546,000  ................         2,550,000
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration......        29,356,000  ................        29,244,000
Office of Public Affairs..................................         2,142,000  ................         2,142,000
Office of the Executive Secretariat.......................         1,760,000  ................         1,835,000
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response..        11,318,000  ................        12,325,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer...................        16,745,000  ................        16,686,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................       112,813,000       113,842,000       113,535,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Secretary of Transportation provides leadership and has 
the primary responsibility to provide overall planning, 
direction, and control of the Department.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,001,000 and 14 FTE for fiscal 
year 2019 for the Immediate Office of the Secretary. The 
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    The Committee is concerned with the increased number of 
programmatic decisions that have been elevated to the Office of 
the Secretary, leading to delays in funding and lack of 
cohesive policies between the Department and the modes. The 
Committee is particularly concerned with the slow pace of 
awarding and obligating funding from competitive discretionary 
programs appropriated in fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2018. 
The Committee directs the Department to abide by both the will 
and intent of Congress in all funding and policy decisions, and 
to consult with the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations prior to issuing all notices of funding 
opportunities.
    Mobile Wireless Devices.--On December 14, 2016, the 
Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Docket 
No. DOT-OST-2014-0002-2829) regarding the use of mobile 
wireless devices for voice calls on commercial aircraft. The 
approval of voice communication over mobile wireless devices 
during commercial airline flights would be problematic for many 
of the nearly 2 million Americans who fly each day and 
challenging for the airlines. The Committee is strongly 
concerned with the duration of this rulemaking process, which 
began more than 4 years ago, and directs the Department to 
complete its rulemaking expeditiously and put in place a clear 
rule that takes into account the full impact on consumers and 
the commercial aviation industry.
    Preclearance.--Improving the flow of passengers and traffic 
between the United States and Canada is essential to the 
economy of both nations. The Committee expects the FAA, FRA and 
Amtrak to comply with the U.S.-Canada Agreement on Land, Rail, 
Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance to facilitate air travel 
and passenger rail service between United States and Canadian 
cities. The Committee directs DOT agencies that have a role in 
implementing preclearance operations on the four specific sites 
announced by the United States and Canada on March 10, 2016, to 
facilitate their preclearance facilities development as 
expeditiously as possible. DOT will coordinate efforts between 
the FAA, FRA, and Amtrak. The Committee notes that it 
previously directed DOT to report on its progress on 
preclearance and awaits this report.

                IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Deputy Secretary has the primary responsibility of 
assisting the Secretary in the overall planning and direction 
of the Department.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,040,000 and 8 FTE for the 
Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary, which is equal to the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                     OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of the General Counsel provides legal services 
to the Office of the Secretary, including the conduct of 
aviation regulatory proceedings and aviation consumer 
activities, and coordinates and reviews the legal work in the 
chief counsels' offices of the operating administrations. The 
General Counsel is the chief legal officer of the Department 
and the final authority on all legal questions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $20,428,000 and 111 FTE for 
expenses of the Office of the General Counsel for fiscal year 
2019. The recommended funding level is $127,000 less than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Baggage Fees.--Implementation of consumer protection 
provisions in the FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act of 
2016 remain unaddressed by the Department despite congressional 
mandates and further directives by the Committee. Specifically, 
the Department was mandated to promulgate final regulations to 
require air carriers to refund fees for delayed baggage within 
1 year of the date of enactment of the authorization bill, 
which established an implementation deadline of July 16, 2017. 
To that end, an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [ANPRM] 
was issued on October 31, 2016 with comments due by November 
30, 2016. Since then, no further action has been taken by the 
Department. The failure to address this congressional mandate 
is unacceptable and allows air carriers to continue to take 
advantage of the traveling public with unreasonable fees on 
baggage. The Committee, again, directs the Secretary to take 
immediate action to implement this requirement.
    Family Seating.--The FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act 
of 2016 also required the Department to review and, if 
appropriate, establish policies no later than July 16, 2017, 
enabling children 13 years of age or under to be placed in a 
seat adjacent to an accompanying family member over the age of 
13 at no cost. The Department has stated that it has now 
completed its review and has deferred to current airline family 
seating policies. The Department has not, however, released a 
copy of this review or otherwise publicly addressed the fact 
that many airline policies still allow the separation of 
children from adults in a travel party unless additional seat 
selection fees are paid. The Committee, therefore, directs the 
Department to provide a report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on its review of family seating 
policies and a justification for its decision to defer to 
current airline seating policies within 60 days of enactment of 
this act.
    Consumer Protections.--The Committee also believes 
consumers should have clear and accurate pricing information 
when choosing among various air transportation options and air 
carriers. Currently, fees for additional services can be 
difficult to determine when searching for airfares, and, as a 
result, consumers may be unable to understand the true cost of 
travel when comparing prices. To that end, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2018 directed the Secretary to work in 
collaboration with industry, consumers and other stakeholders 
to establish guidelines that lead to air carriers, or any for 
profit seller of commercial air transportation, displaying full 
ticketing charges. Such ticketing charges should include seat 
price, baggage fees, and optional flight insurance costs. These 
ancillary charges should be clear to the consumer at the time 
of initial search and the anticipated total charges fully 
itemized and disclosed. The Committee emphasizes the importance 
of addressing this directive in a timely manner and looks 
forward to regular updates from the Department on its progress.

                OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLICY

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Under Secretary for Policy is the chief policy officer 
of the Department and is responsible for the analysis, 
development, and review of policies and plans for domestic and 
international transportation matters. The Office administers 
the economic regulatory functions regarding the airline 
industry and is responsible for international aviation 
programs, the essential air service program, airline fitness 
licensing, acquisitions, international route awards, 
computerized reservation systems, and special investigations, 
such as airline delays.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $10,265,000 and 62 FTE for the 
Office of the Under Secretary for Policy. The recommended 
funding level is $66,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level.
    Agreements.--For more than 25 years, U.S. Open Skies 
agreements have significantly benefited consumers, communities 
and the U.S. economy and allowed America's passenger airlines 
to achieve profitability on which America's all-cargo airlines 
have established a world-leading position in the global market 
for express delivery services. In 2015, the Department began an 
interagency process to solicit public comments and evaluate 
whether alleged foreign government subsidies received by some 
international carriers violate respective Open Skies 
agreements. Recognizing that in fiscal year 2018 the United 
States reached understandings with certain countries, which 
preserved Open Skies agreements and ensured appropriate 
transparency, accountability, and enforcement of Open Skies 
agreements, the Committee directs the Department to provide 
updates to the Committee of any significant developments, or 
actions by foreign parties that are inconsistent with the 
agreements.
    Smart Cities.--The Committee urges the Department to 
incentivize both urban and rural communities to use advanced 
data and intelligent transportation systems technologies to 
improve their transportation network. Such technologies can be 
used to reduce congestion, improve safety, provide access to 
jobs, and improve connectivity. The Committee encourages the 
Department to use existing competitive grant programs to 
incentivize the ``smart cities'' concept through partnerships 
that provide for the incorporation of innovative and 
technological solutions in addressing local transportation 
challenges.

       OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR BUDGET AND PROGRAMS

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs serves as 
the Chief Financial Officer for the Department and provides 
leadership on all financial management matters. The primary 
responsibilities of this office include ensuring the 
development and justification of the Department's annual budget 
submissions for consideration by the Office of Management and 
Budget and the Congress. The Office is also responsible for the 
proper execution and accountability of these resources. In 
addition, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for the 
Office of the Secretary is located within the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $14,019,000 and 56 FTE for the 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs. The 
recommended level is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level.

       OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs advises 
the Secretary on all congressional and intergovernmental 
activities and on all departmental legislative initiatives and 
other relationships with Members of Congress. The Assistant 
Secretary promotes effective communication with other Federal 
agencies and regional Department officials, and with State and 
local governments and national organizations for development of 
departmental programs; and ensures that consumer preferences, 
awareness, and needs are brought into the decision-making 
process.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $2,550,000 and 17 FTE 
for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental 
Affairs. The recommended level is $4,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.

          OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Assistant Secretary for Administration is responsible 
for establishing policies and procedures, setting guidelines, 
working with the operating administrations to improve the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the Department in human 
resource management, security and administrative management, 
real and personal property management, and acquisition and 
grants management.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $29,244,000 and 51 FTE for the 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. The 
recommended funding level is $112,000 less than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level.

                        OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Director of Public Affairs is the principal advisor to 
the Secretary and other senior departmental officials on public 
affairs questions. The Office is responsible for managing the 
Secretary's presence in the media, writing speeches and press 
releases, and preparing the Secretary for public appearances. 
The Office arranges media events and news conferences, and 
responds to media inquiries on the Department's programs and 
other transportation-related issues. It also provides 
information to the Secretary on the opinions and reactions of 
the public and news media on these programs and issues.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,142,000 and 15 FTE for the 
Office of Public Affairs, which is equal to the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level.

                         EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Executive Secretariat assists the Secretary and the 
Deputy Secretary in carrying out their management functions and 
responsibilities by controlling and coordinating internal and 
external written materials.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $1,835,000 and 15 FTE for the 
Executive Secretariat. The recommendation is $75,000 more than 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

        OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE, SECURITY, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency 
Response ensures the development, coordination, and execution 
of plans and procedures for the Department to balance 
transportation security requirements with the safety, mobility, 
and economic needs of the Nation. The Office keeps the 
Secretary and her advisors apprised of current developments and 
long-range trends in international issues, including terrorism, 
aviation, trade, transportation markets, and trade agreements. 
The Office also advises the Department's leaders on policy 
issues related to intelligence, threat information sharing, 
national security strategies and national preparedness and 
response planning.
    To ensure the Department is able to respond to disasters, 
the Office prepares for and coordinates the Department's 
participation in national and regional exercises and training 
for emergency personnel. The Office also administers the 
Department's Continuity of Government and Continuity of 
Operations programs and initiatives. Additionally, the Office 
provides direct emergency response and recovery support through 
the National Response Framework and operates the Department's 
Crisis Management Center. The center monitors the Nation's 
transportation system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is the 
Department's focal point during emergencies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $12,325,000 and 58 FTE for the 
Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response. The 
recommendation is $1,007,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.

                OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of the Chief Information Officer serves as the 
principal advisor to the Secretary on matters involving 
information technology, cybersecurity, privacy, and records 
management.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $16,686,000 and 50 FTE for the 
Office of the Chief Information Officer, which is $59,000 less 
than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $23,465,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       6,971,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,471,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and 
Technology has taken over the responsibilities previously held 
by the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. The 
responsibilities include coordinating, facilitating, and 
reviewing the Department's research and development programs 
and activities; 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 recommends an appropriation of $8,471,000 for 
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and 
Technology, of which $2,218,000 shall be available through 
September 30, 2021. This amount is $1,500,000 more than the 
budget request and $14,994,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    University Transportation Centers [UTCs].--The Committee 
continues to support UTCs, which are funded through the Federal 
Highway Administration. Under the Committee recommendation, 
UTCs will continue to receive the levels authorized under the 
FAST Act. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 included 
$15,000,000 in general fund appropriations to fully fund two 
new UTCs for a 3-year period; therefore, the Committee 
recommendation does not include any additional funding for 
these new UTCs.
    Autonomous Vehicle Research in Rural Areas.--The Committee 
believes that autonomous vehicles have the potential to enhance 
roadway safety and increase mobility options for all Americans, 
but have additional challenges to overcome in order to bring 
these benefits to rural Americans. Of the funds provided for 
the UTCs, no less than $3,000,000 is for rural autonomous 
vehicle and connected vehicle research to be conducted by 
existing UTCs. Further, research should take into account 
variations in rural infrastructure: such as unmapped, gravel, 
and snow-covered roads; wildlife encounters; and other 
situations unique to rural roads.
    Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR].--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of the SBIR program and its previous 
success in commercialization from federally funded research and 
development projects. The SBIR program encourages domestic 
small business to engage in Federal research and development 
and creates jobs in the smallest firms. The Committee directs 
the Department to place an increased focus on awarding SBIR 
awards to firms with fewer than 50 people.
    Increasing Public Access to Federally Funded Research.--The 
Committee commends the Department on issuing its Plan to 
Increase Public Access to the Results of Federally Funded 
Scientific Research Results on December 16, 2015. The Committee 
urges the Department to continue its efforts towards full 
implementation of the plan, and expects an update on progress 
to be included in its fiscal year 2020 budget request.
    Transportation Data Hub.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $1,500,000 to establish a surface transportation and 
maritime analytics partnership hub at an eligible institution 
of higher education that focuses on making available large-
scale data and visualization tools related to transportation on 
infrastructure, systems, and networks accessible to humans and 
machines through the Internet of things [IoT], in order to 
enable improved resilience, planning, investment and 
operational decisions.

                  NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $1,500,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................   1,000,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This program provides grants and credit assistance to State 
and local governments, transit agencies, or a collaboration of 
such entities for capital investments in surface transportation 
infrastructure that will have a significant impact on the 
Nation, a metropolitan area or a region. Eligible projects 
include highways and bridges, public transportation, freight 
and passenger rail, and port infrastructure. The Department 
awards grants on a competitive basis; however, the Department 
must ensure an equitable geographic distribution of funds and 
an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of urban and 
rural communities and within the timeframes outlined in the 
bill.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $1,000,000,000 for 
grants and credit assistance for investment in significant 
transportation projects, which is $500,000,000 less than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Of the total amount provided, 
$15,000,000 is available for planning grants.
    The National Infrastructure Investments program has become 
integral to the economic success of communities throughout the 
country for 10 years. The Committee is concerned with the 
Department's use of this flexible and popular program to insert 
controversial policies from the administration's infrastructure 
proposal, which the administration has acknowledged will not be 
enacted this year. These policies have not been agreed to or 
voted on by Congress, and there is clear bipartisan opposition 
to some of them.
    In fiscal year 2018, the Committee explicitly prohibited 
the Department from using Federal share as a selection criteria 
in awarding projects and the Committee continues that 
prohibition. Despite this prohibition, the Department chose to 
use an applicant's ability to generate non-Federal revenue as 
selection criteria in the most recent notice of funding 
opportunity [NOFO], in defiance of the intent of Congress. 
Favoring applicants that have recently generated non-Federal 
revenue is detrimental to areas that have high State and local 
gas tax levels. The NOFO also fails to recognize that 
transportation agencies that apply for funding under this NOFO 
are not able to raise revenue without enactment of a law by an 
independent legislative body. Holding transportation agencies 
responsible for raising revenue is unrealistic and detrimental 
to this grant program. The Committee recommendation prohibits 
the Department from using these criteria and directs the 
Department to use selection criteria from the fiscal year 2016 
NOFO.
    Geographic Distribution.--The Committee continues to 
believe that our Federal infrastructure programs must benefit 
communities across the country. 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 an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of 
urban and rural communities.

     NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE BUREAU

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $3,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       2,987,000
Committee Recommendation................................       2,987,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance 
Bureau [Bureau] will administer and coordinate or consolidate 
aspects of the Department's existing surface transportation 
innovative finance programs as authorized in section 9001 of 
the FAST Act, contingent upon advance approval by the 
Committee.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,987,000 to establish and 
fulfill the duties of the Bureau, as authorized in section 9001 
of the FAST Act, which is equal to the budget request and 
$13,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 
Committee directs the Bureau to report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations on streamlining the application 
approval processes as required under 49 U.S.C. 116(d)(5) within 
60 days of enactment of this act.
    Financing for Transportation Oriented Development [TOD].--
The Committee recognizes the potential of TOD to facilitate 
economic development, the construction of affordable housing, 
and more livable and healthier communities within walking 
distance of, or accessible to, public transit. Unfortunately, 
the Department has administered programs where TOD is an 
eligible activity with an impracticable, narrow definition of 
TOD that leads to near universal rejection of applications for 
Federal assistance. The Committee directs the Secretary to 
encourage the use of the Department's financing programs for 
TOD, where eligible, by issuing clear guidance and working with 
applicants to ensure projects meet the congressional intent of 
eligibility.
    Financing Long-Term Capital Investment Projects at 
Airports.--The Committee is interested in innovative financing 
instruments that could accelerate funding for major capital 
projects at airports, including modernization of landside 
terminal facilities and connecting surface transportation 
projects and airside capital investments that add capacity to 
our increasingly congested airports. Innovative financing tools 
like Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act 
[TIFIA] are already used for many surface transportation 
projects that facilitate access to and from airports, but the 
Committee is aware of the Administration's proposal to increase 
the eligibility of TIFIA financing for a wider range of airport 
capital projects. The Committee directs the Secretary to 
evaluate the benefits of increasing TIFIA eligibility to 
airports, its potential benefits to airports of all sizes and 
to identify regulatory, statutory, or other challenges to 
broadening this financing tool to airports. The Committee 
directs the FAA to evaluate the options for financing these 
types of 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.

                      FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CAPITAL

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $6,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Financial Management Capital program is a multi-year 
business transformation initiative to streamline and 
standardize the financial systems and business processes across 
the Department. The initiative includes upgrading and enhancing 
the commercial software used for DOT's financial systems, 
improving the cost and performance data provided to managers, 
and instituting new accounting standards and mandates.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee is recommending $2,000,000 to complete the 
Secretary's Financial Management Capital initiative, which is 
equal to the budget request and $4,000,000 less than fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. Funds provided in fiscal year 2018 
were sufficient to meet the Department's Data Act compliance 
requirements for a 2 year period, therefor no additional funds 
are provided for this activity in fiscal year 2019.

                       CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVE

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      15,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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 includes $15,000,000 to 
support the Secretary's Cyber Security Initiative, which is 
$5,000,000 more than the budget request and equal to the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.

                         OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $9,500,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       9,470,000
Committee recommendation................................       9,470,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Civil Rights is responsible for advising the 
Secretary on civil rights and equal employment opportunity 
matters, formulating civil rights policies and procedures for 
the operating administrations, investigating claims that small 
businesses were denied certification or improperly certified as 
disadvantaged business enterprises, overseeing the Department's 
conduct of its civil rights responsibilities, and making final 
determinations on civil rights complaints. In addition, the 
Civil Rights Office is responsible for enforcing laws and 
regulations which prohibit discrimination in federally operated 
and federally assisted transportation programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a funding level of $9,470,000 for 
the Office of Civil Rights. The recommendation is equal to the 
budget request and $30,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.

           TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $14,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       7,879,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,879,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of the Secretary performs those research 
activities and studies which can more effectively or 
appropriately be conducted at the departmental level. This 
research effort supports the planning, research, and 
development activities needed to assist the Secretary in the 
formulation of national transportation policies. The program is 
carried out primarily through contracts with other Federal 
agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit research 
organizations, and private firms.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $7,897,000 for Transportation 
Planning, Research, and Development, which is equal to the 
budget request and $6,121,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level. The Committee directs the Secretary to dedicate 
$1,000,000 to support the Interagency Infrastructure Permitting 
Improvement Center.
    The Committee directs the Secretary to provide a spend plan 
and report detailing how the $5,500,000 provided in fiscal year 
2018 for safety data and automated vehicle safety data 
initiatives will improve our Nation's safety.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

Limitation, 2018........................................    $202,245,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     203,883,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Working Capital Fund provides technical and 
administrative services to the Department's operating 
administrations and other Federal entities. The services are 
centrally performed in the interest of economy and efficiency, 
are funded through negotiated agreements with Department 
operating administrations and other Federal customers, and are 
billed on a fee-for-service basis to the maximum extent 
possible.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $203,883,000 on 
activities financed through the Working Capital Fund. The 
recommended limit is $1,638,000 more than the limit enacted for 
fiscal year 2018.
    As in past years, the bill specifies that the limitation on 
the Working Capital Fund shall apply only to the Department and 
not to services provided for other entities. The Committee 
directs services to be provided on a competitive basis to the 
maximum extent possible.
    The Committee notes that the ``transparency paper'' 
included in the justifications for fiscal year 2019 provides 
essential information on total budgetary resources for the 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the 
Office of the Chief Information Officer, including the balance 
of resources provided through the Working Capital Fund and 
direct appropriations. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Department to update this ``transparency paper'' and include it 
in the budget justifications for fiscal year 2020.

               MINORITY BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2018....................................        $500,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................         249,000
Committee recommendation................................         249,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Minority Business Resource Center of the Office of 
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Outreach 
provides assistance in obtaining short-term working capital for 
disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. The 
program enables qualified businesses to obtain loans at prime 
interest rates for transportation-related projects.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $249,000 for 
the Minority Business Resource Center. This funding level is 
equal to the budget request and $251,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.

  OFFICE OF SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION AND OUTREACH

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $4,646,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       3,488,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,488,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides contractual support to assist 
small, women-owned, Native American, and other disadvantaged 
business firms in securing contracts and subcontracts for 
transportation-related projects that involve Federal spending. 
Separate funding is provided for these activities since this 
program provides grants and contract assistance that serve 
Department-wide goals and not just OST purposes.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,488,000 for grants and 
contractual support, which is $1,158,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request.

                        PAYMENTS TO AIR CARRIERS

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides funding for the Essential Air 
Service [EAS] program, which was created to continue air 
service to communities that had received federally mandated air 
service prior to deregulation of commercial aviation in 1978. 
The program currently provides subsidies to air carriers 
serving small communities that meet certain criteria.
    The Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] collects user 
fees that cover the air traffic control services the agency 
provides to aircraft that neither take off from, nor land in, 
the United States. These fees are commonly referred to as 
``overflight fees'' and the receipts from the fees are used to 
help finance the EAS program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Appropriations       Mandatory           Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, 2018.......................................      $155,000,000      $130,760,000      $285,760,000
Budget estimate, 2019.....................................        93,000,000       140,177,000       233,177,000
Committee recommendation..................................       175,000,000       140,177,000       315,177,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $175,000,000 
for the EAS program. This appropriation would be in addition to 
an estimated $140,177,000 from overflight fees collected by the 
FAA, allowing the Department to support a total program level 
for EAS of $315,177,000. The Committee's recommendation for the 
appropriation is $82,000,000 more than the budget request and 
$20,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 
total program level under the Committee's recommendation is 
$29,417,000 more than the total program level enacted for 
fiscal year 2018.
    Proximity to the Nearest Hub Airport.--The Committee 
continues to include a provision that prohibits the Department 
from entering into a new contract with an EAS community located 
less than 40 miles from the nearest hub airport before the 
Secretary has negotiated with the community over a local cost 
share.
    Aircraft Size Requirement.--The Committee continues to 
include a provision that removes the requirement for 15-
passenger seat aircraft. This requirement adds to the cost of 
the EAS program because the fleet of 15-passenger seat aircraft 
continues to age and grow more difficult for airlines to 
maintain. The Committee, however, expects that the Department 
will use this flexibility judiciously. The Department should 
use it for communities where historical passenger levels 
indicate that smaller aircraft would still accommodate the 
great majority of passengers, or for communities where viable 
proposals for service are not available. The Committee does not 
expect the Department to use this flexibility simply to lower 
costs if a community can show regular enplanement levels that 
would justify larger aircraft.
    EAS Airports.--The Committee recognizes that seasonal 
airports may need to operate beyond current dates and therefore 
recommends that the Department utilize existing budget 
authorities to ensure seasonal EAS airports are able to operate 
when airport resources and weather permit.

  ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

    Section 101 prohibits the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation from obligating funds originally provided to a 
modal administration in order to approve assessments or 
reimbursable agreements, unless the Department follows the 
regular process for the reprogramming of funds, including 
congressional notification.
    Section 102 requires 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 allows 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

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for the 
safe movement of civil aviation and 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 agency 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 transferred to a new, 
independent agency named the Civil Aeronautics Authority. 
Congress streamlined regulatory oversight in 1957 with the 
creation of two separate agencies, the Federal Aviation Agency 
and the Civil Aeronautics Board. When DOT began its operations 
in 1967, the Federal Aviation Agency was renamed the Federal 
Aviation Administration [FAA] and became one of several modal 
administrations within DOT. The Civil Aeronautics Board was 
later phased out with enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act 
of 1978, and ceased to exist in 1984. Responsibility for the 
investigation of civil aviation accidents was given to the 
National Transportation Safety Board in 1967. FAA's mission 
expanded in 1995 with the transfer of the Office of Commercial 
Space Transportation from the Office of the Secretary, and 
decreased in December 2001 with the transfer of civil aviation 
security activities to the Transportation Security 
Administration.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The total recommended funding level for the FAA for fiscal 
year 2019 amounts to $17,705,001,000 including new budget 
authority and a limitation on the obligation of contract 
authority. This funding level is $1,582,711,000 more than the 
budget request and $295,679,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for fiscal year 2019 in comparison to the 
budget request and the fiscal year 2018 enacted level:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations................................................   $10,211,754,000    $9,931,312,000   $10,410,758,000
Facilities and equipment..................................     3,250,000,000     2,766,572,000     3,000,000,000
Research, engineering, and development....................       188,926,000        74,406,000       191,000,000
Grants-in-aid to airports (obligation limitation).........     3,350,000,000     3,350,000,000     3,350,000,000
Grants-in-aid to airports (general fund)..................     1,000,000,000  ................       750,000,000
                                                                                   ...........
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................    18,000,680,000    16,122,290,000    17,701,758,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2018.................................... $10,211,754,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................   9,931,312,000
Committee recommendation................................  10,410,758,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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, commercial space, medical, research, engineering 
and development programs, as well as policy oversight and 
agency management functions. The Operations appropriation 
includes the following major activities:
  --the Air Traffic Organization which operates, on a 24-hour 
        daily basis, the national air traffic system, including 
        the establishment and maintenance of a national system 
        of aids to navigation, the development and distribution 
        of aeronautical charts and the administration of 
        acquisition, and research and development programs;
  --the regulation and certification activities, including 
        establishment and surveillance of civil air regulations 
        to ensure safety and development of standards, rules 
        and regulations governing the physical fitness of 
        airmen, as well as the administration of an Aviation 
        Medical Research Program;
  --the Office of Commercial Space Transportation; and
  --headquarters and support offices.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $10,410,758,000 for FAA 
Operations. This funding level is $479,446,000 more than the 
budget request, and $199,004,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level. The Committee recommendation derives 
$9,833,400,000 of the appropriation from the Airport and Airway 
Trust Fund. The balance of the appropriation will be drawn from 
the General Fund of the Treasury.
    As in past years, the FAA is directed to report immediately 
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations in the 
event resources are insufficient to operate a safe and 
effective air traffic control system.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendation in comparison to the budget estimate and fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level:

                                                 FAA OPERATIONS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air traffic organization..................................    $7,692,786,000    $7,495,690,000    $7,843,427,000
Aviation safety...........................................     1,310,000,000     1,276,255,000     1,334,377,000
Commercial space transportation...........................        22,587,000        21,578,000        24,981,000
Finance and Management....................................       801,506,000       771,010,000       816,562,000
NextGen Operations and Planning...........................        60,000,000        58,536,000        61,796,000
Security and hazardous materials safety...................       112,622,000       105,558,000       114,312,000
Staff offices.............................................       212,253,000       202,685,000       215,303,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................    10,211,754,000     9,931,312,000    10,410,758,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Air Traffic Control Privatization.--The United States has 
the largest, safest, most efficient and most complex air 
traffic control system in the world, and the FAA should remain 
a global leader with a singular and unified mission of safety. 
The Committee does not support the administration's request to 
transfer the FAA's air traffic functions to a not-for-profit, 
independent, private corporation.
    Funding Availability and Transfer Authority.--The bill 
provides 2-year funding availability for the entire operations 
account. This funding flexibility is provided to enhance 
assurance of continuity of air traffic operations during the 
annual transition from one fiscal year to the next. In 
addition, the bill includes funding transfer authority of 5 
percent among the activities in this account. This transfer 
authority is provided to meet emerging requirements as FAA 
works to accelerate the modernization of the Nation's air 
traffic control system.
    Contract Towers.--The Committee recommendation provides not 
less than $168,000,000 for the contract tower program, 
including the cost-share contract towers, which is $3,000,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Contract towers serve 
as vital public safety and economic development assets to 
hundreds of communities. Municipalities depend on the contract 
tower program to provide commercial and general aviation 
services, jobs, and public safety, such as air ambulance 
services. The Committee continues to express strong support for 
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 by the DOT 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. For fiscal year 2019, the Committee 
directs the FAA to continue to operate the 254 contract towers 
currently in the program, including the contract tower cost 
share program, as well as expeditiously add qualified eligible 
airports. The FAA is directed to provide the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations with a plan for beginning 
operations at qualified towers during the fiscal year and a 
detailed report on the administrative and program management 
expenses for the program since fiscal year 2013 not later than 
90 days from enactment of this act.
    Current law limits contributions by airports in the 
contract tower cost share program to 20 percent of total costs. 
The contract tower program continues to serve as a highly 
successful model for cost-effective government and industry 
partnerships in the aviation industry. The Committee expects 
the agency to work collaboratively and in partnership with 
airports and industry stakeholders on a fair and balanced 
approach to the benefit-cost analysis that focuses on enhancing 
air traffic safety and efficiency at appropriate airports.
    The Committee also finds that some contract towers have 
insufficient staffing and hours of operation. The Committee 
suggests that the FAA collaborate with contract towers to 
ensure sufficient staffing at small hub airports to ensure 
adequate staffing at ground control and air traffic control 
during scheduled air carrier operations.
    Low Altitude Navigation.--In March 2017, the FAA issued the 
RTCA's recommendations for the performance based navigation 
[PBN] route system, which included a recommendation for the FAA 
to design and implement a helicopter route system allowing 
access to congested city centers and critical areas, such as 
hospitals, to reduce minimum en route altitudes to be as low as 
possible to avoid icing, and improve air traffic services for 
instrument flight rules helicopters. In September 2017, the 
United States Helicopter Safety Team [USHST] also issued a 
helicopter safety enhancement on enabling the use of Vision 
Systems Technologies to assist in recognizing and preventing 
unplanned flight into degraded visibility conditions due to 
weather and to increase safety during planned flight at night. 
The Committee recommendation includes $5,000,000 for the FAA to 
research, design, test, and implement a Statewide low-level 
helicopter route system, deploy low-level infrastructure 
capabilities, and explore vision enhancing technologies as part 
of a national demonstration project consistent with Continental 
United States [CONUS] Low Altitude Recommendation number 31 
from the RTCA report and Safety Enhancement number 91 from the 
USHST.
    Surface Weather Observation Policy.--The FAA currently 
excludes hundreds of valid surface weather observation sites 
that could improve safety for pilots flying under visual flight 
rules [VFR] from the Weather Message Switching Center 
Replacement [WMSCR]. These sites use Automated Weather 
Observing System [AWOS] systems commissioned by the FAA which 
provide adequate aviation weather reports that are not 
currently visible to pilots. However, the FAA requires such 
weather systems to be AWOS-III or better, in order to receive 
at least three maintenance visits a year, and to have an 
approved switching mechanism to WMSCR, preventing use of these 
additional weather systems. The Committee directs the FAA to 
find new or alternative means of providing additional weather 
data, particularly for improving the safety of low-level 
aviation.
    Radar Approach Control.--The Committee finds that radar 
approach control enhances aviation safety and efficiency for 
regularly scheduled commercial airline service and recommends 
that the FAA utilize existing budget authorities to promptly 
provide radar to all FAA ``Type 4'' air traffic control towers.
    Human Intervention Motivation Study.--The Committee 
recognizes the effectiveness of the Human Intervention 
Motivation Study and the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol 
Program in mitigating drug and alcohol abuse through a peer 
identification and intervention program. The Committee 
recommends the FAA continue to prioritize this program and use 
existing resources to support this program.
    FAA Public Hearing.--The Committee remains concerned with 
the proposed modifications to the Condor 1 and Condor 2 
military operating areas and encourages the FAA to continue 
working with its partner agencies by holding a public hearing 
with representatives from the relevant Federal agencies in 
western Maine upon completion of the Air National Guard's 
environmental impact statement [EIS] and the record of 
decision. The Committee recognizes that the Air National Guard, 
as the lead agency under the NEPA process, has sought to meet 
the minimum legal requirements for public participation and 
comment. However, the Committee remains troubled with how the 
authorization of low-altitude military training in the proposed 
airspace would affect areas that significantly contribute to 
the local economy and areas that are culturally and 
environmentally sensitive. Furthermore, the Committee notes the 
FAA is the only Federal agency that can modify special airspace 
and that the FAA may adopt the Air National Guard's EIS in 
whole, or in part, once the Final EIS has been issued. In 
addition, the Committee directs the FAA to report to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations prior to the issuance 
of a record of decision regarding the modification of the 
Condor 1 and Condor 2 military operations areas that includes a 
summary of any public meeting and hearing and a list of the 
comments, questions, and responses presented at these meetings 
and hearings.
    Landing Strips.--Backcountry landing strips on Federal 
lands are important assets to the national aviation 
infrastructure. The Committee directs the FAA to assist Federal 
Land Managers, including but not limited to the Bureau of Land 
Management, United States Forest Service, and National Park 
Service, in charting airstrips located on Federal Lands that 
are and may be useful for administrative, recreational, and 
emergency purposes.
    Contract Weather Observers.--The FAA's Contract Weather Ob- 
server [CWO] program provides operationally significant weather 
information and support to the entire aviation community. CWO 
safety professionals observe and report operationally 
significant weather conditions at airports across the country. 
These trained specialists augment the Automated Surface 
Observing System [ASOS], which detects and reports basic 
weather information for aviation and forecasting. The Committee 
continues to have serious concerns about the FAA's proposal to 
eliminate the CWO program and rejects the budget request to 
reduce the program.
    Medical Kits.--The Committee directs the FAA to undertake a 
rulemaking to evaluate and revise the regulations under part 
121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, regarding the 
emergency medical requirements, including the contents of the 
first-aid kit, applicable to all certificate holders operating 
passenger-carrying airplanes under that party. In conducting 
this rulemaking, the Administrator should consider whether the 
minimum contents of approved emergency medical kits, have 
approved first-aid kits, have appropriate medications and 
equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children.
    Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.--The 
Committee commends the FAA for the collaborative government-
industry Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
[ASIAS] program 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. The Committee directs 
the FAA to accelerate the ASIAS capabilities, including Fusion, 
next generation of ASIAS architecture, and expanding General 
Aviation safety elements and report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of the enactment 
of this act.
    Aviation Events.--The Committee directs the FAA to use 
existing resources to provide air traffic control and safety 
support services at major aviation events hosted annually for 
the general aviation community. These services are paid for 
using the aviation fuel tax excise collected from general 
aviation users. The Committee directs the FAA to use 
appropriate resources to maintain the safe and efficient 
movement of aircraft based on projected airspace congestion at 
major aviation events.
    Contracting.--The Committee is concerned that while the FAA 
surpasses government averages for key performance acquisition 
metrics, the FAA has made limited progress in reducing the 
number of no-bid or sole source contracts awarded. Consistent 
with recommendations from the OIG report ZA-2016-065, the 
Committee directs the FAA to establish and implement actions to 
reduce the use of sole-source contracting, including the use of 
performance measures. Further, the Committee directs the FAA to 
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations outlining these performance measures and 
providing the number and percentage of contracts awarded 
through the no-bid process, as well as the amount of those no-
bid contracts that meet OMB requirements for such contracts.
    Noise and Community Outreach.--The Committee appreciates 
the additional measures the FAA is taking to enhance outreach 
to communities affected by new flightpaths; however, the 
Committee believes the FAA should do more to be responsive to 
community concerns. The Committee directs the FAA to improve 
the development of flight procedures in ways that will give 
fair consideration to public comment and reduce noise through 
procedure modification and dispersion to reduce the impact on 
local communities. The FAA should utilize state-of-the-art 
technologies, metrics, and methodologies to measure actual 
noise at ground level experienced in communities affected by 
flight paths and not rely solely on computer modeling or other 
theoretical measures. The FAA should give high priority to 
evaluating where increased noise levels disrupts homes and 
businesses, and threatens public health, and should provide 
appropriate resources to regional offices to work with local 
communities to meet this objective.
    Commercial Space.--A record number of licensed commercial 
launches took place in 2017 and U.S. space transportation is 
likely to continue growing in both cadence and diversity of 
launch capabilities. Reusable and new small expendable launch 
vehicles will further reduce the cost of space launch and 
spread the benefits of spaceflight to many more users. While 
the Committee anticipates a reasonable expansion of the 
workforce at the Office of Commercial Space Transportation 
[AST] to meet increasing volume of license applications, it is 
essential that AST significantly streamline its licensing 
approach and regulations so that industry growth doesn't 
necessitate one-for-one bureaucratic growth. The Committee also 
believes that AST must fully and effectively execute its 
statutory missions before allocating resources to non-statutory 
interests. With this in mind, the Committee directs AST to 
provide a briefing to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 60 days of enactment of this act on FTE 
levels, hirings and separations, current vacancies, and job 
functions of all personnel within AST. Further, the Committee 
recommendation includes $2,000,000 for AST to accelerate space 
transportation regulatory reform.
    UAS Test Sites.--The Committee believes that the FAA should 
allow commercial entities seeking to demonstrate or validate 
technologies that the FAA considers essential to the safe 
integration of UAS in the National Airspace System [NAS] at FAA 
designated UAS test sites. The FAA should identify essential 
integration technologies that could be demonstrated or 
validated at a test site within 60 days of enactment of this 
act and the Committee recommendation includes up to $3,000,000 
in matching funds to qualified commercial entities where 
feasible.
    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 update on the status of NAC recommendations to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Flight Standards.--The FAA's Flight Standards Service is 
responsible for supporting the type certification, delivery, 
and operation of new aircraft. These activities include the 
review and approval of flight manuals, instructions for 
continued airworthiness, and minimum equipment lists and 
require consistent and timely coordination with the Flight 
Standards policy and field offices, including the Aircraft 
Evaluation Group and Flight Standards District Offices. To 
better support the safety of the national aviation system and 
advances in the aviation industry, the Committee directs the 
FAA to review and improve the Flight Standards Service 
regulatory process with a focus on ensuring consistency in the 
interpretation and applications of regulatory and oversight 
actions. Further, the FAA is directed to work in coordination 
with the aviation industry and other regulatory partners to 
improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the certification 
process, regulatory actions to support new aircraft, and 
acceptance and validation of aviation products globally.
    UAS Integration Pilot Program.--The Committee believes that 
the DOT UAS Integration Pilot Program [IPP] could be a helpful 
step enabling enhanced UAS operations and gathering data to 
safely integrate those expanded operations into the NAS. 
However, the Department failed to notify or consult with the 
Committee prior to initiating its new pilot program and 
identifying the necessary resources required to operationalize 
the pilot program. The Committee directs the Department to 
submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on expected annual costs of the IPP prior to 
including any additional rounds of agreements with state, local 
and tribal governments. In addition, the Department is directed 
to prioritize all Congressional mandates before diverting 
resources toward any further expansion of the IPP.
    Service animals.--The Committee encourages the Department 
to implement regulations and policies that would define a 
service animal as any animal that is individually trained to do 
work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a 
disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, 
intellectual, or other disability. For the safety of the flying 
public, crew members, and trained service dogs, the Committee 
expects DOT to work with stakeholders to limit the use of 
animals on aircraft for emotional support, well-being, comfort, 
or companionship.

                        FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $3,250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................   2,766,572,000
Committee recommendation................................   3,000,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Facilities and Equipment appropriation provides funding 
for modernizing and improving air traffic control and airway 
facilities, equipment, and systems. 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 
National Airspace System [NAS]. The program aims to keep pace 
with the increasing demands of aeronautical activity and remain 
in accordance with the FAA comprehensive 5-year capital 
investment plan [CIP].

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,000,000,000 
for the Facilities and Equipment account of the FAA. The 
recommended level is $233,428,000 more than the budget request 
and $250,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Budget Activities Format.--The Committee directs that the 
fiscal year 2020 budget request for the Facilities and 
Equipment account conform to the same organizational structure 
of budget activities as displayed below.
    The following table shows the Committee's recommended 
distribution of funds for each of the budget activities funded 
by this appropriation and by resources provided under Grants-
in-Aid to Airports:

                                            FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity 1--Engineering, Development, Test and Evaluation:
    Advanced Technology Development and Prototyping.......       $26,800,000       $33,000,000       $33,000,000
    William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory                  1,000,000  ................  ................
     Improvement..........................................
    William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory                 23,000,000        21,000,000        21,000,000
     Sustainment..........................................
    William J. Hughes Technical Center Infrastructure             15,000,000        12,000,000        15,000,000
     Sustainment..........................................
    Separation Management Portfolio.......................        13,500,000        16,589,000        16,000,000
    Traffic Flow Management Portfolio.....................        10,800,000        14,000,000        14,000,000
    On Demand NAS Portfolio...............................        12,000,000        20,500,000        21,000,000
    NAS Infrastructure Portfolio..........................        17,500,000        13,500,000        20,000,000
    NextGen Support Portfolio.............................        12,000,000        12,800,000        12,800,000
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems [UAS].......................        25,000,000        14,000,000        25,000,000
    Enterprise, Concept Development, Human Factors, &              9,000,000         9,500,000        16,500,000
     Demonstrations Portfolio.............................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total Activity 1....................................       165,600,000       166,889,000       194,300,000
 
Activity 2--Air Traffic Control Facilities and Equipment:
 
a. En Route Programs:
    En Route Automation Modernization [ERAM]--System              91,650,000       102,050,000       115,250,000
     Enhancements and Tech Refresh........................
    En Route Communications Gateway [ECG].................         2,650,000         1,650,000         1,650,000
    Next Generation Weather Radar [NEXRAD]--Provide.......         5,500,000         5,500,000         7,500,000
    Air Route Traffic Control Center [ARTCC] & Combined          120,400,000        88,050,000       100,000,000
     Control Facility [CCF] Building Improvements.........
    Air Traffic Management [ATM]..........................         4,900,000         6,200,000        12,055,000
    Air/Ground Communications Infrastructure..............         9,750,000        10,541,000         8,750,000
    Air Traffic Control En Route Radar Facilities                  5,400,000         6,600,000         6,600,000
     Improvements.........................................
    Voice Switching and Control System [VSCS].............        15,800,000        11,400,000        11,400,000
    Oceanic Automation System.............................        34,950,000        17,500,000        23,100,000
    Next Generation Very High Frequency Air/Ground                60,000,000        50,000,000        50,000,000
     Communications [NEXCOM]..............................
    System-Wide Information Management....................        50,050,000        58,807,000        55,300,000
    ADS-B NAS Wide Implementation.........................       150,300,000       123,748,000       139,150,000
    Windshear Detection Service...........................         1,000,000  ................  ................
    Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies.....         9,000,000        17,700,000        17,700,000
    Time Based Flow Management Portfolio..................        40,450,000        21,150,000        28,150,000
    NextGen Weather Processors............................        45,450,000        24,650,000        28,650,000
    Airborne Collision Avoidance System X [ACASX].........         7,700,000         7,700,000         7,700,000
    Data Communications in Support of NG Air                     294,100,000       113,850,000       118,902,000
     Transportation System................................
    Non-Continental United States [Non-CONUS] Automation..         2,000,000        14,000,000        14,000,000
    Reduced Oceanic Separation............................        24,350,000  ................        10,000,000
    En Route Service Improvements.........................         3,000,000         1,000,000         1,000,000
    Commercial Space Integration..........................         4,500,000         7,000,000         9,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal En Route Programs..........................       982,900,000       689,096,000       765,857,000
 
b. Terminal Programs:
    Airport Surface Detection Equipment--Model X [ASDE-X].  ................  ................  ................
    Terminal Doppler Weather Radar [TDWR]--Provide........         3,800,000         4,500,000         4,500,000
    Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System               86,700,000        66,900,000        66,900,000
     [STARS] (TAMR Phase 1)...............................
    Terminal Automation Modernization/Replacement Program         66,100,000         9,012,000         8,000,000
     (TAMR Phase 3).......................................
    Terminal Automation Program...........................         8,493,000         8,500,000         8,500,000
    Terminal Air Traffic Control Facilities--Replace......        58,118,000        19,200,000        19,200,000
    ATCT/Terminal Radar Approach Control [TRACON]                 91,800,000        95,850,000       105,000,000
     Facilities--Improve..................................
    Terminal Voice Switch Replacement [TVSR]..............        10,000,000         9,574,000        10,000,000
    NAS Facilities OSHA and Environmental Standards               46,700,000        41,900,000        41,900,000
     Compliance...........................................
    Airport Surveillance Radar [ASR-9]....................        11,400,000        12,800,000        12,800,000
    Terminal Digital Radar [ASR-11] Technology Refresh and         5,200,000         1,000,000         1,000,000
     Mobile Airport Surveillance Radar [MASR].............
    Runway Status Lights..................................        12,800,000         2,000,000         2,000,000
    National Airspace System Voice System [NVS]...........        68,750,000        43,150,000        43,150,000
    Integrated Display System [IDS].......................         5,000,000        19,459,000        18,000,000
    Remote Monitoring and Logging System [RMLS]...........         7,400,000        18,100,000        18,100,000
    Mode S Service Life Extension Program [SLEP]..........        20,900,000        15,400,000        15,400,000
    Terminal Flight Data Manager [TFDM]...................        90,350,000       119,250,000       119,250,000
    National Air Space [NAS] Voice Recorder Program [NVRP]         5,000,000        14,000,000        14,000,000
    Integrated Terminal Weather System [ITWS].............         1,000,000         2,100,000         2,100,000
    Performance Based Navigation & Metroplex Portfolio....        20,000,000        20,000,000        20,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Terminal Programs..........................       619,511,000       522,695,000       529,800,000
 
c. Flight Service Programs:
    Aviation Surface Observation System [ASOS]............        10,000,000        10,976,000        10,000,000
    Future Flight Services Program........................        14,039,000        10,100,000        10,100,000
    Alaska Flight Service Facility Modernization [AFSFM]..         2,650,000         2,650,000         2,650,000
    Weather Camera Program................................         1,300,000         1,100,000         1,100,000
    Juneau Airport Wind System [JAWS]--Technology Refresh.  ................         1,000,000         1,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Flight Service Programs....................        27,989,000        25,826,000        24,850,000
 
d. Landing and Navigational Aids Program:
    VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range [VOR] with Distance           17,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000
     Measuring Equipment [DME]............................
    Instrument Landing System [ILS]--Establish............        11,000,000  ................        25,000,000
    Wide Area Augmentation System [WAAS] for GPS..........       110,300,000        96,320,000        96,320,000
    Runway Visual Range [RVR] and Enhanced Low Visibility          4,000,000  ................  ................
     Operations [ELVO]....................................
    Approach Lighting System Improvement Program [ALSIP]..         3,000,000  ................  ................
    Distance Measuring Equipment [DME]....................         3,000,000  ................  ................
    Visual NAVAIDS--Establish/Expand......................         2,000,000  ................  ................
    Instrument Flight Procedures Automation [IFPA]........         8,500,000         1,400,000         1,400,000
    Navigation and Landing Aids--Service Life Extension            3,000,000  ................  ................
     Program [SLEP].......................................
    VASI Replacement--Replace with Precision Approach Path         5,000,000  ................  ................
     Indicator............................................
    Runway Safety Areas--Navigational Mitigation..........         1,600,000         2,000,000         2,000,000
    NAVAIDS Monitoring Equipment..........................         2,000,000         3,000,000         3,000,000
    Legacy Navigation Aids Portfolio......................  ................        42,372,000        31,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Landing and Navigational Aids Programs.....       170,400,000       160,092,000       173,720,000
 
e. Other ATC Facilities Programs:
    Fuel Storage Tank Replacement and Management..........        35,000,000        25,700,000        25,700,000
    Unstaffed Infrastructure Sustainment..................        41,000,000        51,050,000        51,050,000
    Aircraft Related Equipment Program....................        12,500,000        13,000,000        13,000,000
    Airport Cable Loop Systems--Sustained Support.........         8,000,000        10,000,000        10,000,000
    Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure           20,900,000        16,300,000        16,300,000
     [ASTI]...............................................
    Facilities Decommissioning............................        27,000,000         9,000,000         9,000,000
    Electrical Power Systems--Sustain/Support.............       125,000,000       140,834,000       145,700,000
    Energy Management and Compliance [EMC]................         2,400,000         2,400,000         2,400,000
    Child Care Center Sustainment.........................         1,000,000         1,000,000         1,000,000
    FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure.................        30,000,000         6,700,000        40,000,000
    Data Visualization, Analysis and Reporting System              5,500,000         4,500,000         4,500,000
     [DVARS]..............................................
    TDM-to-IP Migration...................................        39,000,000         3,000,000        38,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Other ATC Facilities Programs..............       347,300,000       283,484,000       356,650,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total Activity 2....................................     2,148,100,000     1,681,193,000     1,850,877,000
 
Activity 3--Non-Air Traffic Control Facilities and
 Equipment:
 
a. Support Equipment:
    Hazardous Materials Management........................        35,300,000        29,800,000        29,800,000
    Aviation Safety Analysis System [ASAS]................        12,000,000        18,899,000        18,700,000
    Logistics Support Systems and Facilities [LSSF].......        12,000,000        12,200,000        12,000,000
    Facility Security Risk Management.....................        20,400,000        18,608,000        19,600,000
    Information Security..................................        25,700,000        16,000,000        18,000,000
    System Approach for Safety Oversight [SASO]...........        25,800,000        25,400,000        25,400,000
    Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment               4,000,000         6,000,000         6,000,000
     [ASKME]..............................................
    Aerospace Medical Equipment Needs [AMEN]..............         7,000,000        14,078,000        14,000,000
    System Safety Management Portfolio....................        16,200,000        14,700,000        14,200,000
    National Test Equipment Program.......................         4,000,000         5,000,000         5,000,000
    Mobile Assets Management Program......................         3,600,000         2,216,000         2,200,000
    Aerospace Medicine Safety Information Systems [AMSIS].        14,000,000        16,100,000        16,100,000
    Tower Simulation System [TSS] Technology Refresh......         3,000,000           500,000           500,000
    Logistics Support Systems and Facilities [LSSF].......  ................         7,100,000         7,100,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Support Equipment..........................       178,000,000       186,601,000       188,600,000
 
b. Training, Equipment and Facilities:
    Aeronautical Center Infrastructure Modernization......        14,000,000        14,298,000        14,000,000
    Distance Learning.....................................         1,000,000         1,000,000         1,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal Training, Equipment and Facilities.........        15,000,000        15,298,000        15,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total Activity 3....................................       193,000,000       201,899,000       203,600,000
 
Activity 4--Facilities and Equipment Mission Support:
 
a. System Support and Services:
    System Engineering and Development Support............        35,700,000        38,000,000        39,700,000
    Program Support Leases................................        47,000,000        47,000,000        47,000,000
    Logistics and Acquisition Support Services............        11,000,000        11,000,000        12,500,000
    Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center Leases..............        19,700,000        20,200,000        20,200,000
    Transition Engineering Support........................        24,900,000        17,000,000        22,000,000
    Technical Support Services Contract [TSSC]............        28,000,000        23,000,000        28,000,000
    Resource Tracking Program [RTP].......................         6,000,000         6,000,000         6,000,000
    Center for Advanced Aviation System Development               57,000,000        57,000,000        57,000,000
     [CAASD]..............................................
    Aeronautical Information Management Program...........        15,000,000         6,819,000         5,000,000
    Cross Agency NextGen Management.......................         1,000,000         1,000,000         1,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total Activity 4....................................       245,300,000       227,019,000       238,400,000
 
Activity 5--Personnel and Related Expenses:
    Personnel and Related Expenses........................       498,000,000       489,572,000       512,823,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Sub-Total All Activities............................     3,250,000,000     2,766,572,000     3,000,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability 
[LAANC].--The Committee supports the safe integration of UAS 
into the NAS and recognizes that LAANC for UAS operations in 
controlled airspace is a necessary building block of Unmanned 
Traffic Management [UTM]. 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, and which grows 
local economies in previously restricted airspace. LAANC 
leverages significant industry investment by UAS service 
suppliers and provides the FAA with critical data regarding UAS 
operations, which is essential for integrating UAS in the NAS. 
Failure to adequately fund LAANC and the LAANC program office 
will stall the development of a nationwide UTM system. 
Therefore, the Committee recommendation includes $7,300,000 in 
Activity 1 funds to the LAANC program office.
    Reduced Oceanic Separation.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $10,000,000 for reduced oceanic separation to enable 
reduced separation in oceanic traffic, enable new air routes to 
increase airspace capacity, and reduce time for search and 
rescue 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 will 
mitigate gaps in the NWP development plan and will 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 $28,650,000 for NWP, which will enable 
the FAA to award contracts for the additional software releases 
required to mitigate the 3-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].
    Enterprise, Concept Development, Human Factors & 
Demonstration Portfolio.--The Committee recommendation includes 
an increase of $7,000,000 above the budget request to expand 
the use of remote tower technology, which are a means to 
enhance safety, reduce costs, and expand air traffic control 
services, especially at lower activity airports. The FAA has a 
pilot program underway to certify this technology for operation 
in the NAS. 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 new 
airports in order to provide air traffic control services from 
a single remote tower center. In selecting airports to 
participate in this pilot program, the Committee further 
directs the FAA to take into account the interest of the 
airport sponsor and to give priority to airports that are 
currently in the contract tower program that have aging towers 
in need of replacement or are non-towered airports that are 
viable candidates for the program.
    Instrument Landing Systems.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $25,000,000 for the procurement of the fourth 
generation instrument landing systems [ILS].
    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 
understands that WAAS DFO Segment 2 is not to begin acquisition 
until 2019. The Committee also 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, the Committee recommends that the 
FAA expand WAAS DFO Segment 1 scope to begin modeling and 
prototyping of the new algorithms using all available WAAS 
development expertise. The Committee directs the FAA to provide 
an update to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
on the status of this program within 90 days of enactment of 
this act.
    Legacy Navigation Aids Portfolio.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $31,000,000 for legacy navigation aids 
on and around the Nation's airports. The Committee 
recommendation for legacy navigation aids portfolio does not 
include funding for ILS, which is funded in a separate budget 
line item.
    Telecommunications Infrastructure.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $40,000,000 for FAA telecommunications 
infrastructure, which is $33,300,000 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 support the 
replacement of obsolete infrastructure hardware and software to 
mitigate new cyber threats, and increase capacity to support 
planned NextGen services. The NAS Enterprise Security Gateway 
[NESG] provides cybersecurity boundary protection for SWIM and 
the NAS. This level of funding will complete the technical 
refresh and capacity upgrade of the NESG platform, increase 
infrastructure bandwidth required for near term NextGen 
services, and address other obsolete network components.
    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 to 
fund the FAA TDM to IP program office to start addressing 
legacy system interfaces that will not be replaced by NextGen 
before 2022 using a combination of legacy system updates, 
conversion devices and carrier ethernet migration. Where 
feasible, the Committee encourages ethernet migration in order 
to deliver maximum optimization of the telecommunications 
infrastructure for near-term and future capacity demands.
    Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance Radar.--The 
Committee strongly 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 U.S. 
protectorate regions' radar infrastructure. Lastly, the 
Committee urges the FAA 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 DoD, DHS, FAA, and NOAA 
missions.
    Aging Facilities.--The Committee instructs FAA to work to 
address aging and antiquated air traffic control facilities 
that it leases from airport authorities to ensure they are 
fully compliant with current building codes consistent with 
being occupied by air traffic controllers. The Committee 
recognizes that this, in many cases, may require the 
construction of new air traffic facilities to replace existing 
ones. The Committee instructs FAA to consider creative 
financing options and to include consideration of long-term 
cost recovery leases, when conditions warrant the construction 
of new air traffic control towers.
    Military Operations Areas.--The Committee finds that radar 
and future NextGen systems capable of controlling airspace down 
to 500 feet above ground level enhances aviation safety in 
Military Operations Areas that overlay public use airports with 
more than 5,000 operations per year. The Committee recommends 
that the FAA utilize existing resources to promptly provide 
radar or NextGen capability in such areas.

                 RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $188,926,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      74,406,000
Committee recommendation................................     191,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Research, Engineering, and Development appropriation 
provides funding for long-term research, engineering, and 
development programs to improve the air traffic control system 
by increasing its safety and capacity, as well as reducing the 
environmental impacts of air traffic, as authorized by the 
Airport and Airway Improvement Act and the Federal Aviation 
Act, as amended. The programs are designed to meet the expected 
air traffic demands of the future and to promote flight safety 
through improvements in facilities, equipment, techniques, and 
procedures to ensure that the system will safely and 
efficiently handle future volumes of aircraft traffic.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $191,000,000 for the FAA's 
Research, Engineering, and Development activities. The 
recommended level of funding is $116,594,000 more than the 
budget request and $2,074,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    A table showing the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, the 
fiscal year 2019 budget estimate and the Committee 
recommendation is as follows:

                                     RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety:
    Fire Research & Safety................................        $7,200,000        $4,867,000        $7,200,000
    Propulsion & Fuel Systems.............................         2,100,000           555,000         2,100,000
    Advanced Materials/Structural Safety..................        10,500,000         2,300,000        10,500,000
    Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety/Cyber Security...         9,253,000         7,684,000         9,253,000
    Continued Air Worthiness..............................        11,269,000         4,969,000        11,269,000
    Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research.....         1,570,000  ................         1,570,000
    Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration Human                7,305,000         5,052,000         7,305,000
     Factors..............................................
    Safety System Management/Terminal Area Safety.........         5,500,000           799,000         5,500,000
    Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human Factors         5,800,000         1,436,000         5,800,000
    Aeromedical Research..................................         9,080,000         3,875,000         9,080,000
    Weather Research......................................        15,476,000         6,580,000        15,476,000
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research....................        24,035,000         3,318,000        24,035,000
    NextGen--Alternative Fuels for General Aviation.......         7,000,000  ................         7,000,000
    Commercial Space Transportation Safety................         1,872,000         2,500,000         2,500,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total Safety......................................       117,960,000        43,935,000       118,588,000
                                                           =====================================================
Economic Competitiveness:
    NextGen--Wake Turbulence..............................         6,831,000         3,519,000         6,831,000
    NextGen--Air Ground Integration.......................         6,757,000         1,336,000         6,757,000
    NextGen--Weather Technology in the Cockpit............         3,644,000         1,525,000         3,644,000
    NextGen--Flight Data Exchange.........................  ................         1,035,000         1,035,000
    NextGen--Information Security.........................         1,000,000         1,232,000         1,232,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total Economic Competitiveness....................        18,232,000         8,647,000        19,499,000
                                                           =====================================================
Environmental Sustainability:
    Environment & Energy..................................        18,013,000        11,588,000        18,013,000
    NextGen Environmental Research--Aircraft Technologies,        29,174,000         7,578,000        29,174,000
     Fuels and Metrics....................................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total Environmental Sustainability................        47,187,000        19,166,000        47,187,000
                                                           =====================================================
Mission Support:
    System Planning and Resource Management...............         2,135,000         1,480,000         2,135,000
    WJHTC Lab Facilities..................................         3,412,000         1,178,000         3,591,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total Mission Support.............................         5,547,000         2,658,000         5,726,000
                                                           =====================================================
            Total.........................................       188,926,000        74,406,000       191,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Advanced Materials/Structural Safety.--The Committee 
recommendation includes a total of $10,500,000 for advanced 
materials/structural safety. With the emergence of additive 
manufacturing processes, the Committee recognizes that advances 
in the fabrication of complex structures has the potential to 
transform aircraft and spacecraft. The Committee understands 
the primary challenge in additive manufacturing for aerospace 
applications is the certification of airworthiness of complex 
processes used within the additive manufactured components. The 
Committee, therefore, directs $6,000,000 of this funding to 
advance the use of these new additive materials (both metallic 
and non-metallic based additive processes) into the commercial 
aviation industry, as well as additional funds to advance the 
use of fiber reinforced composite materials into the commercial 
aviation industry through the FAA Joint Advanced Materials and 
Structures Center of Excellence.
    Additive Manufactured Continued Airworthiness.--The 
Committee recommendation includes $11,269,000 for continued air 
worthiness. The Committee is encouraged by the potential impact 
that stitched resin composites can have on the aviation 
industry, and the Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 
for FAA to work with public/private partners to evaluate the 
material for airworthiness certification.
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems [UAS] Research--Center of 
Excellence.--The Committee recognizes the valuable role of the 
Center of Excellence in assisting the FAA in a host of research 
challenges associated with the integration of UAS into the NAS. 
The Committee recommendation includes $24,035,000 for UAS 
research, equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$20,717,000 above the budget request. Of the funds provided for 
UAS research, $12,035,000 is directed to support the expanded 
role of the UAS Center of Excellence in areas of UAS research, 
including cybersecurity, agricultural applications, beyond 
visual line of sight technology, and studies of advanced 
composites and other non-metallic engineering materials not 
common to manned aircraft but utilized in UAS. Furthermore, the 
Center of Excellence shall establish a UAS safety research 
facility at the Center to study appropriate safety standards 
for UAS and to develop and validate certification standards for 
such systems. Of the total funding, $2,000,000 is for the 
Center's role in transportation disaster preparedness and 
response, partnering with institutions that have demonstrated 
experience in damage assessment, collaboration with State 
transportation agencies, and applied UAS field testing; and 
$10,000,000 is to support UAS research activities at the FAA 
technical center and other FAA facilities.
    Alternative Fuels for General Aviation.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $7,000,000 for research that supports 
alternative fuels for general aviation. 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.
    Environmental Sustainability.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $47,187,000 for research related to environmental 
sustainability, of which $18,013,000 is for ``Environment and 
Energy'' and $29,174,000 is for ``Next Gen--Environmental 
Research Aircraft Technologies, Fuels and Metrics''. The FAA is 
directed to use the increase in funding for the Center of 
Excellence, resulting in a total of $15,000,000 for the Center.
    The Committee supports NextGen's five pillar strategy in 
conducting research through the Center of Excellence, which 
includes: (1) improved scientific knowledge and integrated 
modeling; (2) new aircraft technologies; (3) sustainable 
alternative aviation fuels; (4) air traffic management 
modernization and operational improvements; and (5) policies, 
environmental standards, and market-based measures. The 
Committee is concerned with the removal of the sustainable 
alternative aviation fuels pillar in the budget request and 
directs the FAA to continue research on alternative fuels 
following performance, economic, and environmental principals. 
This sustained investment will lead to reducing emissions and 
expanding alternative domestic energy sources that diversify 
fuel supplies, contribute to price and supply stability, and 
support economic development in rural communities. Further, the 
Committee directs the FAA to utilize the comprehensive five 
pillar strategy as outlined in the fiscal year 2018 budget 
request.
    Accelerating UAS Traffic Management.--The Committee 
believes that creation of an UTM system is critical to the safe 
integration in the NAS and for innovative uses of beyond visual 
line of sight drone operations, such as package delivery, 
infrastructure inspection, and precision agriculture. 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, which 
required the agency to develop a research plan for UTM 
development and deployment. In executing section 2208, the 
Committee encourages the FAA to coordinate the three programs 
that serve as building blocks for the commercial development of 
a UTM system: LAANC program, the UTM Pilot Program and the UAS 
integration pilot program. The FAA should also coordinate with 
state and local law enforcement agencies to test the prevention 
of unsafe operations that could impact critical infrastructure 
or personal safety. The Committee directs FAA to submit the 
research plan no later than December 31, 2018, including 
milestones for the deployment of a full-scale UTM network. This 
work is essential to overall UTM development efforts, which 
will allow industry and UAS service suppliers to build and 
deploy a UTM network that advances the safety of our national 
airspace.
    Noise Health Effects Research.--The Committee supports 
research at FAA's Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuel 
and Environment, and the Aviation Sustainability Center 
[ASCENT] on the impact of aviation noise on both sleep and 
cardiovascular health. The Committee directs the FAA to 
continue to prioritize this research, as many communities 
across the country contend with an increased frequency of 
passing aircraft on a daily basis. In addition, the Committee 
directs the FAA to continue to evaluate alternative metrics to 
the current day night level [DNL] 65 standard and other methods 
to address community airplane noise concerns, including 
cumulative noise impacts from increased frequency of flights.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID FOR AIRPORTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                    (AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund:
    Limitation on obligations.............................    $3,350,000,000    $3,350,000,000    $3,350,000,000
    Liquidation of contract authorization.................     3,000,000,000     3,000,000,000     3,000,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Funding for Grants-in-Aid for Airports pays for capital 
improvements at the Nation's airports, including those 
investments that emphasize capacity development, safety 
improvements, and security needs. Other priority areas for 
funding under this program include improvements to runway 
safety areas that do not conform to FAA standards, investments 
that are designed to reduce runway incursions, and aircraft 
noise compatibility planning and programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of 
$3,350,000,000 for Grants-in-Aid for Airports for fiscal year 
2019. The recommended limitation on obligations is equal to the 
enacted level for fiscal year 2018 and the budget request.
    The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation 
of $3,000,000,000 for Grants-in-Aid for Airports. The 
recommended level is equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and the budget request. This appropriation is sufficient 
to cover the liquidation of all obligations incurred pursuant 
to the limitation on obligations set forward in the bill.
    Administrative Expenses.--The Committee recommends 
$112,600,000 to cover administrative expenses. This funding 
level is equal to the budget request and $737,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Airport Cooperative Research.--The Committee recommends 
$15,000,000 for the Airport Cooperative Research program. This 
funding level is equal to the budget estimate and the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.
    Airport Technology.--The Committee recommends $33,210,000 
for Airport Technology Research. This funding level is $16,000 
more than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 
level.
    Small Community Air Service Development Program [SCASDP].--
The Committee recommends $10,000,000. This funding level is 
equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The budget request 
included no funds for this program for fiscal year 2019.
    Cost Share.--The agreement includes a provision that allows 
small airports to continue contributing 5 percent of the total 
cost for unfinished phased projects that were underway prior to 
the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
    Allocation of Resources.--The Committee recognizes many 
States have short construction seasons due to inclement weather 
and require certainty about airport grant allocations when 
making planning decisions. FAA is encouraged to work 
expeditiously to make entitlement and discretionary grant 
allocations, in order to provide certainty to northern State 
airports. The Committee also understands that certain physical 
topography, environments, and circumstances prohibit certain 
existing airports that are in critical need of expansion due to 
their essential economic impact on their surrounding 
communities from expanding, and as such are required to 
physically relocate their premises. Therefore, the Committee 
directs the FAA to ensure sufficient funding is available to 
relocate these airports in a timely and expedited manner.
    Policy and Procedure Concerning the Use of Airport 
Revenue.--The Committee is aware of several self-help counties 
that have enacted sales tax measures to fund local 
transportation improvements. These sales tax measures are 
difficult to enact and provide critical funding to address 
local highway, transit, and other transportation requirements. 
Several of these counties contain airports and have been 
receiving funds raised on the sales tax associated with the 
sale of aviation fuel.
    In 2014, the FAA finalized a rule construing the term 
``local taxes on aviation fuel'' to apply to all sales taxes 
rather than specific excise taxes on aviation fuel. This change 
in definition diverts funding away from projects outlined in 
local sales tax measures, violating promises made to the voters 
who approved these measures. According to the FAA rules, local 
transportation sales taxes collected on the sale of aviation 
fuel would have to be spent in accordance with FAA rules 
governing such expenditures. The Policy and Procedure 
Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue [Docket No. FAA-2013-
0988] is scheduled to be enforced by the end of December 2018. 
Given the utility of sales tax measures to address local 
transportation needs and reduce the burden on Federal spending, 
the Committee encourages the Secretary to postpone the 
enforcement of Docket No. FAA-2013-0988 and work with local 
governments and the FAA to develop a path forward to allow the 
use of local sales tax revenues generated on the sale of 
aviation fuel to be used in a manner consistent with their 
enactment.
    State Airport Land Management.--Commercial activities, in 
addition to regularly scheduled commercial air service, are 
vital to the fiscal sustainability of commercial use airports. 
The Committee directs the FAA to work with the Department of 
Agriculture and States that own and operate airports on land 
acquired from the Federal Government to identify land that is 
not needed for airport development, and that can be developed 
without negative impact to the airport, and to identify the 
Federal agency that can allow the release of the unneeded land.
    AIP Formula.--AIP formula funding for primary airports is 
allocated based primarily on commercial enplanements. The 
current definition of ``enplanements'' does not capture the 
full range of airport activities. For example, certain primary 
airports with more non-commercial flight activities such as 
pilot training do not factor into the current enplanement 
calculation. Therefore, the Committee directs the FAA to 
consider the full range of flight activities (such as flight 
training, air cargo, emergency response, pilot training etc.) 
and associated metrics when considering AIP discretionary 
grants.
    Relocation.--The Committee directs the FAA to give greater 
consideration to projects at public-use airports that will 
relocate existing aviation runways, taxiways, aprons or other 
airfield infrastructure that do not meet current FAA safety 
standards related to runway/taxiway separation distances, 
safety area and object-free area requirements, and obstruction 
standards, especially in cases where the existing aviation 
runway, taxiway, apron or other airfield infrastructure has 
deteriorated such that it is at the end of its service life. 
Furthermore, for such projects at public use airports that 
would have a material impact on the safety of operations at 
that airport and, the FAA shall not require the completion of a 
cost-benefit analysis as long as that project is funded using 
non-primary entitlement funding and no additional State 
apportionment or discretionary funding from the FAA.
    Airport Partnerships.--The Committee is aware of major 
internet retailers and their logistics partners that have made 
demands of airports to commit to capital improvements, 
including AIP eligible projects, in order to compete to become 
logistics hubs. However, AIP program funds should not be used 
to solely subsidize individual corporations, who may chose not 
to execute on such efforts despite airports and FAA regional 
offices expending significant resources for planning. The FAA 
should carefully scrutinize AIP projects to ensure they 
represent genuine efforts to improve overall service and 
capacity needs rather than demands from a single corporation.

                       GRANTS-IN-AID TO AIRPORTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $1,000,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     750,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Funding for Grants-in-Aid for Airports pays for capital 
improvements at the Nation's airports, including those 
investments that emphasize capacity development, safety 
improvements, and security needs. Other priority areas for 
funding under this program include improvements to runway 
safety areas that do not conform to FAA standards, investments 
that are designed to reduce runway incursions, and aircraft 
noise compatibility planning and programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $750,000,000 in 
discretionary funding for additional grants for airport 
infrastructure. The recommended level of funding is 
$250,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$750,000,000 more than the budget request.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

    Section 110 limits the number of technical staff years at 
the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development to no more 
than 600 in fiscal year 2019.
    Section 111 prohibits funds in this act from being used to 
adopt guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to 
provide the FAA ``without cost'' buildings, maintenance, or 
space for FAA services. The prohibition does not apply to 
negotiations between the FAA and airport sponsors concerning 
``below market'' rates for such services or to grant assurances 
that require airport sponsors to provide land without cost to 
the FAA for air traffic control facilities.
    Section 112 permits the Administrator to reimburse FAA 
appropriations for amounts made available for 49 U.S.C. 
41742(a)(1) as fees are collected and credited under 49 U.S.C. 
45303.
    Section 113 allows funds received to reimburse the FAA 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 the FAA from using funds provided in 
the bill 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 that, upon request by a private owner 
or operator of an aircraft, the Secretary block the display of 
that owner or operator's aircraft registration number in the 
Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program.
    Section 118 prohibits funds in this act for salaries and 
expenses of more than eight political and Presidential 
appointees in the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Section 119 requires the FAA to conduct public outreach and 
provide justification to the Committee before increasing fees 
under section 44721 of title 49, United States Code.
    Section 119A requires the FAA to notify the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 90 days before 
closing a regional operations center or reducing the services 
it provides.
    Section 119B prohibits funds from being used to change 
weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro 
Airport in New Jersey.
    Section 119C prohibits funds from being used to withhold 
from consideration and approval any new application for 
participation in the Contract Tower Program, including 
applications from Cost-share Program participants if the 
Administrator determines such tower is eligible under the 
criteria set forth in the Federal Aviation report, 
Establishment and Discontinuance Criteria for Airport Traffic 
Control Towers (FAA-APO-90-7).
    Section 119D prohibits funds from limiting certification 
activities unless the FAA documents noncompliance.
    Section 119E requires the FAA to permit intermittent large 
cargo air carriers to land in remote areas using a mix of 
available meteorological weather reports, in place of National 
Weather Service forecast reports where they do not provide 
weather coverage.
    Section 119F allows the transfer of funds from the 
``Grants-in-Aid for Airports'' account to reimburse airports 
impacted by temporary flight restrictions for any residence of 
the President that is designated or identified to be secured by 
the United States Secret Service, but only after an independent 
audit.

                     Federal Highway Administration

                          program description

    The principal mission of the Federal Highway Administration 
[FHWA] is, in partnership with State and local governments, to 
foster the development of a safe, efficient, and effective 
highway and intermodal system nationwide including access to 
and within national forests, national parks, Indian lands, and 
other public lands.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Under the Committee recommendations, a total program level 
of $49,307,596,000 is provided for the activities of the 
Federal Highway Administration in fiscal year 2019. The 
recommendation is $3,516,951,000 more than the budget request 
and $1,809,384,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal-aid highways program obligation limitation........   $44,234,212,000   $45,268,596,000   $45,268,596,000
Contract authority exempt from the obligation limitation..       739,000,000       739,000,000       739,000,000
Rescission................................................  ................      -216,951,000  ................
Federal-aid highways program (general fund)...............     2,525,000,000  ................     3,300,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................    47,498,212,000    45,790,645,000    49,307,596,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Limitation, 2018........................................    $442,692,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     449,692,000
Committee recommendation................................     449,692,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This limitation on obligations provides for the salaries 
and expenses of the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] for 
program management, direction, and coordination; engineering 
guidance to Federal and State agencies; and advisory and 
support services in field offices.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations of 
$446,444,304 for administrative expenses of the agency, and an 
additional $3,248,000 for administrative expenses of the 
Appalachian Regional Commission in accordance with section 104 
of title 23, United States Code. The total limitation is equal 
to the budget request and $7,000,000 more than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level.

                          FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2018........................................ $44,234,212,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................  45,268,596,000
Committee recommendation................................  45,268,596,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal-aid highway program provides financial support 
to States and localities for the development, construction, and 
repair of highways and bridges through grants. The program is 
financed from the Highway Trust Fund and most of the funds are 
distributed through apportionments and allocations to States. 
Title 23 of the United States Code and other supporting 
legislation provide authority for the various activities of the 
FHWA. Funding is provided by contract authority, with program 
levels established by annual limitations on obligations set in 
appropriations acts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends limiting fiscal year 2019 
obligations to $45,268,596,000 which is equal to the budget 
request and $1,034,384,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level for the Federal-aid highway program. In addition, 
the bill includes a provision that allows the FHWA to collect 
and spend fees in order to pay for the services of expert firms 
in the field of municipal and project finance to assist the 
agency in the provision of credit instruments.
    Advanced Transportation Congestion Mitigation Technology 
Deployment.--For several years, various elements of Connected, 
Automated, Vehicles and Infrastructure Systems [CAVIS] have 
been developed on a limited basis in controlled environments to 
test systems for collision avoidance or signal preemption for 
emergency vehicles such as Mcity in Ann Arbor, MI and the 
Aberdeen Test Center. 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 could 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 
strongly 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.
    Autonomous Vehicles and Pavement Performance.--Researchers 
have recently identified a potential problem where pavement 
service life is reduced due to autonomous vehicle systems. 
Automated systems have the potential to increase stress 
concentrations on pavements by forcing vehicles to drive in 
specific travel paths within the highway lanes, rather than the 
more random driving paths by human drivers that distribute the 
stresses over pavement on a more varied basis. The Committee 
directs the Department to conduct highly automated vehicle 
research and development to evaluate the impact of autonomous 
vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, on pavement 
performance.
    Regulations.--The Committee directs FHWA to identify 
opportunities to eliminate unnecessary regulations and 
streamline burdensome regulations to ensure FHWA is a good 
steward of taxpayer resources that support the construction of 
physical infrastructure. FHWA should identify areas where more 
autonomy can be given to State, local, and Tribal 
jurisdictions, which have an understanding of the needs and 
challenges in building and maintaining infrastructure.
    Timber Bridge Initiative.--The Committee recognizes that 
the use of cross laminated timber and other forms of mass 
timber can provide value in bridge structures. The benefits of 
timber in bridge construction include reduced weight and cost-
effectiveness. When used to reinforce existing structures, 
timber can upgrade live load capacity. The Committee notes with 
appreciation that FHWA has worked successfully in partnership 
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Products 
Laboratory to research the benefits of timber in bridge 
construction. The Committee urges the Department to renew this 
work, as well as to use mass timber in demonstration projects, 
and recommends continued collaboration with other Federal 
agencies for deploying timber into the U.S. highway and bridge 
system.
    Regional Transportation Workforce Centers.--The Committee 
notes that the workforce needs of the transportation sector 
continue to evolve as new technology and construction practices 
are developed. In many instances, the education curriculum has 
not kept pace with civil engineering practices. The Committee 
directs FHWA to provide resources to the Center for 
Transportation Workforce Development to align education 
workforce development efforts to support: the advancement of 
environmental career paths within transportation, the 
deployment and delivery of innovative transportation solutions 
in rural areas, the planning for smart city and community 
design in rural areas, and improved technology transfer.
    Resilient Infrastructure.--The Committee directs the FHWA 
to update guidance consistent with the DOT Inspector General 
Report on Infrastructure Resilience for Emergency Relief 
Projects, and further directs FHWA to advance best practices 
and methods to consider resilience in all phases of highway 
infrastructure decision making, including planning, design, 
construction, maintenance, and operations. The Committee also 
directs FHWA to consider the deployment of methods that have 
proven effective in providing for a more resilient 
infrastructure system, consistent with FHWA Order 5520, as part 
of discretionary grants and loan programs.
    Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of bicycle and pedestrian 
infrastructure to the mobility and livability of communities. 
The TIFIA program allows for innovative finance partnerships 
between public, private and non-profit partners to improve 
bicycle and pedestrian safety and access. The Committee directs 
the Department to compile, analyze, and issue best practices 
for innovative finance strategies to better inform state 
agencies of available financing options through the 
Department's existing programs.
    Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices [MUTCD].--The 
safe deployment of autonomous vehicles will require 
modifications to various regulations and standards throughout 
the Department to account for new functionalities and types of 
interactions between humans and vehicles. As a result, the 
Committee directs FHWA to publish a schedule for periodic 
updates to the MUTCD for the safe use of our roadways by both 
human drivers and automated vehicles.
    Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives 
[STSFA].--Section 6020 of the FAST Act required the Secretary 
to create a grant program to design and test the functionality 
and acceptance of alternative, user-based revenue mechanisms to 
help maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. 
Grantees are required to submit an annual report to the 
Secretary on the objectives they were able to achieve and 
lessons learned. From that information, the Secretary is 
required to publically report on the progress of these 
demonstration activities on a biennial basis.
    A robust report compiling data and an analysis of the 
demonstration projects would assist Congress in identifying 
viable funding options for surface transportation programs in 
the next reauthorization bill. Given that the fiscal 2017 
grantees were not selected until October of 2017, they will not 
be able to provide an annual report to the Secretary within the 
Secretary's initial biennial reporting requirement. Therefore, 
the Committee directs the biennial reporting requirement be 
deferred until February 2019 in order to appropriately assess 
the results of the fiscal year 2016 and 2017 demonstration 
projects. As part of the biennial reporting requirement within 
the funds provided under STSFA, the Secretary shall, at a 
minimum, address: the findings on the design, acceptance, and 
implementation of alternative revenue mechanisms; 
interoperability, reliability, and ease of compliance; current 
and future estimates of revenue potential, as well as 
administrative costs; and, recommendations to Congress for 
areas of additional research. This will provide Congress and 
the public the benefit of a more comprehensive analysis of 
these innovative financing strategies.
    Permeable Pavements.--The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to accelerate the research, demonstration, and 
deployment of permeable pavements to achieve flood mitigation, 
pollutant reduction, stormwater runoff reduction, and 
environmental conservation. The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to conduct a comprehensive life cycle cost analyses 
of permeable pavements compared to non-permeable pavements and 
a full-scale load testing to establish structural design 
methods to enhance roadway stormwater mitigation and flood 
reduction. The Secretary shall consider areas that have 
received a Federal disaster declaration resulting from flooding 
within the last three fiscal years when choosing locations for 
such research, demonstration, and deployment. The Secretary 
shall make the findings of this research available to States 
and local jurisdictions.
    Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil-Integrated Bridge System.--The 
Committee supports research and deployment to capitalize on 
investments in Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge 
Systems and encourages the Secretary to complete cost studies 
and to distribute these findings to State DOTs. Further, the 
Department should consider Accelerated Innovation Deployment 
Demonstration grants to: deploy innovations in geosynthetic-
reinforced abutments, segmental sound barriers, flooding scour 
countermeasures, and address technical specifications for 
segmental face durability and geosynthetics connections.
    Timely Response.--While the Committee fully supports Buy 
America requirements, there is concern about FHWA's lack of 
action on Buy America waiver requests for products for which 
there is no comparable product made in the United States. 
Therefore, the Committee directs FHWA to review and respond to 
Buy America waivers for which there is no comparable product 
made in the United Sates within 60 days of the request being 
submitted.
    Alternative Fuel Infrastructure.--Section 1413 of the FAST 
Act required the Secretary to designate national electric 
vehicle charging, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling 
corridors within 1 year from the date of enactment of this act. 
Additionally, the Department was required to submit a report to 
Congress identifying charging and fueling infrastructure 
standardization needs in order to achieve standard strategic 
deployment of charging stations in designated corridors by 
2020. The Committee urges FHWA to proactively work with States 
to ensure the deadlines are met and to address all reporting 
requirements directed by Congress in the FAST Act.
    Composites.--The Committee recognizes that composites have 
many benefits for improved performance of bridge 
superstructures and reinforcement components, as well as uses 
in other places such as road signs and pedestrian bridges. 
Composites also have wide-ranging proven characteristics that 
include light weight, high-strength, corrosion resistance, 
life-cycle cost benefits, and long-term durability that 
translate to increased factors of safety for bridge engineering 
designs. The Committee urges FHWA to promote projects that use 
innovative materials, including composites, under the 
Accelerated Innovation Deployment Grant Program aimed at 
accelerating the use of innovation in infrastructure projects.
    Dynamic Highway Message Signs.--In fiscal year 2017, the 
Committee directed FHWA to survey States on their use of 
dynamic highway message signs to improve traffic safety 
behaviors and compliance with State safety laws. FHWA found 
that more than 7,000 of these signs are installed on major 
roads around the Nation, with as many as 116 million vehicles 
passing them each day. These findings support the Committee's 
belief that dynamic highway message signs can play a 
significant role in cost-effective expansion of national 
traffic safety initiatives such as ``Drive Sober or Get Pulled 
Over'' and ``Click It or Ticket''. The Committee reiterates it 
directive to FHWA to coordinate with NHTSA, State DOTs and 
State highway safety offices to increase the use of such signs 
to help save lives and prevent injuries, with a focus on 
maximizing message exposure during the major national safety 
emphasis periods.
    The Committee also directs FHWA to coordinate with State 
DOTs on options for flexibility in highway sign messaging to 
address and combat local emergency priorities, such as the 
epidemic of opioid abuse, which can lead to impaired driving. A 
progress report on joint FHWA-NHTSA action should be provided 
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 
days of enactment of this act.
    Categorical Exclusions.--The Committee notes that the 
purpose of categorical exclusions is to achieve cost savings 
and speed projects to construction. The Committee directs FHWA 
to work with stakeholders, including State DOTs, to determine 
how best to minimize the bureaucratic burden of qualifying a 
project as a CE.
    Rubber Modified Asphalt Usage.--Within the amount provided 
for research, the Committee directs the Secretary, through the 
National Academy of Sciences, to conduct a study of rubber 
modified asphalt technology and report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations not later than January 1, 2020. 
This study shall address: technical and operational aspects of 
using rubber modified asphalt; the types of asphalt 
applications appropriate for rubber modification; performance, 
longevity, and safety impacts of rubber modified asphalt; and 
economics associated with its use.
    Commercial Roads in the Appalachian Development Highway 
System [ADHS].--The Committee recommendation does not include 
the budget's proposed rescission of ADHS funding. Conversely, 
the Committee encourages FHWA to work with relevant State DOTs 
in Appalachia to promote construction and repair projects for 
roads of critical commercial importance in the ADHS. Roads and 
bridges throughout the ADHS are imperative for both local and 
regional passenger and freight connectivity.

                 LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2018.................................... $44,973,212,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................  46,007,596,000
Committee recommendation................................  46,007,596,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal-aid highway program is funded through contract 
authority paid out of the Highway Trust Fund. Most forms of 
budget authority provide the authority to enter into 
obligations and then to liquidate those obligations. Put 
another way, it allows a Federal agency to commit to spending 
money on specified activities and then to actually spend that 
money. In contrast, contract authority provides only the 
authority to enter into obligations, but not the authority to 
liquidate those obligations. The authority to liquidate 
obligations--to actually spend the money committed with the 
contract authority--must be provided separately. The authority 
to liquidate obligations under the Federal-aid highway program 
is provided under this heading. This liquidating authority 
allows FHWA to follow through on commitments already allowed 
under current law; it does not provide the authority to enter 
into new commitments for Federal spending.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a liquidating cash appropriation 
of $46,007,596,000. The recommended level is equal to the 
budget request and $1,034,384,000 more than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level. This level of liquidating authority is 
necessary to pay outstanding obligations from various highway 
accounts pursuant to this and prior appropriations acts.

                    HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $2,525,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................   3,300,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Committee provides funding for Highway Infrastructure 
Programs to improve highway safety and efficiency for all 
Americans through general fund investments in addition to 
levels authorized in the FAST Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $3,300,000,000 from the general 
fund, of which $2,389,200,000 is for road and bridge projects 
eligible under the surface transportation block grant program, 
$15,800,000 is for the Puerto Rico highway program, $5,000,000 
is for the territorial highway program, $90,000,000 is for the 
railway-highway crossings program, and $800,000,000 is for a 
national program to improve and replace bridges in poor 
condition. Funding is available until September 30, 2022.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

    Section 120 distributes obligation authority among Federal-
aid Highway programs.
    Section 121 continues a provision that credits funds 
received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to the 
Federal-aid highways account.
    Section 122 provides requirements for any waiver of Buy 
America requirements.
    Section 123 requires congressional notification before the 
Department provides credit assistance under the TIFIA program.
    Section 124 requires 60-day notification for any grants for 
a project under 23 U.S.C. 117 and requires these notifications 
to be made within 180 days of enactment of this act.
    Section 125 allows State DOTs to repurpose certain highway 
project funding to be used within 50 miles of its original 
designation.

              Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] was 
established within the Department of Transportation by the 
Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act [MCSIA] (Public Law 106-
159) in December 1999. Prior to this legislation, motor carrier 
safety responsibilities were under the jurisdiction of the 
Federal Highway Administration.
    MCSIA, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users [SAFETEA-LU], the 
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act [MAP-21], and 
the Fixing America's Surface Transportation [FAST] Act provide 
funding authorization for FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety 
Operations and Programs and Motor Carrier Safety Grants.
    FMCSA's mission is to promote safe commercial motor vehicle 
and motor coach operations, as well as reduce the number and 
severity of accidents. Agency resources and activities prevent 
and mitigate commercial motor vehicle and motor coach accidents 
through education, regulation, enforcement, stakeholder 
training, technological innovation, and improved information 
systems. FMCSA is also responsible for ensuring that all 
commercial vehicles entering the United States along its 
southern and northern borders comply with all Federal motor 
carrier safety and hazardous materials regulations. To 
accomplish these activities, FMCSA works with Federal, State, 
and local enforcement agencies, the motor carrier industry, 
highway safety organizations, and the public.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total level of $666,800,000 for 
obligations and liquidations from the Highway Trust Fund. This 
level is $1,000,000 more than the budget request and 
$178,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Fiscal year--
                                                           ------------------------------------     Committee
                                                              2018 enacted      2019 estimate    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor Carrier Safety Operations & Programs (obligation          $283,000,000      $284,000,000      $284,000,000
 limitation)..............................................
Motor Carrier Safety Grants (obligation limitation).......       561,800,000       381,800,000       382,800,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................       844,800,000       665,800,000       666,800,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2018........................................    $283,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     284,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     284,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides the necessary resources to support 
motor carrier safety program activities and maintain the 
agency's administrative infrastructure. Funding supports 
nationwide motor carrier safety and consumer enforcement 
efforts, including Federal safety enforcement activities at the 
United States-Mexico border to ensure that Mexican carriers 
entering the United States are in compliance with FMCSA 
regulations. Resources are also provided to fund motor carrier 
regulatory development and implementation, information 
management, research and technology, safety education and 
outreach, and the 24-hour safety and consumer telephone 
hotline.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations and 
authority to liquidate an equal amount of contract 
authorization of $284,000,000 for FMCSA's Operations and 
Programs. The recommendation is $1,000,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and equal to the budget request. Of the 
total limitation on obligations, $9,073,000 is for research and 
technology and $34,824,000 is for information management.
    Bus Lease and Interchange Rule.--In fiscal year 2018, the 
Committee directed FMCSA to modify or remove the final rule 
concerning the lease and interchange of passenger carrying 
motor vehicles no later than December 1, 2018, and continues to 
direct the agency to meet this deadline.
    Heavy Vehicle Speed Limiters.--In response to a 2006 
petition from a coalition of trucking industry and safety 
advocates, NHTSA and FMCSA issued a joint proposed rule on 
August 26, 2016 requiring speed limiter devices. The Committee 
directs the agencies to fully and expeditiously address all 
public comments. The final rule should address the impact of 
creating speed differentials on highways and consider the costs 
and benefits of applying the rule to existing heavy vehicles 
that are equipped with speed limiting devices.
    High-Risk Carriers.--In January 2016, FMCSA revised its 
scoring and standards for the inspection of high-risk carriers 
in response to a July 2014 Independent Review Team assessment 
and section 5305 of the FAST Act. Under revised FMCSA 
regulations, carriers identified as high risk must have a 
compliance review conducted within 90 days. The Committee is 
encouraged that the agency was able to achieve an 87 percent 
high-risk carrier inspection rate in fiscal year 2016, compared 
to 81 percent in fiscal year 2015. The Committee continues to 
direct the agency to provide the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations with an updated report on its ability to meet 
its requirements to evaluate high-risk carriers by April 15, 
2020 for the preceding fiscal year for which inspection data is 
available.
    Natural Gas Vehicle Regulations.--The Committee recognizes 
the significant growth and value in the market for natural gas 
as a transportation fuel, and is aware that certain regulations 
that address the safety of natural gas vehicles have not been 
updated to keep pace with new developments and the advancement 
of natural gas vehicles. Accordingly, the Department is 
encouraged to develop new safety regulations and inspection 
procedures for liquefied natural gas [LNG] fuel tanks and fuel 
systems on commercial motor vehicles, and revise and harmonize 
requirements for compressed natural gas [CNG] cylinders that 
address the inspection of such cylinders. The Department is 
also encouraged to work with industry and manufacturers to 
clarify and address the ability of bus manufacturers to 
continue to deploy buses that have roof-top mounted CNG 
cylinders. In addition, as there are no Federal regulations 
that prohibit the interstate movement of natural gas vehicles 
as it relates to the fuel stored onboard for motive power, the 
Secretary is encouraged to clarify through guidance that rules 
restricting access to bridges and tunnels in the case of an 
alternative fuel vehicle should not be any more restrictive 
than those addressing gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles, 
unless there is a determination of a significant risk to 
safety.
    Electronic Logging Devices.--The Committee appreciates the 
Department's efforts in issuing guidance to clarify an 
exemption from the Electronic Logging Device [ELD] mandate 
related to a 150 air-mile radius exemption for agricultural 
commodities. To address further concerns raised by drivers of 
certain commodities, including cattle haulers, the Committee 
directs the Department to consult with stakeholders, the 
Department of Agriculture, and the House and Senate authorizing 
committees on legislative solutions for drivers with unique 
working conditions. The Department should take into 
consideration the unique challenges associated with 
transporting live animals and agricultural commodities, as well 
as ensuring roadway safety. The Committee notes that the House 
Committee on Appropriations reported a Transportation, Housing 
and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, 2019 bill that 
prohibits funds from being used to enforce an electronic 
logging device mandate for livestock or insects.
    Definitions.--The Committee appreciates the guidance the 
Department announced regarding ELD and Hours of Service 
requirements related to the transportation of agricultural 
commodities including livestock. However, the Committee is 
concerned that the definition FMCSA uses for ``agricultural 
commodity'' is outdated and does not include certain livestock 
such as farm-raised, ornamental, and bait fish. The Committee 
directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Agriculture, to work together on a definition of livestock 
which includes farm-raised, ornamental and bait fish and that 
is more consistent with current programs operating under the 
Department of Agriculture.

                      MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2018........................................    $561,800,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     381,800,000
Committee recommendation................................     382,800,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides the necessary resources for Federal 
grants to support State compliance, enforcement, and other 
programs. Grants are also provided to States for enforcement 
efforts at both the southern and northern borders to ensure 
that all points of entry into the United States are fortified 
with comprehensive safety measures; improvement of State 
commercial driver's license [CDL] oversight activities to 
prevent unqualified drivers from being issued CDLs; and the 
Performance Registration Information Systems and Management 
[PRISM] program, which links State motor vehicle registration 
systems with carrier safety data in order to identify unsafe 
commercial motor carriers.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations and 
authority to liquidate an equal amount of contract 
authorization of $382,800,000 for motor carrier safety grants. 
The recommended limitation is $179,000,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $1,000,000 more than the budget 
request. The Committee recommends a separate limitation on 
obligations for each grant program funded under this account 
with the funding allocation identified below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motor carrier safety assistance program [MCSAP].......      $304,300,000
High priority activities program......................        44,000,000
Commercial motor vehicle operator grants program......         2,000,000
Commercial driver's license program implementation            32,500,000
 program..............................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

    Section 130 subjects the funds in this act to section 350 
of Public Law 107-87 in order to ensure the safety of all 
cross-border long haul operations conducted by Mexican-
domiciled commercial carriers.
    Section 131 requires FMCSA to send notice of 49 CFR 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 violations.

             National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] 
was established as a separate organizational entity in the 
Department of Transportation 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 is responsible for 
motor vehicle safety, highway safety behavioral programs, motor 
vehicle information, and automobile fuel economy programs.
    NHTSA's mission is to reduce deaths, injuries, and economic 
losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. 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 
driving, and to promote policies and de- vices with 
demonstrated safety benefits including helmets, child safety 
seats, airbags, and graduated license. 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 $956,308,000, including both 
budget authority and limitations on the obligation of contract 
authority. This funding is $41,573,000 more than the 
President's request and $9,104,000 more than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level. The following table summarizes Committee 
recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Highway trust
                                                              General fund          fund              Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation 2018........................................      $200,575,000      $746,629,000      $947,204,000
Budget estimate, 2019.....................................       152,427,000       762,308,000       914,735,000
Committee recommendation..................................       194,000,000       762,308,000       956,308,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    These programs support traffic safety programs and related 
research, demonstrations, technical assistance, and national 
leadership for highway safety programs conducted by State and 
local governments, the private sector, universities, research 
units, and various safety associations and organizations. These 
highway safety programs emphasize alcohol and drug 
countermeasures, vehicle occupant protection, traffic law 
enforcement, emergency medical and trauma care systems, traffic 
records and licensing, State and community traffic safety 
evaluations, protection of motorcycle riders, pedestrian and 
bicyclist safety, pupil transportation, distracted driving 
prevention, young and older driver safety, and improved 
accident investigation procedures.

                        OPERATIONS AND RESEARCH

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Highway trust
                                                              General fund          fund              Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation, fiscal year 2018...........................      $189,075,000      $149,000,000      $338,075,000
Budget estimate, 2019.....................................       152,427,000       152,100,000       304,527,000
Committee recommendation..................................       190,000,000       152,100,000       342,100,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides $342,100,000 for Operations and 
Research, which is $37,573,000 more than the President's budget 
request and $7,475,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. Of the total amount recommended for Operations and 
Research, $190,000,000 is derived from the general fund and 
$152,100,000 is derived from the Highway Trust Fund. For 
vehicle safety research, the Committee recommendation includes 
$25,000,000 for rulemakings, of which not less than $16,000,000 
is for the new car assessment program, $33,000,000 for 
enforcement, and $49,000,000 for research and analysis. For 
highway safety research and development, the Committee 
recommendation includes $61,782,000 for highway safety 
programs, and $40,289,700 for the National Center for 
Statistics and Analysis.
    Autonomous Vehicles.--The Committee provided substantial, 
multi-year investment for automated vehicle [AV] research and 
demonstration in fiscal year 2018. The Committee expects 
regular updates on implementation of the programs, research, 
and projects, including coordinated activities between the 
Department and the Department of Labor.
    The Committee continues to recognize the rapid pace at 
which AV technology is developing, and is interested in 
validating the safety of new technology that would operate on 
our Nation's roads at federally designated proving grounds. The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to solicit applications and 
designate additional proving grounds for testing, especially at 
locations that can demonstrate the capacity to test on existing 
facilities with an existing trained workforce. These new 
proving grounds should have the ability to conduct research 
independently or in conjunction with NHTSA's Vehicle Research 
and Testing Center on passenger and commercial vehicles.
    Crashworthiness Research.--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 U.S. highly skilled 
manufacturing jobs. Using NHTSA program funds, NHTSA is 
directed to focus on updating the countermeasures in its 
frontal, side, rollover, front seatbacks and lower interior 
impacts for children and small adults, and pedestrian 
crashworthiness projects, with an emphasis on vehicle light 
weighting in both traditional and autonomous vehicle structural 
designs. NHTSA should leverage lessons learned from lightweight 
materials research at the Department, the Department of Energy, 
and by industry stakeholders in its development of safety-
centered approaches for future lightweight automotive design.
    Impaired Driving.--The Committee remains concerned about 
the increasing rates of impaired driving, particularly in 
States that adopt measures to decriminalize marijuana. The use 
of marijuana before or while driving is a critical public 
safety issue and the Committee directed NHTSA in Senate Report 
114-253 to conduct a study of marijuana-impaired driving. The 
Committee recognizes the importance of impaired driving 
countermeasures at the community level in protecting public 
safety, and encourages NHTSA to expand its efforts with law 
enforcement to increase awareness and use of Drug Recognition 
Expert [DRE] and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement 
[ARIDE] training, particularly in States that have adopted 
recreational or medicinal marijuana laws. In order to further 
efforts to provide law enforcement with advanced training and 
skills to detect impaired driving, the Committee directs NHTSA 
to provide States with flexibility to use impaired driving 
countermeasures grant for DRE and ARIDE training.
    Tire Efficiency.--The FAST Act includes three tire-related 
provisions under section 24331, the ``Tire Efficiency, Safety, 
and Registration Act of 2015'' or the ``TESR Act''. The 
provisions will contribute significantly to consumer safety, 
vehicle fuel economy and the competitiveness of the U.S. tire 
manufacturing industry and deserve the Department's timely 
attention and resources. The Committee expects that the 
Secretary to expeditiously transmit the report on the 
Department's schedule and status of three tire-related 
provisions, as directed by Senate Report 115-138.
    Truck Underride Safety Research.--NHTSA initiated a 
rulemaking to improve truck underride safety in December of 
2015. The Committee encourages NHTSA to finalize this 
rulemaking and NHTSA shall consult with relevant experts and 
stakeholders including researchers, engineers, the trucking 
industry, and safety advocates, to facilitate the employment 
and adoption of rear and side underride protection devices.
    Drunk Driving Prevention.--NHTSA has partnered with leading 
automobile manufacturers in the Automotive Coalition for 
Traffic Safety on an ambitious research program to develop in-
vehicle technology to prevent alcohol-impaired driving that is 
publicly acceptable, unobtrusive for drivers below the legal 
limit of .08 BAC, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. The 
FAST Act provides $21,248,000 between fiscal years 2017 and 
2020 for in-vehicle alcohol detection device research. The 
Committee continues to strongly support this promising research 
partnership, which has the potential to prevent thousands of 
drunk-driving deaths annually. The Committee recommendation 
includes $5,312,000 for continuation of this research in fiscal 
year 2019.
    Highway Fatalities.--The Committee is deeply concerned 
about the recent increases in highway fatalities, which 
increased by 8.4 percent in 2015 and another 5.6 percent in 
2016. Preliminary estimates for 2017 show a slight decrease, 
but the substantial fatality increases in 2015-2016 erased 
reductions that had been achieved in prior years.
    Strategies for zero highway deaths in the future and 
efforts to accelerate the development of AVs are an important 
part of NHTSA's mission, but they should not divert attention 
from proven methods to address the immediate public health goal 
to reduce highway fatalities and injuries. The Committee 
believes that substantial gains in achieving this goal can be 
realized in the coming years through a combination of 
technology and a renewed emphasis on drunk, drug-impaired, and 
distracted driving prevention, increased seat belt and child 
safety seat use, as well as innovative tools to improve 
motorcycle and pedestrian safety. The Committee is encouraged 
by initiatives like Road to Zero, which is committed to a goal 
of zero roadway fatalities by 2050. The Committee urges NHTSA 
to continue programs that will achieve the goal of consistently 
limiting highway fatalities.
    Drunk Driving Fatalities.--Alcohol-impaired driving 
fatalities increased 1.7 percent from 10,320 in 2015 to 10,497 
in 2016. This total represents 28 percent of overall highway 
fatalities, the lowest percentage since 1982 when this data 
reporting began. The Committee continues to be concerned about 
the rate of drunk driving fatalities on our highways and 
encourages NHTSA to work with interested stakeholders, 
particularly the law enforcement community, which is essential 
to addressing drunk driving. The Committee continues to provide 
substantial support for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 
high-visibility enforcement campaigns and encourages engagement 
with law enforcement to make the campaigns more pervasive and 
effective.
    Seat Belts.--There have been remarkable gains in the 
national seat belt use rate, with the national average at 90 
percent, an approximately 75 percent increase in 35 years. The 
adoption of strong State seat belt use laws and high visibility 
enforcement programs such as Click It or Ticket have been 
instrumental in bringing about this major cultural shift. The 
result is that more than 14,000 lives were saved in 2016 due to 
seat belt use, but some States still lag in their belt use 
rates. An estimated 50 percent of passenger vehicle occupant 
fatalities are unbelted, and millions are not using the most 
effective safety equipment in their vehicles. A technology 
solution, such as enhanced belt use reminders for drivers and 
passengers, might be useful to reach the goal of universal belt 
use and save lives. The Committee therefore directs NHTSA to 
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of this act, on the 
potential types and benefits of technology enhancements to 
increase seat belt use and efforts by the agency and vehicle 
manufacturers to increase belt use through technology.
    Child Hyperthermia Prevention.--The Committee continues to 
recognize the child safety crisis involving children left alone 
in motor vehicles who succumb to hyperthermia, and has 
favorably cited the awareness programs conducted by NHTSA. The 
Committee directs NHTSA to continue and expand its public 
education and outreach efforts on child hot car death 
prevention through a public call to action encouraging public 
messaging and involvement from a broad group of organizations, 
government agencies, medical professionals and others who 
regularly interact with parents and the public. The Committee 
also directs NHTSA to provide updates on previously mandated 
studies and outreach efforts, including findings on 
effectiveness and statistics and trends on injuries and deaths 
associated with hyperthermia.
    Recall Component Parts.--Section 24116 of the FAST Act 
requires auto manufacturers to provide component names, 
descriptions, and part number information in recall reports 
they file with NHTSA. However, there is no method for 
businesses who recycle or repair automotive parts to look up 
individual parts involved in a recall by Vehicle Identification 
Number [VIN]. The Committee directs NHTSA to update the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on manufacturers' 
compliance rates with the FAST Act mandate and to provide the 
Committees with an analysis of what benefits could be achieved 
through a searchable VIN database and the resources that would 
be required to implement such a database within 120 days 
enactment of this act.

                     HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANTS

                (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORIZATION)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

                          (HIGHWAY TRUST FUND)

Limitation, 2018........................................    $597,629,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     610,208,000
Committee recommendation................................     610,208,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The most recent surface transportation authorization, the 
FAST Act, reauthorizes the section 402 State and community 
formula grants, the high visibility enforcement grants, and the 
consolidated National Priority Safety Program which consists of 
occupant protection grants, State traffic safety information 
grants, impaired driving countermeasures grants, distracted 
driving grants, motorcycle safety grants, State graduated 
driver license grants, and nonmotorized safety grants.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on obligations and 
authority to liquidate an equal amount of contract 
authorization of $610,208,000 for the highway traffic safety 
grant programs funded under this heading. The recommended 
limitation is equal to the budget estimate and $12,579,000 
above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    The Committee continues to recommend prohibiting the use of 
section 402 funds for construction, rehabilitation or 
remodeling costs, or for office furnishings and fixtures for 
State, local, or private buildings or structures.
    The authorized funding for administrative expenses and for 
each grant program is as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
      Total...........................................       610,208,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

      ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY 
                             ADMINISTRATION

    Section 140 makes available $130,000 of obligation 
authority for section 402 of title 23 U.S.C. to pay for travel 
and expenses for State management reviews and highway safety 
staff core competency development training.
    Section 141 exempts obligation authority, made available in 
previous public laws, from limitations on obligations for the 
current year.
    Section 142 provides additional funding for highway safety 
programs.

                    Federal Railroad Administration

    The Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] became an 
operating administration within the Department of 
Transportation on April 1, 1967. It incorporated the Bureau of 
Railroad Safety from the Interstate Commerce Commission, the 
Office of High Speed Ground Transportation from the Department 
of Commerce, and the Alaska Railroad from the Department of the 
Interior. FRA is responsible for planning, developing, and 
administering programs to achieve safe operating and mechanical 
practices in the railroad industry. Grants to the National 
Railroad Passenger Corporation [Amtrak] and other financial 
assistance programs to rehabilitate and improve the railroad 
industry's physical infrastructure are also administered by the 
Federal Railroad Administration.

                         SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $221,698,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     202,304,000
Committee recommendation................................     221,698,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Safety and Operations account provides support for FRA 
rail safety activities and all other administrative and 
operating activities related to staff and programs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recognizes the importance of taking a 
holistic approach to improving railroad safety and supports a 
comprehensive strategy of data-driven regulatory and inspection 
efforts, proactive approaches to identify and mitigate risks, 
and strategic capital investments in order to improve safety.
    The Committee recommends $221,698,000 for Safety and 
Operations for fiscal year 2019, which is $19,394,000 more than 
the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The bill provides sufficient funding to administer FRA 
programs, including safety inspection, the safe transportation 
of energy products, the Confidential Close Call Program, the 
national bridge system inventory, grant administration, the 
Railroad Safety Information System, research and development 
activities, and contract support. The Committee recommendation 
continues to include $10,000,000 for staff and contractors to 
aid and oversee Positive Train Control [PTC] implementation. 
The Committee remains concerned with delays in hiring staff for 
PTC oversight and expects the Secretary to hire staff up to the 
appropriated levels.
    Automated Track Inspection Program [ATIP].--ATIP provides 
track geometry information, as well as other track-related 
performance data, to assess compliance with FRA Track Safety 
Standards. The data collected by ATIP is used by FRA inspectors 
and railroads to ensure proper track maintenance and to assess 
track safety trends within the industry. The Committee 
recommendation includes $16,500,000 for ATIP and urges FRA to 
continue to expand the use of ATIP vehicles to support the 
inspection of routes transporting passengers and hazardous 
materials like crude oil and energy products.
    Positive Train Control.--On May 16, 2018, the Committee 
held a hearing entitled ``Oversight of Rail Safety Programs'' 
to examine the status of PTC implementation and other rail 
safety programs. Many railroads have made significant progress 
and are on schedule to either meet the December 31, 2018, 
deadline or qualify for an alternative schedule until December 
31, 2020, but several railroads at risk of having to curtail or 
cancel service. Congress has provided significant funding to 
help railroads meet the deadline, but the Department has 
unnecessarily delayed and complicated the release of this 
funding. Funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and 
Safety Improvements [CRISI] grant program for fiscal year 2017 
was appropriated in May 2017, but the NOFO was not issued by 
the Department until February 2018, a nine month delay. Awards 
have yet to be made. For fiscal year 2018, the Department 
issued a NOFO within two months of the date of enactment, but 
only for $250,000,000 of the $592,547,000 appropriated. The 
Committee specifically set aside a minimum of $250,000,000 for 
PTC grants, but the Department's decision to bifurcate funding 
into two separate NOFOs essentially prevents the remaining 
funds from being used for PTC implementation in this fiscal 
year. Given the widespread demand for PTC assistance among 
commuter railroads, many of which are struggling to install 
hardware and train employees by December 31, 2018, the 
Department's decision is counterproductive. The Committee 
recommendation includes deadlines for administering FRA's grant 
programs to demonstrate the urgency of making these funds 
available. In addition, not later than September 30, 2018, FRA 
is directed to submit to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations a report providing: (1) a determination as to 
status of all railroads meeting, or qualifying for an extension 
of, the December 31, 2018, deadline for the implementation of 
PTC, (2) an enforcement plan against railroads that do not 
qualify for a PTC extension, (3) an assessment of the effects 
on rail service for those railroads not expected to qualify for 
an extension, and (4) a plan for conducting reviews under 49 
U.S.C. 20157(a)(3) in compliance with applicable statutory time 
limits.
    Bench Test Equipment.--The Committee recognizes the crucial 
role test equipment plays in rail safety and continues to 
encourage FRA to adopt standardized Bench Test Equipment [BTE] 
to replace numerous legacy and aging test and diagnostic 
equipment. Standardization on proven performance verification 
methods could provide increased safety for the traveling 
public, shorter schedules for new technology deployments, such 
as PTC or communications-based train control, reduce down time 
related to faulty systems, and reduce or eliminate serious 
accidents. Therefore, the Committee encourages DOT to work with 
the private sector to perform an extended business case 
analysis supporting standardized performance verification and 
diagnostics for safety critical electronics systems. The study 
should involve DOT and local transit authorities implementing 
an interoperable open architecture BTE. Similar efforts have 
proven successful in reducing overall cost while increasing 
safety when sponsored by the FAA and the Department of Defense.

                   RAILROAD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $40,600,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      19,550,000
Committee recommendation................................      40,600,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Railroad Research and Development program provides 
science and technology support for FRA's rail safety rulemaking 
and enforcement efforts. It also supports technological 
advances in conventional and high-speed railroads, as well as 
evaluations of the role of railroads in the Nation's 
transportation system.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,600,000 
for railroad Research and Development, which is $21,050,000 
more than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    Short Line Safety Institute.--Short line railroads operate 
approximately 50,000 miles of track, which is one-third of the 
national railroad network. They are an important feeder system 
for the larger Class I railroads, helping connect local 
communities to the national railroad network. There are 550 
short line railroads operating in the United States, 73 of 
which currently handle some volume of energy products. The 
safety management system of short lines is extremely varied. 
Many small railroads with limited personnel and limited 
financial capital need additional resources to conduct 
hazardous materials safety training and other operational 
safety assessments. The Committee continues to support FRA's 
efforts, in partnership with short line and regional railroads, 
to build a stronger, more sustainable safety culture in this 
segment of the rail industry. To date, several Class III 
railroads, including those that transport crude oil, have 
received safety culture assessments in order to improve 
railroad safety culture. The Committee's recommendation 
includes $2,500,000 to fund the Short Line Safety Institute and 
its mission, including continued efforts to improve the safe 
transportation of crude oil, other hazardous materials, 
freight, and passenger rail.
    Tank Car Research.--The Committee remains committed to rail 
safety through significant investments in rail safety 
personnel, research, grants, and oversight. The Committee's 
recommendation includes sufficient funding to continue tank car 
research activities related to the safe transportation of 
energy products in partnership with other Federal agencies.
    Research Partnerships with Universities.--The Committee's 
recommendation includes up to $5,000,000 for partnerships with 
qualified universities on research related to improving the 
safety, capacity, and efficiency of the Nation's rail 
infrastructure, including $1,000,000 for research on 
intelligent railroad systems. This includes basic and applied 
research related to rolling stock, operational reliability, 
infrastructure, inspection technology, maintenance, energy 
efficiency, the development of rail safety technologies, such 
as positive train control, grade crossing safety improvements, 
and derailment prevention, particularly for trains carrying 
passengers and hazardous materials. Research conducted in 
conjunction with FRA at universities should also be structured 
to facilitate the education and training of the next generation 
of professionals in rail engineering and transportation.

       RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING PROGRAM

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation allows the credit risk premium 
for RRIF loans to be eligible for grants under the National 
Infrastructure Investments account.
    RRIF Credit Risk Premium Repayment.--A requirement to 
define ``cohorts'' in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 
if executed, would unintentionally result in a modification 
cost for CRP repayment and, instead of being treated as a 
reestimate, as defined by the Federal Credit Reform Act [FCRA], 
such modification cost would require upfront budget authority 
to execute. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 provided 
a $25,000,000 appropriation for RRIF, but the intent of the 
Committee was for those funds to be used for the cost of new 
loans, not modification costs. The Committee recommendation 
does not continue the 2018 requirement for an annual cohort 
definition, and instead, DOT and OMB should establish a 
definition of cohorts that is consistent with section 504(e) of 
FCRA and RRIF statutory requirements. This recommendation, by 
simply accelerating the timing of defining cohort, would not 
change the definition from the underlying statute and 
regulations, and would ensure that the $25,000,000 provided in 
the 2018 Omnibus would be available for the cost of new RRIF 
loans, while at the same time hopefully minimizing the length 
of time the government retains possession of the CRP balances.

       FEDERAL-STATE PARTNERSHIP FOR STATE OF GOOD REPAIR GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     300,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair 
Grant program provides support for capital projects that reduce 
the state of good repair backlog with respect to qualified 
railroad assets, as authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24911.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $300,000,000 for the Federal-State 
Partnership for State of Good Repair Grants [SOGR], which is 
$300,000,000 more than the budget request and $50,000,000 more 
than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The recommendation is 
consistent with the level authorized under section 11103 of 
Public Law 114-94. The Committee is aware of the growing 
backlog of state of good repair and improvement needs on many 
of the country's important passenger routes. The Committee is 
dismayed by the lack of urgency demonstrated by the Department 
in issuing the NOFO for SOGR funding appropriated in fiscal 
years 2017 and 2018 to improve the safety and state of good 
repair of the Nation's railroad system. The Committee directs 
the Department to publish a NOFO consistent with the 
eligibility guidelines from the FAST Act for all appropriated 
funding for SOGR from fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 within 
30 days of the date of enactment of this act and to make awards 
to eligible grantees within 180 days of the date of enactment 
of this act.

    CONSOLIDATED RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $592,547,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     255,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety 
Improvements [CRISI] Grants provide support for projects 
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24407(c).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $255,000,000 for the CRISI Grants, 
which is $255,000,000 more than the budget request and 
$337,547,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. This 
recommendation is consistent with the level authorized under 
section 11102 of Public Law 114-94, of which 25 percent shall 
be available for projects in rural areas. The Committee notes 
that PTC-related implementation costs are eligible expenses and 
directs the Department to prioritize these funds for railroads 
most at risk of not meeting the PTC deadline. The Committee 
recognizes the importance of improving the safety of rail 
transportation, both freight and passenger, as well as 
improving the safety of our entire transportation network.
    The Committee directs the Department to release a NOFO that 
encompasses the remaining fiscal year 2018 CRISI funds and the 
fiscal year 2019 funds provided in this act within 30 days of 
the enactment of this act and to clarify that these funds are 
eligible for PTC-related expenses. Furthermore, the Department 
is directed to make awards to eligible grantees using the 
entirety of any remaining funds from fiscal year 2018 and the 
funds provided in fiscal year 2019 within 120 days of enactment 
of this act, to assist with implementation costs for railroads 
that are behind schedule or that received extensions, as well 
as ongoing maintenance costs for railroads that have systems 
already in place, remain eligible for these funds.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to allow recipients 
to use grant funds for eligible non-construction expenses, such 
as the installation of onboard locomotive apparatuses, back 
office server technology, and other core functionalities of 
PTC. After obligation, the Secretary may reimburse recipients 
for such expenses even if such expenses were incurred before 
the completion of Federal environmental reviews conducted to 
support the obligation, as permitted by law. Maintenance and 
operations costs incurred after a PTC system is placed in 
revenue service are not eligible.

                   RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $20,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      10,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Restoration and Enhancement Grant program provides 
support for operating assistance and capital investments to 
initiate, restore, or enhance intercity passenger rail service, 
as authorized under 49 U.S.C. 24408.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $10,000,000 for Restoration and 
Enhancement Grants, which is $10,000,000 more than the budget 
request and $10,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The Committee expects non-Federal stakeholders to make 
financial or in-kind contributions to projects receiving awards 
under this program. The Committee directs the Department to 
publish a NOFO for Restoration and Enhancement Grants within 30 
days of enactment of this act and to make awards to eligible 
grantees within 120 days of enactment of this act.

          THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION [AMTRAK]

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $1,941,600,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     737,897,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,941,600,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The National Railroad Passenger Corporation [Amtrak] 
operates intercity passenger rail services in 46 States and the 
District of Columbia, in addition to serving as a contractor in 
various capacities for several commuter rail agencies. Congress 
created Amtrak in the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 
(Public Law 91-518) in response to private carriers' inability 
to profitably operate intercity passenger rail service. 
Thereafter, Amtrak assumed the common carrier obligations of 
the private railroads in exchange for the right to priority 
access to their tracks for incremental cost.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total appropriation of 
$1,941,600,000 for Amtrak, which is $1,203,703,000 more than 
the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The Committee directs FRA to make a timely disbursement 
of funds in accordance with the FAST Act to maximize the 
Corporation's ability to efficiently manage its cash flow. Each 
year, Amtrak is responsible for significant one-time cash 
overflows at the beginning of the calendar year. In order to 
help facilitate these payments, the Committee directs the FRA 
to release adequate funding in the first quarter of the fiscal 
year in order to efficiently manage Amtrak's financial 
obligations in a timely manner.
    Speed Limit Action Plans.--The Committee notes that section 
11406 of the FAST Act required each railroad carrier providing 
intercity or commuter rail service to survey its entire system 
and identify each curve, bridge, or tunnel requiring a 
reduction of more than 20 miles per hour from the approach 
speed and to submit an action plan detailing steps the railroad 
carrier would take to enhance safety at these locations. Based 
on the timeline within the FAST Act, such plans were due to the 
FRA by July 4, 2016, and FRA subsequently had 90 days to 
approve or disapprove such plans. The Committee is concerned 
that these speed limit action plans do not reflect new routes 
or segments of track that railroad carriers have put into 
service after the initial plan submissions. The Committee 
remains concerned about the dangers of over-speed derailments 
on routes where PTC is not fully implemented and in service. 
The Committee directs Amtrak to complete and implement a speed 
limit action plan, as defined in section 11406 of the FAST Act, 
for each route on its network until such route has PTC fully 
implemented and operational.
    Improving Communication with Stakeholders.--The Committee 
applauds Amtrak's efforts to make itself financially more 
sustainable through a business-like approach to its operations. 
However, the Committee is concerned that the Corporation is 
failing to communicate adequately with the public prior to 
making service changes that have significant impacts on its 
ridership and the communities it serves. This past year, Amtrak 
made a series of changes to longstanding policies governing 
charter trains, special trains, station agents, and private 
cars. Many of these changes were justified adjustments to 
services that were costly or interfered with the operation of 
Amtrak's regularly scheduled passenger trains. However, the 
Committee is concerned that Amtrak unveiled these decisions 
without giving members of the public time to react or register 
their opinions.
    Amtrak is, at times, one of the only operators available to 
private and non-profit organizations that utilize charter 
trains, special trains, and private trains, making its 
cooperation and communication with those organizations critical 
to their existence. In order to improve the transparency of 
Amtrak's recent decisions, the Committee directs Amtrak to 
report on the effects of its changes in policy to charter 
trains, special trains, and private trains, including impacts 
on on-time performance, operational efficiency, and revenue. 
The information in the report should inform the Committee 
whether these policies could be improved upon without 
negatively impacting previously provided services. This report 
shall be included within Amtrak's fiscal year 2020 budget 
request and include metrics used to determine pricing for these 
services.
    The Committee encourages Amtrak to improve public outreach 
and offer its stakeholders an opportunity to comment on 
policies that affect services prior to finalizing any such 
decisions. This consultation should include communication prior 
to changing previous commitments made by Amtrak regarding 
conditions of acceptance of Federal grant funding.
    Amtrak Station Agents.--The Committee recognizes that while 
the majority of Amtrak's ticket sales take place online, there 
are still areas in the country lacking sufficient access to the 
Internet, making online sales prohibitively difficult. Senior 
residents and disadvantaged populations are less likely to have 
a credit card or another means to purchase tickets remotely, 
but rely on passenger rail for intercity connectivity, 
particularly in communities without access to air travel. 
Station agents can provide customer service, assistance, and 
safety for passengers in those communities in ways that a 
ticket kiosk simply cannot. The Committee directs Amtrak to 
provide at least one station agent in every state where it 
operates that had at least one station agent in fiscal year 
2018, and reiterates its encouragement to improve public 
outreach prior to making customer service changes.
    Budget and Business Plan.--The Committee continues to 
direct Amtrak to submit a business plan in accordance with 
section 11203(b) of Public Law 114-94 for fiscal year 2019. The 
Corporation shall continue to submit a budget request for 
fiscal year 2020 to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations in similar format and substance to those 
submitted by executive agencies of the Federal Government.
    FRA Grant Administration and Report Streamlining.--The 
Committee recognizes that Amtrak fields a myriad of grant 
requirements from the FRA. The Committee is supportive of 
robust oversight by the FRA; however, to the extent 
practicable, the FRA is encouraged to work with Amtrak to 
reduce duplication and streamline their reporting requirements.
    Train Scheduling.--The Committee recognizes the role of 
passenger rail as an alternative to airplane travel in certain 
areas, especially for distances under 500 miles. However, 
weekday Amtrak service between Washington and Boston contains a 
striking gap between afternoon trains. On a typical afternoon, 
there is over a six-hour gap between the Washington to Boston 
Northeast Regional train that leaves around 4:00 p.m. and the 
next train that leaves after 10:00 p.m. The Committee directs 
the Department and Amtrak to evaluate options to address this 
scheduling gap and report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 90 days of the enactment of this act. 
Such options should contain no more than a two-hour gap between 
trains between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and 
include cost estimates for each option.
    Food and Beverage.--Since 2015, the Committee has required 
Amtrak to report on its savings initiatives. The FAST Act 
formalized this planning and implementation process providing 
specific requirements to eliminate operating losses associated 
with providing food and beverage services on board Amtrak 
trains by 2020. The Committee urges Amtrak to continue to take 
actions that would allow it to produce a net loss of zero on 
its food and beverage services consistent with the FAST Act 
deadline. The Committee directs Amtrak to provide a report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 
120 days after enactment of this act comparing the actual 
fiscal year 2018 savings with Amtrak projections.

     NORTHEAST CORRIDOR GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER 
                              CORPORATION

    The Committee recommends $650,000,000 for Northeast 
Corridor Grants to Amtrak. The funding level provided includes 
no more than $5,000,000 for the use of the Northeast Corridor 
Commission established under section 24905 of title 49, United 
States Code.

 NATIONAL NETWORK GRANTS TO THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION

    The Committee recommends $1,291,600,000 for National 
Network Grants to Amtrak. The funding level provided includes 
no more than $2,000,000 for use of the State-Supported Route 
Committee established in the FAST Act and at least $50,000,000 
shall be for installation of safety technology on certain 
State-supported routes.
    National Network Services.--Long-distance routes provide 
much needed transportation access for 4.7 million riders in 325 
communities in 40 States. Providing diversified transportation 
options is important to the growth of the Nation's economy, 
especially in rural areas where mobility options are limited. 
Equally important are routes that provide service to rural 
areas from urban areas along the Northeast Corridor. The budget 
request includes a proposal to require States to contribute 
substantially more funding for service on the National Network, 
which would significantly curtail the Federal Government's 
longstanding role in providing rail service to the vast 
majority of States served by Amtrak. The administration's 
request would shift significant shared and system-related costs 
to the NEC and State-supported routes. The Committee 
recommendation rejects this proposal and includes sufficient 
funding for Amtrak to maintain rail service and connectivity on 
the National Network.
    On-Time Performance Study.--The Government Accountability 
Office [GAO] is directed to issue a report that will include: 
(1) a description of the processes used to collect and 
calculate Amtrak on-time performance data and metrics; (2) a 
description of the processes used to determine the causes of 
on-time performance delays, such as signal delays, freight 
train interference, or routing; and (3) an assessment of the 
process used to coordinate between Amtrak and host railroads to 
confirm and finalize on-time performance data and metrics. The 
report may also include recommendations for improving the way 
on-time performance data is collected and how communication 
between Amtrak and host railroads regarding on-time performance 
data collection can be improved.
    The Committee directs the GAO to submit this report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days 
of enactment of this act.
    Gulf Coast Rail Service.--Section 11304 of the FAST Act 
required the Gulf Coast Working Group [GCWG], to evaluate all 
options for restoring passenger rail service in the gulf coast 
region, select a preferred option for service, develop an 
inventory and cost estimate of capital projects to restore 
service, and identify Federal and non-Federal funding to 
restore service. The Committee is encouraged by progress the 
GCWG is making to restore service between New Orleans, 
Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama. The Committee recommendation 
includes $10,000,000 in Restoration and Enhancement Grants for 
operating assistance for projects that contribute to the 
initiation or restoration of intercity passenger rail service. 
The Committee expects non-Federal stakeholders to make 
financial or in-kind contributions to projects receiving awards 
under this program. In addition, the Committee directs FRA to 
make the $500,000 previously appropriated available to the Gulf 
Coast Working Group.
    Passenger Rail in the Bakken Region.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of improving the financial viability 
of Amtrak's Empire Builder and the growth in demand for 
passenger rail service in the Bakken region and the northern 
corridor. The Committee directs Amtrak to continue to work with 
local officials, taking into account the results of the updated 
Amtrak Empire Builder feasibility study, to address the 
prospect of adding new passenger rail stops that generate 
revenue and reduce operating costs of the Empire Builder and 
other national network routes.

                       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

    Section 150 limits overtime payments to employees at Amtrak 
to $35,000 per employee. However, Amtrak's president may waive 
this restriction for specific employees for safety or 
operational efficiency reasons. If the cap is waived, Amtrak 
must notify the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 30 days and specify the number of employees receiving 
waivers and the total amount of overtime payments made to 
employees receiving waivers.

                     Federal Transit Administration

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Transit Administration [FTA] was established as 
a component of the Department of Transportation by 
Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1968, effective July 1, 1968, 
which transferred most of the functions and programs under the 
Federal Transit Act of 1964, as amended (78 Stat. 302; 49 
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), from the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development. The missions of the FTA are: to help develop 
improved mass transportation systems and practices; to support 
the inclusion of public transportation in community and 
regional planning to support economic development; to provide 
mobility for Americans who depend on transit for transportation 
in both metropolitan and rural areas; to maximize the 
productivity and efficiency of transportation systems; and to 
provide assistance to State and local governments and agencies 
in financing such services and systems.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    Under the Committee recommendations, a total program level 
of $13,513,672,000 is provided for FTA programs in fiscal year 
2019. The recommendation is $2,395,110,000 more than the budget 
request and $33,194,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Highway trust
                                                              General fund          fund              Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation 2018........................................    $3,747,125,000    $9,733,353,407   $13,480,478,000
Budget estimate, 2019.....................................     1,179,182,000     9,939,380,030    11,118,562,030
Committee recommendation..................................     3,436,448,000     9,939,380,030    13,513,672,030
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $113,165,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     111,742,000
Committee recommendation................................     113,165,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Administrative expenses fund personnel, contract resources, 
information technology, space management, travel, training, and 
other administrative expenses necessary to carry out FTA's 
mission to support, improve, and help ensure the safety of 
public transportation systems.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $113,165,000 from the 
general fund for the agency's salaries and administrative 
expenses. The recommended level of funding is $1,423,000 more 
than the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    Project Management Oversight [PMO] Activities.--The 
Committee directs FTA to continue to submit to the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations the quarterly PMO reports 
for each project with a full funding grant agreement.
    Full Funding Grant Agreements [FFGAs].--Section 5309(k) of 
title 49, U.S.C. 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, Housing, and Urban Affairs, 30 days before executing a 
FFGA. In its notification to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, the Committee directs FTA to submit the 
following information: (1) a copy of the proposed FFGA; (2) the 
total and annual Federal appropriations required for the 
project; (3) the yearly and total Federal appropriations that 
can be planned or anticipated for existing FFGAs for each 
fiscal year through 2020; (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 finance plan; (6) the source and security of 
all public and private sector financing; (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 also directs FTA to inform the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations in writing 30 days before 
approving schedule, scope, or budget changes to any FFGA. 
Correspondence relating to all changes shall include any budget 
revisions or pro- gram changes that materially alter the 
project as originally stipulated in the FFGA, including any 
proposed change in rail car procurement.
    The Committee directs FTA to continue to provide a monthly 
Capital Investment Grant program update to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations, detailing the status of each 
project. This update should include anticipated milestone 
schedules for advancing projects, especially those within 2 
years of a proposed FFGA. It should also highlight and explain 
any potential cost and schedule changes affecting projects.
    Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.--In 2018, the 
Committee directed the Coordinating Council on Access and 
Mobility to develop a plan, and report to Congress within 180 
days, with options to eliminate duplication, provide efficient 
serve service for people in need, and increase coordination 
between the various Federal departments operating programs for 
the transportation-disadvantaged. The Committee maintains the 
requirement and directs the Department to provide a status 
update on the report.
    Commuter Rail Service in States Neighboring Washington, 
DC.--The Committee is concerned that transit service for 
Federal workers in the Washington, DC area may become disrupted 
for those living in nearby States if service is suspended or 
terminated on lines relied upon by employees. The Committee 
encourages FTA to work with States to help them maintain rail 
service providing commuter access to Washington, DC.

                             FORMULA GRANTS

                  (LIQUIDATION OF CONTRACT AUTHORITY)

                      (LIMITATION ON OBLIGATIONS)

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Obligation
                                                           limitation
                                                          (trust fund)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018..................................    $9,733,353,407
Budget estimate, 2019.................................     9,939,380,030
Committee recommendation..............................     9,939,380,030
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Communities use Formula Grants funds for bus and railcar 
purchases, facility repair and construction, maintenance, and 
where eligible, planning and operating expenses. The Formula 
Grants account includes funding for the following programs: 
transit-oriented development; planning programs; urbanized area 
formula grants; enhanced mobility for seniors and individuals 
with disabilities; a pilot program for enhanced mobility; 
formula grants for rural areas; public transportation 
innovation; technical assistance and workforce development, 
including a national transit institute; a bus testing facility; 
the national transit database; state of good repairs grants; 
bus and bus facilities formulas grants; and growing States and 
high-density States formula grants. Set-asides from formula 
funds are directed to a grant program for each State with rail 
systems not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration to 
meet the requirements for a State Safety Oversight program. The 
account also provides funding to support passenger ferry 
services and public transportation on Indian reservations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends limiting obligations in the 
transit formula and bus grants account in fiscal year 2019 to 
$9,939,380,030. The recommendation is equal to the budget 
request and $206,027,623 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The recommendation is also consistent with the currently 
authorized level under the FAST Act. The Committee recommends 
$9,900,000,000 in authority to liquidate contract 
authorizations. This amount is sufficient to cover outstanding 
obligations from this account. The following table displays the 
distribution of obligation limitation among the program 
categories of formula grants:

                 DISTRIBUTION OF OBLIGATION LIMITATION AMONG MAJOR CATEGORIES OF FORMULA GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Fiscal year 2019
     Formula grants (obligation                                              -----------------------------------
            limitation)                  Section number     Fiscal year 2018   Administration       Committee
                                                                                  proposal         assumption
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transit Oriented Development.......  20005(b).............       $10,000,000       $10,000,000       $10,000,000
Planning Programs..................  5305.................       136,200,310       139,087,757       139,087,757
Urbanized Area Formula Grants......  5307.................     4,726,907,174     4,827,117,606     4,827,117,606
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and     5310.................       273,840,764       279,646,188       279,646,188
 Individuals with Disabilities..
Pilot Program for Enhanced Mobility  3006(b)..............         3,250,000         3,500,000         3,500,000
Formula Grants for Rural Areas.....  5311.................       645,634,578       659,322,031       659,322,031
Public Transportation Innovation...  5312.................        28,000,000        28,000,000        28,000,000
Technical Assistance and Workforce   5314.................         9,000,000         9,000,000         9,000,000
 Development.
Bus Testing Facilities.............  5318.................         3,000,000         3,000,000         3,000,000
National Transit Database..........  5335.................         4,000,000         4,000,000         4,000,000
State of Good Repair Grants........  5337.................     2,593,703,558     2,638,366,859     2,638,366,859
Bus and Bus Facilities Grants......  5339.................       747,033,476       777,024,469       777,024,469
Growing States and High Density      5340.................       552,783,547       561,315,120       561,315,120
 States.
                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total........................  .....................     9,733,353,407     9,939,380,030     9,939,380,030
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program.--The Committee 
continues to support the FAST Act's inclusion of competitive 
grants in the buses and bus facilities grant program and 
continues to encourage FTA to follow the guidance set forth in 
the FAST Act when developing selection criteria for the 
program. Consistent with section 3017 of the FAST Act, the age 
and condition of buses, bus fleets, related equipment, and bus-
related facilities should be the primary consideration for 
selection criteria.
    Low-Emissions Transit in Non-Attainment Areas.--The 
Committee directs FTA to partner with experienced transit 
research consortia to research best practices for increasing 
deployment of low-emissions public transportation in non-
attainment areas.
    Improving Rural Transit Access.--The Committee continues to 
recognize the importance of ensuring safe, private 
transportation is made available for seniors and people who do 
not drive, especially in small and rural communities where 
distance and low population density make traditional mass 
transportation difficult. The efficiencies of information 
management can help to provide on-demand transportation 
services and bring together underutilized private 
transportation capacity through ride share, car share, 
volunteer transport, and private community transport. The 
Committee encourages FTA to consider innovative transportation 
networks that leverage community volunteerism and private 
resources in various forms to access underutilized private 
transportation capacity to promote inclusive community mobility 
and provide transportation for seniors and disadvantaged 
populations in small and rural communities. Further, the 
Committee supports increasing the capacity of consumers to plan 
their travel safely, independently, and reliably through a 
variety of techniques and tools.

                     TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $834,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     800,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Committee provides funding for Transit Infrastructure 
Grants to address targeted capital, operating, and state of 
good repair needs for public transportation providers and 
services across America.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an additional $800,000,000 in 
transit infrastructure grants to remain available until 
expended. Of the funds provided, $400,000,000 is available for 
buses and bus facilities grants authorized under 49 U.S.C. 
5339, of which $209,104,000 is provided for formula grants, 
$161,446,000 is provided for competitive grants, and 
$29,450,000 is provided for low or no emission grants. In 
addition, $362,000,000 is available for state of good repair 
grants authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5337, $30,000,000 is provided 
for high density State apportionments authorized under 49 
U.S.C. 5340(d), $2,000,000 is provided for the bus testing 
facility authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5318, and $6,000,000 is 
provided for bus testing facilities authorized under 49 U.S.C. 
5312(h). The Committee recommendation includes funding from the 
general fund, and the funding is not subject to any limitation 
on obligations.

                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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 a total of $5,000,000 for 
technical assistance and training, of which up to $1,500,000 
shall fund cooperative agreements between FTA and small-urban, 
rural and tribal public transit recipients and organizations to 
assist with applied innovation and capacity building. The 
Committee recognizes the need among transit providers serving 
small cities and rural communities for technical assistance to 
help them take advantage of new technologies, including ride-
hailing applications, autonomous shuttles, and micro-transit 
innovations, that are transforming how Americans use public 
transportation. This funding will provide rural and small city 
transit operators with hands-on technical assistance that will 
assist with the adoption of these new tools.
    The Committee expects funding under this heading to address 
workforce development needs within the public transportation 
industry, in addition to technical assistance and training to 
increase mobility for people with disabilities and older 
adults.

                       CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $2,644,960,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................   1,000,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   2,552,687,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Under the Capital Investment Grants [CIG] program, FTA 
provides grants to fund the building of new fixed guideway 
systems or extensions and improvements to existing fixed 
guideway systems. Eligible services include light rail, rapid 
rail (heavy rail), commuter rail, and bus rapid transit. The 
program includes funding for four categories of eligible 
projects authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309, and section 3005(b) 
of the FAST Act: New Starts, Small Starts, Core Capacity, and 
the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program. New Starts are 
projects with a Federal share under this section of at least 
$100,000,000 or a total net capital cost of at least 
$300,000,000. By comparison, Small Starts are projects with a 
Federal share under this section of less than $100,000,000--and 
total net capital cost less than $300,000,000. Core Capacity 
projects are those that will expand capacity by at least 10 
percent in existing fixed-guideway transit corridors that are 
already at or above capacity, or are expected to be at or above 
capacity within 5 years. The FAST Act authorizes eight projects 
under the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program, consisting 
of New Starts, Small Starts, or Core Capacity, that require no 
more than a 25 percent Federal share and are supported, in 
part, by a public private partnership.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $2,552,687,000 for capital 
investment grants, which is $92,273,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level, and $1,552,687,000 more than the 
request. The Committee recommendation includes $1,315,670,000 
for new starts projects authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309(d), 
$543,500,000 for core capacity projects authorized under 49 
U.S.C. 5309(e), $568,000,000 for small starts projects 
authorized under 49 U.S.C. 5309(h) and $100,000,000 for 
expedited project delivery for capital projects authorized 
under section 3005(b) of the FAST Act.
    Project Pipeline.--The Committee is concerned with 
unnecessary delays for projects seeking advancement into 
engineering or a grant agreement. These delays are costly for 
local project sponsors and create uncertainty for transit 
planners and providers across the country. The Committee 
directs the Secretary to continue to advance eligible projects 
into project development and engineering in the capital 
investment grant evaluation, rating, and approval process 
pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5309 and section 3005(b) of the FAST Act 
in all cases when projects meet the statutory criteria. The 
Committee also directs the Secretary to provide notice to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of 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.
    Program Implementation.--GAO recently evaluated FTA's 
compliance with requirements included in MAP-21 and the FAST 
Act. According to the report, FTA has failed to issue 
regulations establishing the evaluation and rating process for 
Core Capacity Improvement projects, has failed to establish a 
program of interrelated projects that would allow for the 
simultaneous development of more than one project within the 
CIG program, and has failed to implement the Expedited Project 
Delivery for Capital Investment Grants Pilot program. The 
Committee is particularly concerned that FTA has no immediate 
plans to address outstanding statutory provisions because the 
Administration's budget request does not include any new CIG 
projects. The Committee is dismayed that FTA is ignoring 
statutory mandates in order to reflect a budget request that 
has been consistently rejected by Congress and directs the 
Department to implement the GAO recommendations within 60 days 
of the date of enactment of this act.
    Annual Report on Funding Recommendations.--The Committee 
directs the Secretary to submit the fiscal year 2020 annual 
report on funding recommendations required by 49 U.S.C. 
5309(o), and directs the Secretary to maintain the Federal 
Government 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.

      GRANTS TO THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $150,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     120,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     150,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This appropriation provides assistance to the Washington 
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority [WMATA]. The Federal Rail 
Safety Improvements Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-432, title VI, 
section 601) authorized DOT to make up to $150,000,000 
available to WMATA annually for capital and preventive 
maintenance for a 10-year period.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation includes $150,000,000 for 
grants to WMATA for capital and preventive maintenance 
expenses, including pressing safety-related investments, which 
is $30,000,000 more than the budget request and equal to the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level. These grants are in addition to 
the Federal formula and competitive grant funding WMATA 
receives and funding local jurisdictions have committed to 
providing to WMATA. The Committee directs WMATA, the local 
jurisdictions and FTA to continue to work with the authorizing 
committees on the issue of an authorization extension and on 
reforms necessary to ensure that any future Federal resources 
will be used efficiently.
    State of Good Repair.--While the Committee is encouraged by 
the progress made through WMATA's SafeTrack program, the 
Committee is concerned that WMATA has plans to conduct 
additional track and station closures for extended periods of 
time, particularly in areas that previously experienced 
significant disruptions during SafeTrack. The Committee 
appreciates WMATA's acceleration of renewal work, but is 
concerned about the decrease in ridership and rising capital 
needs and operating costs such service disruptions can cause.
    Financial Management.--The bill directs the Secretary to 
provide grants to WMATA only after receiving and reviewing a 
request for each specific project to be funded under this 
heading. The bill requires the Secretary to determine that 
WMATA has placed the highest priority on funding projects that 
will improve the safety of its public transit system before 
approving these grants, using the recommendations and 
directives of the NTSB and FTA as a guide. The Committee 
encourages the Secretary and WMATA to consider efficiencies 
that can be leveraged in the procurement of capital and 
preventative maintenance expenses.
    Wireless Service Extension.--The Committee reluctantly 
provides another 1-year extension for the wireless service 
requirement in the authorization statute. The Committee directs 
WMATA to continue to provide the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations a quarterly report detailing its progress 
installing wireless service. The Committee directs WMATA to 
incorporate the installation of wireless infrastructure into 
the anticipated track and station closures where feasible to 
expedite provision of wireless service.

       ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

    Section 160 exempts authority previously made available for 
programs of the FTA under section 5338 of title 49, United 
States Code, from the obligation limitations in this act.
    Section 161 allows funds appropriated before October 1, 
2018, that remain available for expenditure to be transferred 
to the most recent appropriation heading.
    Section 162 rescinds unobligated amounts made available for 
fiscal years 2005 or prior fiscal years to ``Transit Formula 
Grants.''

             Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation [SLSDC] 
is a wholly-owned Government corporation established by the 
Saint Lawrence Seaway Act of May 13, 1954 (33 U.S.C. 981). The 
Saint Lawrence Seaway [Seaway] is a vital transportation 
corridor for the international movement of bulk commodities, 
such as steel, iron, grain, and coal, serving the North 
American region that makes up one-quarter of the United States 
population and nearly one-half of the Canadian population. 
SLSDC is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and 
development of the United States' portion of the Seaway between 
Montreal and Lake Erie.

       OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $40.000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      28,837,000
Committee recommendation................................      36,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund [HMTF] was established by 
the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-
662). Since 1987, the HMTF has supported the operations and 
maintenance of commercial harbor projects maintained by the 
Federal Government. Appropriations from the HMTF and revenues 
from non-Federal sources finance the operation and maintenance 
of those portions of the Seaway for which SLSDC is responsible.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $36,000,000 for the operations, 
maintenance, and capital asset renewal activities of SLSDC, of 
which not less than $16,000,000 is provided for capital asset 
renewal activities. This amount is $7,163,000 greater than the 
budget request and is $4,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted level.
    The Committee directs SLSDC to continue to submit an annual 
report to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, 
not later than April 30, summarizing the activities of the 
Asset Renewal Program during the immediate preceding fiscal 
year.

                        Maritime Administration

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Maritime Administration [MARAD] is responsible for 
programs authorized by the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as 
amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). MARAD is also 
responsible for programs that strengthen the U.S. maritime 
industry in support of the Nation's security and economic 
needs. MARAD prioritizes the Department of Defense's [DoD] use 
of ports and intermodal facilities during DoD mobilizations to 
guarantee the smooth flow of military cargo through commercial 
ports. MARAD manages the Maritime Security Program, the 
Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement Program, and the Ready 
Reserve Force, which assure DoD access to commercial and 
strategic sealift and associated intermodal capacity. MARAD 
also continues to address the disposal of obsolete ships in the 
National Defense Reserve Fleet that are deemed a potential 
environmental risk. Further, MARAD administers education and 
training programs through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and 
six State maritime schools that assist in providing skilled 
merchant marine officers who are capable of serving defense and 
commercial transportation needs. The Committee continues to 
fund MARAD in its support of the United States as a maritime 
Nation.

                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $300,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     214,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     300,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Maritime Security Program [MSP] provides resources to 
maintain a U.S.-flag merchant fleet crewed by U.S. citizens to 
serve both the commercial and national security needs of the 
United States. The program provides direct payments to U.S.-
flag ship operators engaged in U.S. foreign trade. 
Participating operators are required to keep the vessels in 
active commercial service and provide intermodal sealift 
support to DoD in times of war or national emergency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $300,000,000 
for the MSP. This amount is $86,000,000 above the budget 
request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Once 
again, the Committee rejects the Administration's short-sighted 
proposal to cut funding for this program which would undermine 
the cost-effective sustainment of troops serving overseas.

                        OPERATIONS AND TRAINING

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $513,642,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     452,428,000
Committee recommendation\1\.............................     149,442,000

\1\The Committee recommendation includes $340,200,000 for State Maritime 
Academies in a separate account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Operations and Training appropriation primarily funds 
the salaries and expenses for MARAD headquarters and regional 
staff in the administration and direction for all MARAD 
programs. The account includes funding for the U.S. Merchant 
Marine Academy, port and intermodal development, cargo 
preference, international trade relations, deep-water port 
licensing and administrative support costs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $149,442,000 for Operations and 
Training. Of the total amount provided, $71,000,000 is for the 
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy operations, $10,000,000 is for 
capital improvements, $8,000,000 is for equipment, and 
maintenance and repairs, and $60,442,000 is for MARAD 
operations, which includes $7,000,000 for the Short Sea 
Shipping program and $3,000,000 for environment and technology 
grants. The Committee recommendation moves budget activities to 
support the six State Maritime Academies into a separate 
``State Maritime Academy Operations'' account, resulting in a 
$340,200,000 re-allocation of resources for fiscal year 2019.
    Short Sea Shipping Program.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $7,000,000 for the Short Sea Shipping program, 
commonly known as the Marine Highway program. Projects funded 
by this grant program will help mitigate landside congestion, 
encourage shipper utilization, improve port and landside 
infrastructure, and develop marine transportation strategies by 
State and local governments.
    United States Merchant Marine Academy Spend Plan.--The 
Committee directs the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and 
the Maritime Administrator, to complete a spend plan 
anticipating Academy expenditures, and to provide this plan to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 
days of enactment of this act.
    Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy.--The Committee remains concerned about 
the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's efforts to combat sexual 
assault and sexual harassment on campus and directs the Academy 
to fill vacancies in the Sexual Assault Prevention Office 
quickly as they arise. The Committee directs the Secretary to 
provide the annual report required by section 3507 of Public 
Law 110-417 to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations no later than January 12, 2020.
    The Committee is disappointed to learn that the USMMA still 
has yet to carry out all of the recommendations from its 
corrective action plans. The Committee directs the USMMA to 
fully implement the nearly 150 recommendations from past 
studies, reports, and action plans using a risk-based 
prioritized approach. The USMMA shall report back to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of 
enactment of this Act on the USMMA's prioritized approach to 
completing these recommendations and the status of all 
recommendations. Further, the USMMA is directed to provide 
updates to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on 
the status of all recommendations every 180 days until all 
recommendations are completed. The Committee further directs 
the Maritime Administration to utilize the resources provided 
to fully staff the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response 
Office and to meet all staffing and training needs at the USMMA 
to continue to address sexual assault and sexual harassment. In 
addition, the USMMA is directed to work to make resources, such 
as a 24/7 hotline, available to Midshipmen while on Sea Year.
    United States Merchant Marine Academy Capital Improvements 
Plan [CIP].--The Committee directs the Administrator to provide 
an annual report by March 31, 2019, on the current status of 
the CIP. The report should include a list of all projects that 
have received funding and all proposed projects that the 
Academy intends to initiate within the next 5 years: cost 
overruns and cost savings for each active project; specific 
target dates for project completion; delays and the cause of 
delays; schedule changes; up-to-date cost projections for each 
project; and any other deviations from the previous year's CIP. 
The Committee encourages the Academy to consider its ability to 
sequence and manage contracts as it establishes its capital 
priorities.
    Environment and Compliance.--The Committee commends MARAD's 
initiative to support the domestic maritime industry's efforts 
to comply with emerging international and domestic 
environmental regulatory requirements. The Committee directs 
MARAD to notify the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations not less than 3 business days before any grant, 
contract, or cooperative agreement is announced by the 
Department or MARAD for the maritime environment and technology 
assistance program as authorized by 46 U.S.C. 50307.
    Small Shipyard Survey.--In the Consolidated Appropriations 
Act, 2017, the Committee directed MARAD, in consultation with 
the Army Corps of Engineers, to conduct a survey of the 
dredging needs of small shipyards and to provide the results to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations by June 2018. 
The deadline for this submission of this survey is approaching, 
and the Committee expects MARAD to provide the results within 
the required timeframe.

                   STATE MARITIME ACADEMY OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2018\1\.................................................
Budget estimate, 2019\2\................................................
Committee recommendation................................    $340,200,000

\1\The 2018 enacted level included $332,200,000 for State Maritime 
Academics under the Operations and Training account.
\2\The President's Budget recommends $324,400,000 for State Maritime 
Academies under the Operations and Training account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Committee provides funding for the six State Maritime 
Academies [SMAs] to support the training and education of the 
nation's marine transportation work force. Funding provided 
supports financial assistance for the SMAs as well as upkeep, 
maintenance and operation of the school's training ships.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $340,200,000 
for State Maritime Academy Operations. Of the total amount, 
$300,000,000 is for a new National Security Multi-Mission 
Vessel, $6,000,000 is for direct payments to the SMAs, 
$2,400,000 is for student incentive payments, $1,800,000 is for 
fuel assistance payments, $22,000,000 is for school ship 
maintenance and repair, and $8,000,000 is to support the cost 
of sharing training ships among the SMAs.
    National Security Multi-Mission Vessel [NSMV].--The 
Committee continues to support MARAD's efforts to replace 
school training ships for the State Maritime Academies [SMAs]. 
The Committee recommendation includes $300,000,000 for a second 
new special purpose NSMV to replace school ships currently in 
service. The Committee directs that vessels constructed using 
funds from the NSMV Program be provided to the State Maritime 
Academies based on the planned end-of-service-life of existing 
training vessels, with the vessel with the shortest remaining 
service life to be replaced first. For ships that have the same 
end-of-service-life, preference shall be based on meeting 
training capacity demands.
    Ship-Sharing Assistance.--The Committee recognizes that 
there is limited training ship capacity among the SMAs to 
provide their cadets with the required training hours necessary 
to graduate. Schools rely on one another to provide space on 
available ships so that all cadets can meet their credentialing 
requirements. Some SMAs lack ship capacity to meet the needs of 
their student body, and as a result incur significant costs to 
conduct training on other available ship platforms. For this 
reason, the Committee recommendation includes $8,000,000 to 
alleviate the operational and logistics burden on SMAs as they 
work through their ship capacity challenges. While the 
Committee recognizes that even cadets at SMAs that do have 
training ships incur some expense to be able to train at sea, 
the Committee also understands that SMAs without ships large 
enough to meet their needs bear much greater costs, and 
therefore provides additional funding for ship-sharing. The 
Committee directs MARAD to work with the SMAs to determine how 
to best allocate resources to ensure that all training needs 
are met.

                     ASSISTANCE TO SMALL SHIPYARDS

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $20,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      20,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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 recommendation includes $20,000,000 for 
assistance to small shipyards. This level of funding is equal 
to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, and $20,000,000 above 
the President's request. Funding for this program is intended 
to help small shipyards improve the efficiency of their 
operations by providing funding for equipment and other 
facility upgrades. The funding recommended by the Committee 
will help improve the competitiveness of our Nation's small 
shipyards, as well as workforce training and apprenticeships in 
communities dependent upon maritime transportation.

                             SHIP DISPOSAL

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $116,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      30,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Ship Disposal account provides resources to dispose of 
obsolete merchant-type vessels of 150,000 gross tons or more in 
the National Defense Reserve Fleet [NDRF]. MARAD contracts with 
domestic shipbreaking companies to dismantle these vessels in 
accordance with guidelines established by the Environmental 
Protection Agency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000 for 
MARAD's Ship Disposal program. This level of funding is 
$111,000,000 below the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$25,000,000 below the budget request. The reduction in funding 
is due to the non-recurring cost of the decommissioning of the 
N/S Savannah.

              MARITIME GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM (TITLE XI)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $30,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       3,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Maritime Guaranteed Loan program was established 
pursuant to title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as 
amended. The program provides for a full faith and credit 
guarantee by the U.S. Government of debt obligations issued by: 
(1) U.S. or foreign ship-owners for the purposes of financing 
or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export 
vessels constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in U.S. 
shipyards; and (2) U.S. shipyards, for the purpose of financing 
advanced shipbuilding technology of privately owned general 
shipyard facilities located in the United States. Under the 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, appropriations to cover the 
estimated costs of a project must be obtained prior to the 
issuance of any approvals for title XI financing.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee provides an appropriation of $3,000,000 for 
administrative expenses of the maritime guaranteed loan title 
XI program. This level of funding is $3,000,000 above the 
President's budget request and $27,000,000 below the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. The Committee rejects the budget 
request to move Title XI to the Office of the Secretary.

           ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

    Section 170 authorizes MARAD to furnish utilities and to 
service and make repairs to any lease, contract, or occupancy 
involving Government property under the control of MARAD. 
Rental payments received pursuant to this provision shall be 
credited to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

         Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
[PHMSA] was established within the Department of Transportation 
on November 30, 2004, pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research 
and Special Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426). 
PHMSA is responsible for the Department's pipeline safety 
program as well as its oversight of hazardous materials 
transportation safety operations. The agency is dedicated to 
safety, including the elimination of transportation-related 
deaths and injuries associated with hazardous materials and 
pipeline transportation, and to promoting transportation 
solutions, which enhance communities and protect the 
environment.

                          OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $23,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      23,710,000
Committee recommendation................................      23,710,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for program support costs for 
PHMSA, including policy development, civil rights, management, 
administration, and other agency-wide expenses.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $23,710,000 for this account, of 
which $1,500,000 shall be for Pipeline Safety Information 
Grants to Communities. The Committee's recommendation is equal 
to the budget request and $710,000 more than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level.
    Comprehensive Oil Spill Response Plans.--Oil spill response 
plans are intended to help carriers identify and deploy 
response organizations to contain and remediate oil releases. 
The plans require carriers to: identify a qualified individual 
with full authority to implement removal actions; ensure by 
contract or other means the availability of private personnel 
and equipment to remove a worst case discharge; and describe 
training, equipment testing, drills, and exercises. PHMSA 
issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in order to expand the 
applicability of comprehensive oil spill response plans to rail 
carriers in July 2016. The Committee notes with severe 
disappointment that, to date, despite additional resources 
being provided by the Committee, PHMSA has repeatedly failed to 
comply with explicit directions from this Committee. The 
Committee directs PHMSA to issue a final rule to require 
comprehensive oil spill response plans for rail carriers within 
45 days of enactment of this act, and includes a fine for any 
delays.
    Tank Car Phaseout.--The FAST Act provides a schedule for 
the phaseout of certain rail tank cars used to transport Class 
3 flammable materials, and, in August 2016, PHMSA published a 
final rule to codify these requirements. The FAST Act also 
requires the Secretary to report on industry-wide progress with 
modifying rail tank cars in order to comply with those 
applicable deadlines. In September 2017, the Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics reported that 9 percent of all tank 
cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids in 2016 met the new 
requirements. The Committee encourages the Department to 
continue to work with industry stakeholders to ensure progress 
and to promote acceleration of the tank car phaseout process. 
The Secretary is further directed to continue to comply with 
this reporting requirement.
    Unlocatable Pipe Research.--The Committee is encouraged by 
PHMSA's ongoing efforts to address safety and damage prevention 
issues surrounding unlocatable plastic pipe and the resultant 
excavation hazards. In order to ensure the continued safe 
transportation of natural gas and the reduction of pipeline 
damage incidents, the Committee recommendation includes up to 
$2,000,000 to continue to research, analyze, and encourage the 
deployment of related technologies in this area.
    Real-Time Emergency Response Information.--In January 2017, 
PHMSA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to 
require Class 1 railroads, which transport hazardous materials, 
to generate accurate, real-time, and in an electronic format 
train consist information that could be shared with emergency 
responders and law enforcement personnel. The Committee notes 
with disappointment that, to date, PHMSA has not fulfilled this 
FAST Act mandate and directs the agency to move forward with a 
final rule, which will ensure train consist information is 
available to emergency responders directly.

                       HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $59,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      52,070,000
Committee recommendation................................      58,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    PHMSA oversees the safety of more than 1 million hazardous 
materials shipments daily within the United States, using risk 
management principles and security threat assessments in order 
to fully review and reduce the risks inherent in hazardous 
materials transportation.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $58,000,000 
for hazardous materials safety, of which $7,570,000 shall 
remain available until September 30, 2021. The amount provided 
is $5,930,000 more than the administration's budget request and 
$1,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                            PIPELINE SAFETY

                         (PIPELINE SAFETY FUND)

                    (OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND)

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $162,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     150,200,000
Committee recommendation................................     165,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Pipeline Safety [OPS] promotes the safe, 
reliable, and sound transportation of natural gas and hazardous 
liquids through the Nation's more than 2.6 million miles of 
privately-owned and operated pipeline.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The OPS has the important responsibility of ensuring the 
safety and integrity of the pipelines, which run through every 
community in our Nation. Efforts by Congress and the OPS to 
invest in promising safety technologies, increase civil 
penalties, and educate communities about the potential risks of 
pipelines have resulted in a reduction in serious pipeline 
incidents. It is essential that PHMSA continue to make strides 
in protecting communities from pipeline failures and incidents. 
To that end, the Committee recommends an appropriation of 
$165,000,000 for the OPS, consistent with the PIPES Act. The 
amount is $3,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level and $14,800,000 more than the budget request. Of the 
funding provided, $23,000,000 shall be derived from the Oil 
Spill Liability Trust Fund, $134,000,000 shall be derived from 
the Pipeline Safety Fund, and $8,000,000 shall be derived from 
the Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety Account. Of 
the funds recommended for research and development, up to 
$2,000,000 shall be used for the Pipeline Safety Research 
Competitive Academic Agreement Program [CAAP] to focus on near-
term solutions in order to improve the safety and reliability 
of the Nation's pipeline transportation system.
    Research and Development.--In developing its 5-year 
interagency pipeline safety research and development program 
plan, the Committee directs PHMSA to consult with stakeholder 
groups and to use their input to select program proposals. In 
order to ensure that a diverse set of stakeholders meaningfully 
participates in the process, the Committee directs PHMSA to 
identify additional notification methods that could encourage a 
larger cross section of stakeholder participation as well as to 
detail procedures for how to incorporate input from those 
stakeholder groups into the program plan.

                     EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

                     (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUND)

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $28,318,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      28,318,000
Committee recommendation................................      28,318,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act 
of 1990 [HMTUSA] (Public Law 101-615) 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 periodically update a mandatory training curriculum 
for emergency responders.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $28,318,000 for emergency 
preparedness grants. The Committee is pleased that PHMSA has 
developed Web-based, off-the-shelf training materials that can 
be used by emergency responders across the country. The 
Committee encourages PHMSA to continue to enhance its training 
curriculum for local emergency responders, including response 
activities for crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids 
transported by rail. The Committee also encourages PHMSA to 
train public sector emergency response personnel in communities 
on or near rail lines, which transport a significant volume of 
high-risk energy commodities or toxic inhalation hazards. The 
Committee continues a provision increasing the funding 
available for administrative costs from 2 percent to 4 percent 
in order to address the OIG's recommendations.

                      Office of Inspector General

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $92,152,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      91,500,000
Committee recommendation................................      92,600,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Inspector General Act of 1978 established the Office of 
Inspector General [OIG] as an independent and objective 
organization, with a mission to:
  --conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to 
        the programs and operations of the Department;
  --provide leadership and recommend policies designed to 
        promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the 
        administration of programs and operations;
  --prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse; and
  --keep the Secretary and Congress currently informed 
        regarding problems and deficiencies.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides $92,600,000 for 
activities of the Office of the Inspector General, which is 
$1,100,000 more than the President's budget request and 
$448,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Audit Reports.--The Committee requests that the Inspector 
General continue to provide 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 of, 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 which was requested by the House or Senate 
Committees on Appropriations.
    Unfair Business Practices.--The bill maintains language 
that authorizes the OIG to investigate allegations of fraud and 
unfair or deceptive practices and unfair methods of competition 
by air carriers and ticket agents.

            General Provisions--Department of Transportation

    Section 180 allows funds for maintenance and operation of 
aircraft; motor vehicles; liability insurance; uniforms; or 
allowances, as authorized by law.
    Section 181 limits appropriations for services authorized 
by 5 U.S.C. 3109 not to exceed the rate for an executive level 
IV.
    Section 182 prohibits recipients of funds from 
disseminating personal information obtained by State DMVs in 
connection to motor vehicle records, with an exception.
    Section 183 prohibits funds in this act for salaries and 
expenses of more than 110 political and Presidential appointees 
in the Department of Transportation.
    Section 184 allows funds received by the Federal Highway 
Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal 
Railroad Administration from States, counties, municipalities, 
other public authorities, and private sources for expenses 
incurred for training may be credited to each agency's 
respective accounts.
    Section 185 prohibits the use of funds in this act to make 
a grant or announce the intention to make a grant unless the 
Secretary of Transportation notifies the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations at least 3 full business days 
before making the grant or the announcement.
    Section 186 allows rebates, refunds, incentive payments, 
minor fees, and other funds received by the Department of 
Transportation from travel management center, charge card 
programs, subleasing of building space and miscellaneous 
sources to be credited to appropriations of the Department of 
Transportation.
    Section 187 requires amounts from improper payments to a 
third-party contractor that are lawfully recovered by the 
Department of Transportation to be available to cover expenses 
incurred in recovery of such payments.
    Section 188 establishes requirements for reprogramming 
actions by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations.
    Section 189 prohibits funds appropriated in this act to the 
modal administrations from being obligated for the Office of 
the Secretary for costs related to assessments or reimbursable 
agreements unless the obligations are for services that provide 
a direct benefit to the applicable modal administration.
    Section 190 authorizes the Secretary to carry out a program 
that establishes uniform standards for developing and 
supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits authorized 
under section 7905 of title 5, United States Code.
    Section 191 prohibits the use of funds for any geographic, 
economic, or other hiring preference pilot program, regulation, 
or policy unless 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

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] was 
established by the Housing and Urban Development Act (Public 
Law 89-174), effective November 9, 1965. This Department is the 
principal Federal agency responsible for programs concerned 
with the Nation's housing needs, fair housing opportunities, 
and improving and developing communities.
    Rural Areas.--The Committee urges the Secretary to enhance 
its efforts to provide decent, affordable housing and to 
promote economic development for rural Americans. When 
designing programs and making funding decisions, the Secretary 
shall take into consideration the unique conditions, 
challenges, and scale of rural areas.
    Appropriations Attorneys.--During consideration of the 
fiscal year 2003 appropriations legislation, it became apparent 
to the Committee that both the Committee and the Department 
would be best served if the attorneys responsible for 
appropriations matters were housed in the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer [OCFO]. Since that time, the Committee has 
routinely received prompt, accurate, and reliable information 
from the OCFO on various appropriations law matters. For fiscal 
year 2019, the Committee continues to fund appropriations 
attorneys in the OCFO and directs HUD to refer all 
appropriations law issues to such attorneys within the OCFO.
    Reprogramming and Congressional Notification.--The 
Committee reiterates that the Department must secure the 
approval of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
for the reprogramming of funds between programs, projects, and 
activities within each account. Unless otherwise identified in 
the bill or report, the most detailed allocation of funds 
presented in the budget justifications is approved, with any 
deviation from such approved allocation subject to the normal 
reprogramming requirements. Except as specifically provided 
otherwise, it is the intent of the Committee that all carryover 
funds in the various accounts, including recaptures and de-
obligations, are subject to the normal reprogramming 
requirements outlined under section 405. No change may be made 
to any program, project, or activity if it is construed to be 
new policy or a change in policy, without prior approval of the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. The Committee 
notes its concern about the lack of awareness of section 405 
among program offices, and directs the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer to develop and issue guidance to program 
offices on their obligations under this authority. The 
Committee also directs HUD to include a separate delineation of 
any reprogramming of funds requiring approval in the operating 
plan required by section 405 of this act. Finally, the 
Committee shall be notified regarding reorganizations of 
offices, programs or activities prior to the implementation of 
such reorganizations. The Department is directed to submit, in 
consultation with the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations, current and accurate organizational charts for 
each office within the Department as part of the fiscal year 
2020 congressional justifications. The Committee further 
directs the Department to submit any staff realignments or 
restructuring to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations 30 days prior to their implementation.
    Assisting Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.--The 
Committee directs the Department to identify steps it has taken 
to improve emergency transfers for HUD-assisted residents 
fleeing domestic violence, statutory and regulatory barriers to 
assisting victims of domestic violence that are seeking 
emergency transfers from one HUD-assisted unit or project to 
another HUD-assisted unit or project, and effective models for 
facilitating emergency transfers across HUD's rental and 
homeless assistance programs, and to submit a report to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 days 
of enactment of this act.

                           EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $14,708,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      15,583,000
Committee recommendation................................      14,898,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Executive Offices account provides the salaries and 
expenses funding to support the Department's senior leadership 
and other key functions, including the immediate offices of the 
Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Congressional and 
Intergovernmental Relations, Public Affairs, Adjudicatory 
Services, the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 
and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,898,000 
for this account, which is $190,000 more than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $685,000 less than the budget request. 
The Secretary is directed to submit a spend plan to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations that outlines how 
budgetary resources will be distributed among the seven offices 
funded under this heading.

                     ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OFFICES

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $518,303,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     507,372,000
Committee recommendation................................     556,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Administrative Support Offices [ASO] account is the 
backbone of HUD's operations, and consists of several offices 
that aim to work seamlessly to provide the leadership and 
support services to ensure the Department performs its core 
mission and is compliant with all legal, operational, and 
financial guidelines. This account funds the salaries and 
expenses of the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of 
the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of the Chief 
Procurement Officer, the Office of Departmental Equal 
Employment Opportunity, the Office of Field Policy and 
Management, the Office of Business Transformation, the Office 
of the Chief Human Capital Officer, the Office of 
Administration, and the Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $556,000,000 
for this account, which is $37,697,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level and $48,628,000 more than the budget 
request.
    Funds are made available as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.................       $76,600,000
Office of the General Counsel.........................        98,000,000
Office of Administration..............................       213,300,000
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer.............        40,200,000
Office of Field Policy and Management.................        54,000,000
Office of the Chief Procurement Officer...............        20,000,000
Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity...         3,600,000
Office of Business Transformation.....................         4,300,000
Office of the Chief Information Officer...............        46,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hiring and Separation Report.--The Committee directs HUD's 
Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of the 
Human Capital Officer to submit quarterly reports to the House 
and Senate Committees on Appropriations on hiring and 
separations by program office. This report shall include 
position titles, location, associated FTE, and include the 
Office of the Inspector General and Government National 
Mortgage Association.
    Office of the Chief Financial Officer.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $76,600,000 for the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer. Of the amount provided, $25,000,000 is for 
the financial transformation initiative to strengthen HUD's 
fiscal capabilities and controls. In November 2017, the Office 
of Inspector General released its annual audit of HUD's 2016 
and 2017 financial statements where they identified nine 
material weaknesses and six significant deficiencies. In 
addition, financial policies, procedures, and documentation are 
in need of updating, and in some cases require initial 
development. These funds will begin the process of addressing 
these substantial deficiencies, strengthening financial 
controls, and improving governance at HUD. The Committee also 
includes language directing HUD to submit an expenditure plan 
for approval prior to obligating more than 10 percent of the 
funds provided for this initiative and expects HUD engage in 
frequent and transparent communication with the House and 
Senate Committees on Appropriations regarding this initiative.
    Office of Administration.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $213,300,000 for the Office of Administration. Of the 
amount provided, up to $7,500,000 may be used to fully fund the 
second phase of HUD's initiative to consolidate four 
headquarters satellite offices into the Robert C. Weaver 
Federal Building.
    Office of Disaster and Emergency Management.--As part of 
the National Disaster Recovery Framework, HUD fulfills the 
Housing Recovery Support Function, which requires the 
Department to coordinate recovery and preparedness activities 
with Federal, State and local partners and to facilitate the 
delivery of Federal funding to implement sustainable and 
resilient housing solutions for disaster-affected areas. To 
facilitate this work, HUD established an Office of Disaster and 
Emergency Management, which is designed to comprehensively 
address disaster preparedness, response, and recovery 
management, including issues related to housing, economic 
development, infrastructure, community planning, and capacity 
building. However, very little has been done to fully 
operationalize this office. As such, the Committee directs HUD 
to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
on its efforts to operationalize this office within 30 days of 
enactment of this act, in order to improve the overall 
Departmental response to emergencies and disasters, including 
preparedness and mitigation from future disasters.
    Office of the Chief Procurement Officer.--The Committee 
directs HUD to prioritize the hiring of staff for this office, 
and directs HUD to inform the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of this act 
regarding how it is implementing the Committee's hiring 
direction.
    Office of Field Policy and Management [OFPM].--The 
Committee continues to include language directing HUD to 
continue supporting the existing Promise Zone designations for 
the length of their agreements. To realize the full potential 
of these designations, the Committee directs OFPM to work with 
designees to ensure the provision of any OMB-requested data for 
an effective evaluation of the initiative.

                 Program Offices Salaries and Expenses

                       PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $216,633,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     209,473,000
Committee recommendation................................     222,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding to 
support staff in headquarters and in 43 field offices in the 
Office of Public and Indian Housing [PIH]. PIH is charged with 
ensuring the availability of safe, decent, and affordable 
housing, creating opportunities for residents' self-sufficiency 
and economic independence, and assuring the fiscal integrity of 
all public housing agencies. The Office ensures that safe, 
decent and affordable housing is available to Native American 
families, creates economic opportunities for tribes and Indian 
housing residents, assists tribes in the formulation of plans 
and strategies for community development, and assures fiscal 
integrity in the operation of its programs. The Office also 
administers programs authorized in the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 [NAHASDA], which 
provides housing assistance to Native Americans and Native 
Hawaiians. PIH also manages the Housing Choice Voucher program, 
in which tenant-based vouchers increase affordable housing 
choices for low-income families. Tenant-based vouchers enable 
families to lease safe, decent, and affordable privately owned 
rental housing.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $222,000,000 
for this account, which is $12,527,000 more than the budget 
request and $5,367,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. Of the amounts provided, no less than $200,000 is for 
travel related to the provision of training, technical 
assistance, oversight and management of Indian housing.
    Moving-to-Work.--The Committee recognizes HUD's need to 
establish an effective evaluation, research, and program design 
for the Moving-to-Work demonstration, which was expanded in 
fiscal year 2016. However, the Committee is concerned that the 
Department has not yet implemented the expansion and directs 
the Department to issue an implementing notice for the first 
Moving to Work expansion cohort not later than 60 days after 
enactment of this act.
    Regulatory Relief.--The Administration's budget includes 
requests for waiver authority related to statutory and 
regulatory requirements of the public housing and tenant-based 
voucher programs. The Committee is supportive of efforts to 
streamline program requirements, while also ensuring 
appropriate oversight of these programs. However, waivers only 
result in temporary administrative relief and are tailored to 
reflect the specific needs of an individual PHA. While waivers 
are a useful tool, if used as a replacement for a comprehensive 
regulatory review, they only create complicated ad hoc 
regulatory structures without eliminating unnecessary program-
wide requirements. Rather than include broad waiver authority, 
the Committee has included language directing HUD to establish 
a regulatory advisory committee for the purpose of undertaking 
a comprehensive review of public housing and tenant-based 
voucher regulations and to report back on these efforts to the 
House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of this act. Additionally, the 
Committee remains concerned about the growing demand placed on 
small-and medium-sized PHAs, and agencies that only administer 
a section 8 or section 9 program, and continues to urge HUD to 
eliminate excessive paperwork and administrative requirements 
and develop opportunities that achieve new efficiencies in 
management and operations for small- and medium-sized PHAs.
    Oversight of Public Housing Agency Receiverships.--The 
Committee believes that effective management and oversight of 
PHAs that are under HUD receivership requires technical and 
programmatic expertise and directs that the Office of 
Receivership Oversight [ORO] shall be the lead office for 
managing and overseeing all public housing agencies under 
administrative receivership. The Committee supports that, where 
necessary, ORO's lead role may be supported by other germane 
offices that are critical to the management and oversight of 
section 8 and 9 programs, including the Office of Field Policy 
and Management, and the Office of General Counsel.

                   COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $107,554,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     105,906,000
Committee recommendation................................     110,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding for 
Community Planning and Development [CPD] staff in headquarters 
and in 43 field offices. CPD's mission is to support successful 
urban, suburban and rural communities by promoting integrated 
approaches to community and economic development. CPD programs 
also assist in the expansion of opportunities for low- and 
moderate-income individuals and families in moving towards home 
ownership. The Assistant Secretary for CPD administers formula 
and competitive grant programs, as well as guaranteed loan 
programs that help communities plan and finance their growth 
and development. These programs also help communities increase 
their capacity to govern and provide shelter and services for 
homeless persons and other persons with special needs, 
including person with HIV/AIDS.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $110,000,000 
for the staffing within this office, which is $4,094,000 more 
than the budget request and $2,446,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.
    The Committee directs HUD to prioritize the hiring and 
backfilling of staff to support grant monitoring, as well as 
the closeout of open audits and backlog of open grantees in 
Region I.
    New Housing in 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. Upward price pressure on rents resulting 
from such conditions imposes a greater financial burden on 
Federal taxpayers through rental assistance programs that 
respond to market rents. The Committee directs the Department 
to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
no later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this act, 
identifying metropolitan areas where such conditions are most 
prevalent and recommending best practices for localities and 
states to help encourage the production of new housing stock in 
high-cost metropolitan areas.

                                HOUSING

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $383,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     359,448,000
Committee recommendation................................     390,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding to 
support staff in headquarters and in 52 field locations in the 
Office of Housing. The Office of Housing is responsible for 
implementing programs to assist projects for occupancy by very 
low- and moderate-income households, to provide capital grants 
to nonprofit sponsors for the development of housing for the 
elderly and disabled, and to conduct several regulatory 
functions. The Office also administers Federal Housing 
Administration [FHA] programs. FHA administers HUD's mortgage 
and loan insurance programs, which facilitate the financing of 
new construction, rehabilitation or the purchase of existing 
dwelling units. The Office also provides services to maintain 
and preserve homeownership, especially for underserved 
populations. This assistance allows lenders to make lower cost 
financing available to more borrowers for home and home 
improvement loans, and apartment, hospital, and nursing home 
loans. FHA provides a vital link in addressing America's 
homeownership and affordable housing needs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $390,000,000 
for staffing in the Office of Housing, which is $30,552,000 
more than the budget request and $7,000,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Rental Assistance Demonstration.--To ensure appropriate 
oversight and processing of public housing, and other assisted-
housing properties, conversion to Section 8 rental assistance, 
and improvements to tenant engagement and relocation efforts, 
the Committee directs the Department to ensure the Office of 
Recapitalization is funded at no less than $12,500,000. The 
Committee further directs the Department to prioritize the 
hiring of asset management staff in field offices. The 
Department is directed to inform the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 30 days of enactment of 
this act regarding how it is implementing the Committee's 
hiring direction.

                    POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $24,065,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      25,366,000
Committee recommendation................................      26,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding to 
support staff in headquarters and in 10 field locations in the 
Office of Policy Development and Research [PD&R]. PD&R supports 
the Department's efforts to help create cohesive, economically 
healthy communities. PD&R is responsible for maintaining 
current information on housing needs, market conditions, and 
existing programs, as well as conducting research on priority 
housing and community development issues. The office provides 
reliable and objective data and analysis to help inform policy 
decisions.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,000,000 
for this account, which is $634,000 more than the budget 
request and $1,935,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level. The Committee recommendation is sufficient to support 
existing staffing levels, as well as the establishment of an 
Office of Innovation.

                   FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $69,808,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      71,312,000
Committee recommendation................................      71,500,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding to 
support staff in headquarters and in all regional offices in 
the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity [FHEO]. FHEO 
is responsible for investigating, resolving, and prosecuting 
complaints of housing discrimination, as well as conducting 
education and outreach activities to increase awareness of the 
requirements of the Fair Housing Act. The Office also develops 
and interprets fair housing policy, processes complaints, 
performs compliance reviews, and provides oversight and 
technical assistance to local housing authorities and community 
development agencies regarding section 3 of the Housing and 
Urban Development Act of 1968.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $71,500,000, 
which is $188,000 more than the budget request and $1,692,000 
more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

            OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOMES

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $7,600,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       7,540,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,800,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides salary and benefits funding to 
support the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes 
[OLHCHH] headquarters staff. OLHCHH administers and manages the 
lead-based paint and healthy homes activities of the 
Department, and is directly responsible for the administration 
of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program. The office 
also develops lead-based paint regulations, guidelines, and 
policies applicable to HUD programs, designs lead-based paint 
and healthy homes training programs, administers lead-hazard 
control and healthy homes grant programs, and implements the 
lead and healthy homes research program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,800,000 for 
this account, which is $260,000 more than the budget request 
and $200,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                          WORKING CAPITAL FUND

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Working Capital Fund [WCF] promotes economy, 
efficiency, and accountability. Amounts transferred to the Fund 
are for Federal shared services used by offices and agencies of 
the Department, and are derived from centralized Salaries and 
Expenses accounts.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee 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, and supply services. The Committee does 
not expand the authority to include the proposed management 
data initiative. 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 properly vet that plan with the House and Senate Committees 
on Appropriations prior to transferring such funds into the 
WCF. Financial management, procurement, travel, and relocation 
costs for services provided to the Office of the Inspector 
General are covered by the Office of the Chief Financial 
Officer.
    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

Appropriations, 2018.................................... $22,015,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................  20,549,749,000
Committee recommendation................................  22,780,987,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for the Section 8 tenant-
based [voucher] program. Section 8 tenant-based housing 
assistance is one of the principle appropriations for Federal 
housing assistance, serving approximately 2.2 million families. 
The program also funds incremental vouchers for tenants who 
live in properties where the owner has decided to leave the 
Section 8 program. The program also provides for the 
replacement of units lost from the assisted housing inventory 
through its tenant protection vouchers. Under these programs, 
eligible low-income individuals and families pay 30 percent of 
their adjusted income for rent, and the Federal Government is 
responsible for the remainder of the rent, up to the fair 
market rent or some other payment standard. This account also 
provides funding for administrative fees for public housing 
agencies [PHAs], mainstream vouchers, Housing and Urban 
Development Veterans Supportive Housing [HUD-VASH] programs, 
and other incremental vouchers for vulnerable populations.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of 
$22,780,987,000 for fiscal year 2019, including $4,000,000,000 
as an advance appropriation to be made available on October 1, 
2019. This amount is $2,231,238,000 more than the budget 
request and $765,987,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted 
level.
    Contract Renewals.--The Committee recommends 
$20,520,000,000 for the renewal costs of Section 8 vouchers, 
which is $1,771,251,000 more than the budget request and 
$920,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    The Section 8 rental assistance program is a critical tool 
that enables more than 2 million low-income individuals and 
families to access safe, stable, and affordable housing in the 
private market. In recognition of the Section 8 program's 
central role in ensuring housing for vulnerable Americans, the 
Committee recommendation and existing reserves will provide 
sufficient resources to ensure that no current voucher holders 
are put at risk of losing their housing assistance. It also 
supports the first time renewal of incremental vouchers that 
were funded in prior years, including HUD-VASH vouchers. The 
Committee will continue to monitor leasing data to make sure 
residents are protected.
    Set-Aside for Special Circumstances.--The Committee is 
concerned that the funding set-aside to allow for adjustments 
to renewal funding allocations is insufficient to ensure that 
all eligible categories are addressed; particularly renewal 
adjustments for HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing [HUD-
VASH] vouchers. Therefore, the Committee recommendation 
increases this set-aside from $75,000,000 to $100,000,000 and 
directs the Department to ensure all special circumstances are 
considered in its allocations to PHAs.
    Tenant Protection Vouchers.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $85,000,000 for tenant protection vouchers. These 
vouchers are provided to public housing residents whose 
buildings have health or safety issues, or whose projects are 
being demolished. However, the largest share of these vouchers 
is provided to tenants living in properties with expiring HUD 
assistance who may face rent increases if their owners opt out 
of HUD programs. In these instances, the vouchers ensure 
continued affordability of tenants' housing.
    The Committee is concerned that PHAs may not be meeting the 
tenant relocation requirements set forth in 24 CFR 970.21 for 
developments undergoing section 18 disposition actions. As 
such, the Committee reminds the Department that 24 CFR 
970.21(b) prohibits the disposition of a building until all 
tenants residing in the building are relocated to decent, safe, 
and sanitary housing. The Committee also notes that 24 CFR 
970.21(d)(2) establishes a relocation timetable, which requires 
that tenants be notified monthly of a relocation schedule, and 
24 CFR 970.21(e)(1)(iii) establishes that PHAs are responsible 
for providing each household displaced by section 18 actions 
comparable housing. The Committee directs HUD to issue 
clarifying guidance to PHAs on the statutory and regulatory 
requirements regarding the period of availability for tenant 
protection vouchers, as well as PHA's obligations under 24 CFR 
970.21 and urges HUD to take appropriate action to ensure 
residents who need decent, safe, and sanitary housing do not 
face additional barriers.
    Administrative Fees.--The Committee recommends 
$1,956,987,000 for administrative fees. The Committee notes 
that these funds are critical to the execution and success of 
the voucher program. These funds are used for a diverse range 
of activities and critical functions such as: property 
inspections; case management, including tenant screening, 
income recertification, and emergency transfers; landlord 
outreach; issuing new vouchers upon program turnover; and 
assisting tenants in locating housing.
    The Committee is concerned that where there is a 
significant fluctuation in local rental market conditions, 
HUD's published fair market rents do not reflect the increased 
need in rental subsidy and the associated operating costs. As a 
result, some PHAs are conducting independent market surveys to 
more accurately reflect local market conditions for HUD's 
review and consideration. However, some rental market surveys 
can be costly and an unviable option for PHAs that lack the 
expertise and capacity. This is particularly true for smaller 
PHAs in markets where the local fair market rents are outpacing 
HUD's annual determination of FMRs. The Committee notes that 
where there are opportunities to partner with universities or 
other entities to conduct rent surveys, in some areas of the 
country, this partnership is limited to one university for an 
entire coastal region. While the Committee recognizes that such 
surveys are an eligible administrative expense under the 
Housing Choice Voucher program, it remains concerned about 
reimbursement being a viable option for PHAs. As such, the 
Office of Housing Choice Vouchers is directed to work with the 
Office of Policy Development and Research to identify the 
statutory, regulatory and cost barriers PHAs face in conducting 
and receiving reimbursements for rent surveys, as well as 
solutions to address delays in HUD's annual calculation of FMRs 
for rental markets that are rapidly increasing in value, and to 
provide a report to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations within 120 days of enactment of this act.
    Section 811 Mainstream Vouchers.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $154,000,000 to continue the rental 
assistance and administrative costs of this program.
    Tribal-VASH.--The Committee recommendation includes 
$5,000,000 for the renewal of rental assistance and associated 
administrative costs for Tribal HUD-VASH to serve Native 
American veterans that are homeless or at-risk of homelessness 
living on or near a reservation or other Indian areas. The 
Committee supports the intent behind this demonstration, but is 
concerned that this program is underutilized. The Committee 
notes that this undersubscription is not a reflection of a lack 
of need for these critical housing resources on or near tribal 
lands. However, it does raise concerns with program design and 
implementation and if this approach can satisfactorily address 
capacity challenges and the needs of all tribal areas. The 
Committee encourages HUD to use its existing reallocation 
authority where necessary to ensure these funds can be utilized 
to the greatest extent possible. The Committee directs HUD to 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 120 days of enactment of this act on the status of the 
demonstration, challenges of using a Section 8 model, and 
possible alternative approaches to addressing the needs of 
homeless veterans living on tribal lands including the use of 
NAHASDA programs. The Committee further directs HUD to issue 
clarifying guidance on how Tribal VASH can be paired and/or 
leveraged with other program and funding sources in order to 
improve the utilization of this assistance.
    HUD-VASH.--The Committee again rejects the budget proposal 
to prematurely end funding for new VASH vouchers and includes 
$40,000,000 for this purpose. These vouchers have been critical 
to reducing veterans' homelessness by 46 percent since 2010.
    It is vital that all funds directed to this program are 
accounted for and used efficiently. As such, the Committee 
directs HUD to make public the basis for the need for 
additional HUD-VASH funding and reasons for unused funds, which 
should also include an evaluation the effectiveness of the 
program and distribution of resources. The Committee continues 
to encourage the Department to use existing authority to 
recapture HUD-VASH voucher assistance from 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, ensuring 
that communities that have successfully ended veterans' 
homelessness enable other communities to assist this 
population. The Committee encourages the Department to 
prioritize, as part of this reallocation, PHAs that project-
base a portion of their HUD-VASH vouchers.
    Family Unification Program [FUP].--The Committee includes 
$20,000,000 for new FUP vouchers. The Committee directs HUD to 
prioritize the award of these new vouchers to PHAs that will 
target them to youth and PHAs that have partnered with their 
local public child welfare agency to provide youth referrals 
for these vouchers. The Committee also continues language 
permitting the Secretary to recapture voucher assistance from 
PHAs that no longer have a need for that assistance, and 
reallocate to it to PHAs with an identified need.

                        HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND

                        (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee has included language that will allow 
unobligated balances from specific accounts to be used to renew 
or amend project-based rental assistance contracts.

                      PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $2,750,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................   2,775,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for modernization and capital 
needs of PHAs (except Tribally Designated Housing Entities), 
including management improvements, resident relocation, and 
homeownership activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,775,000,000 
for the Public Housing Capital Fund, which is $2,775,000,000 
more than the budget request and $25,000,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Of the amount made available under this account, up to 
$35,000,000 is for supportive services for residents of public 
housing under the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency 
[ROSS] program, and $15,000,000 is for the Jobs-Plus 
demonstration. The Committee also recommends up to $14,000,000 
to support the ongoing financial and physical assessment 
activities performed by the Real Estate Assessment Center 
[REAC] and up to $1,000,000 for the cost of administrative and 
judicial receiverships.
    Safety and Security in Public Housing.--The Committee 
directs at least $5,000,000 of the $25,000,000 recommended for 
emergency capital needs be used for safety and security 
measures in public housing. The Committee has included this 
specific set-aside because there are PHAs facing safety and 
security issues that rely on these funds to protect their 
tenants. The Committee believes that the level of funding 
recommended will support both repairs from disasters and safety 
and security improvements. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Department to fund eligible safety and security projects with a 
portion of these funds as quickly as possible. The Committee 
continues language clarifying that unused funds from the 
emergency set-aside shall be used to address safety and 
security needs of PHAs and the residents who live in these 
properties.
    Quality Assurance of Physical Inspections.--The Committee 
remains concerned about the physical quality of some HUD-
subsidized properties across the country, including incidences 
of unaddressed or untimely responses to health-related hazards 
in HUD-assisted housing. The Committee directs the Department 
to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
30 days after enactment of this act, a report identifying how 
funds provided for the Real Estate Assessment Center, including 
any carryover balances, will be utilized during fiscal year 
2019. The Committee also directs the Department to submit to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 90 
days of enactment of this act a report on Real Estate 
Assessment Center [REAC] inspections of all HUD assisted and or 
insured properties. This report shall include: the percentage 
of all inspected properties that received a REAC-inspected 
score of less than 65 since calendar year 2013; the number of 
properties in which the most recent REAC-inspected score 
represented a decline relative to the previous REAC score; a 
list of the 10 metropolitan statistical areas with the lowest 
average REAC-inspected scores for all inspected properties; and 
a list of the 10 States with the lowest average REAC-inspected 
scores for all inspected properties. The Committee encourages 
the Department to work with the House and Senate authorizing 
committees on enforcement actions, including civil monetary 
penalties, that HUD can take to ensure PHAs and landlords 
maintain the physical quality of HUD-assisted units.
    The Committee continues to support efforts to quickly issue 
tenant-protection vouchers to ensure affected residents are 
expeditiously securing housing that meets HUD's decent, safe 
and sanitary standards. The Committee reiterates that 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. As 
such, the Committee directs HUD to remind public housing 
agencies of the importance of working in coordination with 
state housing finance agencies and regional stakeholders to 
identify opportunities for the preservation and expansion of 
local affordable housing, particularly in areas where there is 
a known low vacancy or where the PHA is pursuing a Section 18 
demolishment or disposition action.
    Lead-Based Paint.--In fiscal year 2017 the Committee 
provided $25,000,000 to help PHAs address lead-based paint 
hazards in public housing units, to ensure the physical 
condition of units meet the criteria set forth in HUD's amended 
blood lead level standards. This funding will be competitively 
awarded to PHAs for lead inspections, risk assessments, interim 
controls and abatements, and will provide greater protections 
for children under the age of 6 living in public housing. Based 
on the demand identified through the fiscal year 2017 
competition, there is still a demand to address lead-based 
paint hazards in public housing. As a result, the Committee 
directs $25,000,000 from the funds provided to continue making 
improvements to the public housing stock. The Committee 
continues to expect the Department to work with PHAs to ensure 
that the initiative reflects the unique needs of the industry 
and strongly encourages HUD to work with PHAs, their 
maintenance staff, and tenants to help ensure potential lead-
based paint risks are identified and addressed expeditiously.
    Emergency Call Systems.--In 2014, HUD's Office of 
Multifamily Housing [OMFH] issued guidance for emergency call 
systems in elderly properties. This guidance was issued because 
owners, sponsors, and stakeholder groups had reported 
inconsistent guidance on which types of emergency call systems 
are required for elderly Multifamily properties, with reports 
that HUD staff had specifically instructed properties to 
maintain pull-cord technology in elderly properties rather than 
replacing this outdated technology with wireless or electronic 
emergency call systems. While HUD's OMFH issued this guidance 
in 2014, PIH has not issued similar guidance for public housing 
properties. The Committee is concerned that this inconsistency 
is creating unnecessary confusion for PHAs and stakeholders. 
Therefore, the Committee directs PIH to issue clarifying 
guidance regarding emergency call systems in PHA managed 
multifamily properties within 90 of enactment of this act and 
to update related REAC inspection protocols if so warranted. 
The Department is directed to inform the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations within 90 days of enactment of 
this act on actions it has taken in this regard.
    Public Housing Receiverships.--The Committee is concerned 
that HUD may be establishing deadlines to transition PHAs out 
of receivership prior to the successful relocation of every 
household that is subject to an involuntary relocation as a 
result of health and safety conditions. As such, the Committee 
directs HUD to ensure that, prior to a PHA exiting 
receivership, there is a plan in place to ensure tenants that 
are adversely affected by involuntary relocations are able to 
secure decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Additionally, the 
Committee directs the Department to report quarterly during 
fiscal year 2019 to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations on the status of public housing agencies under 
receivership, including factors that informed the receivership 
such as physical and financial scores, deficiencies with 
internal controls, and other information demonstrating why HUD 
believes PHAs are unable to effectively oversee their business 
operations. This report shall also include an identification of 
funding resources and technical assistance provided to the PHA 
for the purpose of transitioning out of receivership, and 
future steps HUD will take to address deficiencies in an effort 
to return the respective PHAs to local control.
    Public Housing Disposition.--The Committee notes that while 
it is important for HUD to undertake due diligence when 
reviewing applications for public housing dispositions under 
section 18 of the 1937 Housing Act, the HUD review process can 
be unduly burdensome and lengthy. Such is likely the case for 
those applications where a PHA is partnering with their State 
Housing Finance Agency. The Committee directs HUD to review its 
procedures and identify areas where streamlined review 
processes may be appropriate in order to reduce the time it 
takes to issue a final determination on applications, including 
any statutory, regulatory, and capacity barriers, and to report 
to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 
days of enactment of this act.
    Mobility and Relocation Specialists.--The Committee is 
aware of reports that HUD is not providing sufficient oversight 
of and continued access to mobility and relocation specialists 
for public housing residents who are required to involuntarily 
relocate from their current public housing unit, as a result of 
health and safety conditions or the demolishment or disposition 
of a public housing unit. The Committee directs HUD to take 
appropriate action to ensure public housing residents being 
relocated have access to mobility and relocation specialists 
until their relocation to suitable replacement housing is 
complete.
    ConnectHome.--The ConnectHome initiative provides a 
platform for collaboration among local governments, PHAs, 
Internet service providers, philanthropic foundations, 
nonprofit organizations and other relevant stakeholders to work 
together to produce local solutions for narrowing the digital 
divide in communities across the Nation served by HUD. The 
Committee encourages the Department to continue to partner with 
these entities to help identify ways residents living in public 
housing can connect to broadband infrastructure through 
technical assistance and digital literacy training, and to work 
with its partners to take steps to expand the number of 
participating communities.

                     PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $4,550,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................   3,279,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   4,756,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for the payment of operating 
subsidies to approximately 3,100 PHAs (except tribally 
designated housing entities) with a total of approximately 1.2 
million units under management in order to augment rent 
payments by residents in order to provide sufficient revenues 
to meet reasonable operating costs.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,756,000,000 
for the public housing operating fund, which is $1,477,000,000 
more than the budget request and $206,000,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level.

                    CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $150,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................     100,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Choice Neighborhoods initiative provides competitive 
grants to transform impoverished neighborhoods into 
functioning, sustainable, mixed-income neighborhoods with co-
location of appropriate services, schools, public assets, 
transportation options, and access to jobs or job training. 
Choice Neighborhoods grants fund the preservation, 
rehabilitation, and transformation of public and HUD-assisted 
housing, as well as their neighborhoods. Grantees include PHAs, 
tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. For-
profit developers may also apply in partnership with another 
eligible grantee. Grant funds can be used for resident and 
community services, community development and affordable 
housing activities in surrounding communities. Grantees 
undertake comprehensive local planning with input from 
residents and the community.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $100,000,000 
for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. This amount is 
$50,000,000 less than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and 
$100,000,000 more than the budget request. Of the total amount 
provided, not less than $50,000,000 shall be awarded to 
projects where PHAs are the lead applicant, and no more than 
$5,000,000 may be used for planning, including planning and 
action, grants. The Committee continues to direct the Secretary 
to give priority consideration to grantees that have been 
previously awarded planning grants when making implementation 
grant awards. The Committee also directs HUD, when evaluating 
applicants for Choice Neighborhoods Initiative implementation 
grants, to take into account the capital needs of public 
housing properties that previously received funding through the 
HOPE VI program, but were not the target development of the 
HOPE VI project. Choice Neighborhoods projects must continue to 
meet the definition of ``severely distressed.''

                        FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $75,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      75,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      80,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Family Self-Sufficiency [FSS] program provides funding 
to help Housing Choice Voucher, project-based Section 8, and 
Public Housing residents achieve self-sufficiency and economic 
independence. The FSS program is designed to provide service 
coordination through community partnerships that link residents 
with employment assistance, job training, child care, 
transportation, financial literacy, and other supportive 
services. The funding will be allocated through one competition 
to eligible PHAs to support service coordinators who will serve 
both public housing and vouchers residents.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $80,000,000 
for the FSS program in fiscal year 2019. This amount is 
$5,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level, and 
$5,000,000 more than the budget request.
    The Committee strongly supports the FSS program, which 
helps provide public housing and Section 8 residents with the 
tools to improve their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. The 
Committee notes the passage of the Economic Growth, Regulatory 
Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, which will 
strengthen the FSS program by consolidating duplicative 
programs, broadening supportive services, and giving local 
entities flexibility to pursue innovative approaches. The 
Committee notes that this act prioritizes the renewal of all 
existing coordinators, subject to performance standards, and 
encourages the participation of new coordinators once the 
renewal need is met. As the program expands, the Committee 
expects HUD to continue to hold webinars and trainings, and to 
share best-practices for PHAs and property owners currently 
operating and seeking to implement a new FSS program. Further, 
the Committee strongly encourages the Department to continue 
work with PHAs and property owners, including those converting 
existing FSS programs through the Rental Assistance 
Demonstration, to ensure they comply with reporting and other 
program requirements.
    Easing Barriers to Participation.--In order to facilitate 
increased participation by target families, the Committee seeks 
to reduce barriers to participation that can arise from 
understaffed FSS programs or delays in family enrollment. For 
the purposes of the NOFA for this program, the Committee 
directs HUD to use PIC data from the 12-month period 
immediately preceding the issuance of the NOFA when calculating 
the number of new or additional FSS coordinators for which a 
PHA is eligible to apply. The Committee further directs that 
for new families enrolling in the FSS program in 2019, the 
income and rent amounts to be used in the ``Program Contract of 
Participation'' shall be taken from the amounts on the last 
reexamination or interim determination before the family's 
initial participation in the FSS program.

                  NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $755,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     600,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     755,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account funds the Indian Housing Block Grant Program, 
as authorized under title I of the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 [NAHASDA]. This 
program provides a funding allocation on a formula basis to 
Indian Tribes and their tribally designated housing entities to 
help address the housing needs within their communities. Under 
this block grant, Indian Tribes use performance measures and 
benchmarks that are consistent with the national goals of the 
program, but can base these measures on the needs and 
priorities established in their own Indian housing plan.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total of $755,000,000 for the 
Indian Housing Block Grant [IHBG] and Title VI Loan Guarantee 
programs, of which $646,000,000 is for IHBG formula grants, 
$100,000,000 is for IHBG competitive grants, $7,000,000 is for 
technical assistance, and $2,000,000 is for credit subsidy to 
support a Title VI guaranteed loan level not to exceed 
$17,761,989. The recommended level of funding is the same as 
the amount provided in fiscal year 2018 and $155,000,000 more 
than the budget request.
    Competitive Grants.--IHBG is a vital resource for Tribal 
governments to address the dire housing conditions in Indian 
country, and access to affordable housing remains in a critical 
State for many Tribes across the country. Native Americans 
living in Tribal areas are nearly twice as likely to live in 
poverty compared to the rest of the Nation. As a result, the 
housing challenges on Tribal lands are daunting. According to 
the American Housing Survey data for 2013, 16 percent of homes 
on American Indian reservations and off-reservation trust land 
are overcrowded, compared to 2 percent of households 
nationwide. In addition to being overcrowded, 34 percent of 
Native American housing units suffer from one or more physical 
problems compared with only 7 percent for U.S. households, on 
average. To assist Tribes with these daunting housing 
challenges, the Committee recommendation includes $100,000,000 
for competitive grants in addition to the formula funding.
    Coordinated Environmental Reviews for Tribal Housing and 
Related Infrastructure.--In fiscal year 2015, the Committee 
directed HUD to collaborate with the Council on Environmental 
Quality and affected Federal agencies, including the 
Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, 
Health and Human Services, the Federal Highway Administration, 
and the Environmental Protection Agency, to develop a 
coordinated environmental review process to simplify Tribal 
housing development and its related infrastructure needs. The 
Committee expects HUD to continue to update the Committee on 
the status and progress of these ongoing efforts.
    Technical Assistance.--Limited capacity hinders the ability 
of many Tribes to effectively address their housing needs. The 
Committee recommendation includes $7,000,000 for technical 
assistance needs in Indian country to support the IHBG program, 
as well as other HUD programs, in order to meet the needs of 
Native American families and Indian country. The Committee 
expects HUD to use the technical assistance funding provided to 
aid Tribes with capacity challenges, especially Tribes 
receiving small grant awards. The funding should be used for 
training, contract expertise, and other services necessary to 
improve data collection, increase leveraging, and address other 
needs identified by Tribes. The Committee also expects that 
these technical assistance funds will be provided to 
organizations with experience in providing technical assistance 
that reflects the unique needs and culture of Native Americans.
    Title VI Credit Subsidy Model.--The Title VI Loan Guarantee 
program enables Tribes to leverage their block grant funds and 
encourages private lenders to finance Tribal housing 
development activities. While this program provides critical 
financing to address housing needs on Tribal lands, the program 
has suffered from an outdated credit subsidy model. The 
Committee is pleased to learn that HUD and OMB have undertaken 
an effort to improve the model and more accurately reflect the 
cost to the Government of this program. These corrections will 
likely result in the ability to do more lending at the same 
appropriation level. The Committee strongly encourages HUD to 
continue these efforts and hopes they will be reflected in the 
fiscal year 2020 request.

           INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Limitation on
                                       Program account  guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018................        $1,000,000      $270,270,270
Budget estimate, 2019...............  ................  ................
Committee recommendation............         1,440,000       553,846,154
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This program provides access to private financing for 
Indian families, Indian Tribes, and their tribally designated 
housing entities that otherwise could not acquire housing 
financing because of the unique status of Indian trust land. 
HUD continues to be the largest single source of financing for 
housing in Tribal communities. This program makes it possible 
to promote sustainable reservation communities by providing 
access to financing for higher income Native Americans to 
achieve homeownership within their Native communities. As 
required by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, this account 
includes the subsidy costs associated with the loan guarantees 
authorized under this program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,440,000 in 
program subsidies to support a loan level of $553,846,154. This 
subsidy amount is $440,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 
enacted subsidy level and $1,440,000 more than the budget 
request.

                  NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Hawaiian Homelands Homeownership Act of 2000 created 
the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program to provide 
grants to the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Lands 
[DHHL] for housing and housing-related assistance, in order to 
develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing for eligible 
low-income Native Hawaiian families. As one of the United 
States' indigenous people, Native Hawaiian people have a unique 
relationship with the Federal Government.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for 
the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, which is equal 
to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $2,000,000 more than 
the budget request.
    The Committee is extremely disappointed at DHHL's repeated 
failure to meet acceptable performance targets for the 
expenditure of federally appropriated funds, and its failure to 
adjust program delivery models to meet the housing needs of 
low-income Native Hawaiians. While the underlying state 
constitutional mandate to return Native Hawaiians to the 
Hawaiian homelands is and should always be the mission of the 
organization, that does not in any way preclude DHHL from 
developing affordable, multi-family rental housing for the 
estimated 34,100 low-income Native Hawaiians who cannot afford 
traditional or sweat equity homeownership opportunities. This 
type of residential density will also allow for more efficient 
use of infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water lines. 
Further, DHHL is encouraged to also address the rehabilitation 
of unsafe and unsanitary housing conditions of low-income 
Kapuna housing on Hawaiian homelands for which there is also 
great need.
    The Committee directs HUD to ensure that the funds provided 
are administered to maximize the provision of affordable 
housing through the construction of high density, multi-family 
affordable housing and rental units, as well as housing 
counseling services and the rehabilitation of housing on Native 
Hawaiian home lands that do not meet safe and sanitary housing 
building standards.

                   Community Planning and Development

              HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $375,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     330,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     375,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS [HOPWA] 
program provides States and localities with resources and 
incentives to devise long-term, comprehensive strategies for 
meeting the housing and supportive service needs of persons 
living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
    By statute, 90 percent of formula-appropriated funds are 
distributed to qualifying States and metropolitan areas on the 
basis of the number of living HIV and living AIDS cases, as 
well as poverty and local housing cost factors. The remaining 
10 percent of funds are awarded through a national competition, 
with priority given to the renewal of funding for expiring 
agreements consistent with appropriations act requirements.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $375,000,000 
for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS [HOPWA] 
program. This level of funding is $45,000,000 more than the 
budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 
The Committee continues to include language requiring HUD to 
allocate these funds in a manner that preserves existing HOPWA 
programs, to the extent that those programs are determined to 
be meeting the needs of persons with HIV/AIDS.

                       COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $3,365,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................   3,365,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act 
of 1974, as amended, the Department is authorized to award 
block grants to units of general local government and States 
for the funding of local community development programs. A wide 
range of physical, economic, and social development activities 
are eligible with spending priorities determined at the local 
level, but the law enumerates general objectives which the 
block grants are designed to fulfill, including adequate 
housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic 
opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate 
income. Grant recipients are required to use at least 70 
percent of their block grant funds for activities that benefit 
low- and moderate-income persons.
    Funds are distributed to eligible recipients for community 
development purposes utilizing the higher of two objective 
formulas, one of which gives somewhat greater weight to the age 
of housing stock. Of the funds appropriated, 70 percent are 
distributed to entitlement communities and 30 percent are 
distributed to nonentitlement communities after deducting 
designated amounts for insular areas.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee has provided $3,365,000,000 for Community 
Development Block Grants [CDBG]. The recommended amount is 
$3,365,000,000 above the budget request and equal to the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. CDBG funding provides States and 
entitlement communities with resources that allow them to 
undertake a wide range of community development activities, 
including public infrastructure improvements, housing 
rehabilitation and construction, job creation and retention, 
and public services that primarily benefit low and moderate 
income persons. The Committee strongly rejects the 
administration's proposal to eliminate this critical 
infrastructure program. Since 2005, CDBG has assisted nearly 
1.5 million homeowners with services such as rehabilitation, 
downpayment assistance, and lead abatement; it has helped 
create or retain over 400,000 jobs; and has benefited over 45 
million people through infrastructure improvements. Every 
dollar of CDBG Federal investment leverages nearly four 
additional dollars in non-CDBG funding. Urban and rural 
communities rely on this funding to serve their most vulnerable 
residents and where residents experience economic hardship. 
This program is vital to our nation's downtown and neighborhood 
revitalization efforts, and the Committee believes that every 
effort must be made to protect this essential funding 
mechanism. HUD's own fiscal year 2019 performance plan shows 
that eliminating CDBG as well as HOME ultimately reduces the 
number of housing units the Department expects to make healthy, 
physically safe and lead-safe by two-thirds. This essential 
resource for State and local governments lies at the heart of 
HUD's community development mission and eliminating it would 
have a real and significant negative impact on the lives of 
millions of low and moderate income Americans.
    The flexibility associated with CDBG enables State and 
local governments to tailor solutions to effectively meet the 
unique needs of their communities. The Committee notes the 
importance of States and local grantees meeting the program's 
three national objectives, as they utilize the program's 
resources to address a wide range of community needs. As HUD 
works with communities to determine eligible activities that 
meet the national objective of benefiting low- and moderate-
income persons, the Committee encourages the Department to 
extend flexibility for rural communities under 1,000 residents 
to use alternate sources of data to establish Low-Moderate 
Income Survey Data [LMISD] when American Community Survey [ACS] 
data is considered by the CDBG applicant to be unreliable.
    The Committee recommends $65,000,000 for grants to Indian 
Tribes for essential economic and community development 
activities, which is $65,000,000 above the budget request and 
equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    To ensure the program remains flexible, but also 
accountable and transparent, the Committee recommendation 
continues provisions in bill language that prohibit any 
community from selling its CDBG award to another community and 
that any funding provided to a for-profit entity for an 
economic development project funded under this act undergo 
appropriate underwriting. The Committee has included these 
provisions to address concerns raised about how program dollars 
have been used and to mitigate risks associated with it.
    Transitional Housing for Individuals Exiting Recovery.--The 
Committee recognizes the importance of stable transitional 
living environments for individuals in recovery from substance 
abuse disorder, including opioid addiction. As such, the 
Committee directs HUD to encourage community development block 
grant recipients to provide funding to organizations that offer 
transitional housing opportunities to those in recovery.
    Assisting Communities Affected by Disasters.--The Committee 
provided a historically large appropriation of $35,400,000,000 
for rebuilding efforts in areas affected by 2017 disasters and 
for additional mitigation activities in communities affected by 
disasters occurring between 2015 and 2017. As of April 2018, 
HUD had informally announced the allocation and the recipients 
of this funding. The Committee notes, however, that because the 
Department has not yet published the allocations for the 
majority of this funding in the Federal Register, grantees 
cannot submit their Allocation Plans to HUD for review and 
resources cannot begin to flow to States and territories. Until 
allocations are published, hard-hit communities, including 
those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, will be 
prevented from expeditiously distributing this critical long-
term recovery funding. In order to facilitate the timely 
deployment of these resources, the Committee directs HUD to 
publish all allocations and implementing notices in the Federal 
Register no later than 30 days after the enactment of this act.
    Additionally, the Department has been conditioning the 
allocation of disaster recovery funds on the use of important 
guidelines emphasizing durability and sustainability. These 
pragmatic standards have helped communities affected by 
disasters to recover quickly, build back stronger, and more 
effectively prepare for future natural hazard events. The 
Committee believes that this approach will be helpful in 
reducing the need for future repair and recovery spending and 
strongly encourages the Department not only to maintain these 
standards for disaster assistance, but to work with communities 
to extend this approach to other Community Development Block 
Grant activities as well.
    Procurement Standards for Disaster Grantees.-- CDBG 
Disaster Recovery provides essential funding to States and 
localities recovering from natural disasters. In prior 
appropriations, Congress has directed HUD to provide thorough 
oversight of the auditing and procurement procedures 
implemented by grantees. In the Disaster Relief Appropriations 
Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-2), and in subsequent disaster 
recovery appropriations in fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017, 
Congress specifically required HUD to certify that the 
procurement processes employed by each grantee meet a standard 
of proficiency. On March 5, 2013, HUD published Notice FR-5696-
N-01 clarifying that a proficient standard is one that is 
equivalent to and in alignment with Federal procurement 
standards. The Committee continues to believe that as long as 
HUD provides consistent and rigorous oversight of the 
procurement processes employed by State and local recipients, 
an equivalent, though not identical procurement standard that 
upholds the principles of fair and open competition can prevent 
Federal dollars appropriated for disaster recovery from being 
spent irresponsibly. The Committee agrees that this approach 
provides maximum feasible deference to grantees, particularly 
States and U.S. territories, which is consistent with the CDBG 
program design. The Committee also notes its concern about the 
timeliness of disbursement of disaster relief funds once 
allocated to States and U.S. territories. The Committee expects 
HUD to balance the integrity of procurement standards with 
timely disbursement of resources and directs HUD to, as part of 
its oversight of procurement standards, ensure the timeliness 
of disbursements to subgrantees.
    Partnerships Between Grantees and Project Resource 
Providers.--The Committee strongly supports communities that 
are facilitating partnerships between CDBG recipients and non-
profit organizations that provide tools, equipment, or other 
resources to other nonprofit or volunteer organizations 
assisting in the completion of community development, 
revitalization, or rehabilitation projects authorized under the 
CDBG program. The Committee directs HUD to provide clarifying 
guidance to CDBG recipients about how they can facilitate these 
partnerships and to issue a report by the end of fiscal year 
2019 that identifies opportunities and challenges for Federal, 
State, and local governments to partner with nonprofit 
organizations to complete community development, 
revitalization, and rehabilitation projects.
    Addressing Blight and Abandoned Properties.--Blight and 
abandoned properties have significant impacts on the health, 
safety, and economic viability of the communities in which they 
are located. When undertaken strategically, demolition of 
abandoned properties can alleviate these harmful effects. The 
Committee encourages the Department to work with its grantees 
to identify effective solutions to addressing blight and 
abandoned properties.

         COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Limitation on
                                       Program account  guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018................  ................      $300,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...............  ................  ................
Committee recommendation............  ................       300,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1974, as amended, authorizes the Secretary to issue Federal 
loan guarantees of private market loans used by entitlement and 
nonentitlement communities to cover the costs of acquiring real 
property, rehabilitation of publicly owned real property, 
housing rehabilitation, and other economic development 
activities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommendation provides a loan level 
guarantee of $300,000,000 which is equal to the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level and $300,000,000 above the budget request. 
The Committee requires HUD to collect fees to offset credit 
subsidy costs such that the program operates at a zero credit 
subsidy cost.
    This program enables CDBG recipients to use their CDBG 
dollars to leverage financing for economic development 
projects, community facilities, and housing rehabilitation 
programs. Communities are allowed to borrow up to five times 
their most recent CDBG allocation.

                  HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $1,362,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................   1,362,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act, as 
amended, authorizes the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. 
This program provides assistance to States and local 
governments for the purpose of expanding the supply and 
affordability of housing to low-income and very low-income 
people. Eligible activities include tenant-based rental 
assistance, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental 
and ownership housing, and housing construction. To participate 
in the HOME program, State and local governments must develop a 
comprehensive housing affordability strategy. There is a 25 
percent matching requirement for participating jurisdictions, 
which can be reduced or eliminated if they are experiencing 
fiscal distress.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,362,000,000 
for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. This amount is 
equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $1,362,000,000 
more than the budget request.
    Affordable Housing Needs.--HOME continues to play a crucial 
role in the creation of new affordable housing and is more 
critical than ever given the lack of affordable housing in 
communities across the country. This past year, the program's 
ability to leverage outside funding has far exceeded its 
historical average: while in the past, a dollar of HOME money 
has attracted an additional $4.32, this rose to an average 
leveraged amount of $5.67 during fiscal year 2017. For rental 
projects specifically, this amount was even higher, leveraging 
$6.82 for every HOME dollar. The program's impressive ability 
to attract private capital reflects the central importance it 
plays in facilitating public-private housing development 
partnerships. Given the Administration's avowed interest in 
promoting cooperative efforts between the public and private 
sectors to address the affordable housing crisis, it is unclear 
how the elimination of HOME in the proposed budget helps to 
promote this objective. The Committee supports innovative 
projects that combine public and private capital, but 
recognizes that without a public commitment to programs like 
HOME, the private sector has little incentive to participate in 
public-private affordable housing partnerships.
    Reconciling Income Guidelines for Disabled Veterans.--There 
are 3.9 million veterans with disabilities and 1.5 million 
veterans living in poverty in the United States. However, 
connecting veterans to affordable housing opportunities based 
on their disability and/or income status can be difficult. Many 
multifamily affordable housing developments are financed with a 
combination of HOME funds and the Department of the Treasury's 
Low Income Housing Tax Credits [LIHTC]. However, the income 
guidelines for HUD's HOME program and the LIHTC vary, and 
reconciling the two program's requirements can be challenging. 
As such, the Committee urges the Department to work with the 
Department of Treasury to examine ways to better align HUD and 
LIHTC guidelines. The Committee encourages HUD to assess 
potential changes to the income determination used for LIHTC to 
ensure that disabled veterans are not excluded from projects.

        self-help and assisted homeownership opportunity program

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $54,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      54,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity 
Program provides funding for several programs, including the 
Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program [SHOP], which 
assists low-income homebuyers who are willing to contribute 
``sweat equity'' toward the construction of their houses. These 
funds increase nonprofit organizations' ability to leverage 
funds from other sources. This account also includes funding 
for the Capacity Building for Community Development and 
Affordable Housing Program, as well as assistance to rural 
communities, as authorized under sections 6301 through 6305 of 
Public Law 110-246. These programs assist in the development of 
the capacity of nonprofit organizations to carry out community 
development and affordable housing projects. This account also 
provides funding for the rehabilitation and modification of the 
homes of veterans, who are low-income or disabled, as 
authorized by section 1079 of Public Law 113-291.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $54,000,000 for the Self-Help and 
Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program, which is equal to 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $54,000,000 more than 
the budget request. The Committee rejects the Administration's 
proposal to eliminate this account. The Committee 
recommendation includes $10,000,000 for SHOP, as authorized 
under section 11 of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension 
Act of 1996; $35,000,000 for capacity building, as authorized 
by section 4(a) of the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993; 
$5,000,000 to carry out capacity building activities in rural 
communities; and $4,000,000 for a program to rehabilitate and 
modify housing for veterans, who are low-income or disabled. 
The Committee notes that funding for technical assistance is 
being provided under the Office of Policy Development and 
Research and directs that funds available for the Section 4 
program be used solely for capacity building activities.
    Funding for the Rural Capacity Building Program for 
Community Development and Affordable Housing is intended for 
truly national organizations. For the purposes of the National 
Rural Capacity Building Notification of Funding Availability 
[NOFA], the Committee directs HUD to define an eligible 
national organization as ``a nonprofit entity, which has 
ongoing experience in rural housing, including experience 
working with rural housing organizations, local governments, 
and Indian tribes, as evidenced by past and continuing work in 
one or more States in eight or more of HUD's Federal regions.''
    Assistance for Low-Income and Disabled Veterans.--The 
Committee is pleased that HUD recently published a NOFA for the 
Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program. 
This program will award grants to nonprofit organizations to 
rehabilitate and modify the primary residences of veterans to 
make them more accessible by installing supportive fixtures so 
that veterans can regain or maintain their independence. Over 
the past three fiscal years, the Committee has provided a total 
of $13,700,000 for this program. It is essential that all of 
this funding be utilized to assist some of the 3.9 million 
veterans in the United States with a service-connected 
disability or the nearly 1.5 million veterans living in 
poverty. The Committee directs HUD to award funds provided for 
this program in fiscal years 2016, 2017, and 2018 within 60 
days of enactment of this act. The Committee also directs HUD 
to award funds provided for this program for fiscal year 2019 
within 180 days of enactment of this act.

                       homeless assistance grants

Appropriations, 2018....................................  $2,513,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................   2,383,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   2,612,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Homeless Assistance Grants Program provides funding to 
break the cycle of homelessness and to move homeless persons 
and families to permanent housing. This is done by providing 
rental assistance, emergency shelter, transitional and 
permanent housing, prevention, rapid re-housing, and supportive 
services to homeless persons and families or those at risk of 
homelessness. The emergency solutions grant program is a 
formula grant program, while the Continuum of Care and Rural 
Housing Stability Programs are competitive grants. Homeless 
assistance grants provide Federal support to the Nation's most 
vulnerable populations. These grants assist localities in 
addressing the housing and service needs of a wide variety of 
homeless populations while developing coordinated Continuum of 
Care [CoC] systems that ensure the support necessary to help 
those who are homeless attain housing and move toward self-
sufficiency.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,612,000,000 
for Homeless Assistance Grants in fiscal year 2019. This amount 
is $229,000,000 above the budget request, and $99,000,000 above 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    The Committee recommendation includes at least 
$2,205,000,000 to support the Continuum of Care Program, 
including the renewal of existing projects, and the Rural 
Housing Stability Assistance Program. Based on the renewal 
burden, HUD may also support planning and other activities 
authorized by the HEARTH Act. The recommendation also includes 
at least $270,000,000 for the emergency solutions grants 
program [ESG].
    The Committee continues to support HUD's efforts to 
leverage existing housing resources, such as Section 8 and 
Family Unification Program vouchers, to serve people 
experiencing homelessness and supports replacing existing, 
underperforming projects with new projects.
    The Committee is aware that while most States did not 
experience a significant change in the number of people 
experiencing homelessness between 2016 and 2017, some States 
and the District of Columbia experienced a significant increase 
in homeless populations, and in unsheltered homeless 
populations in particular. The Committee believes that HUD 
should continue to support the implementation of comprehensive 
and proven approaches to serving people experiencing 
homelessness in order to allow CoCs to meet their goals of 
preventing and ending homelessness, which in certain cases may 
include permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and 
transitional housing. Therefore, if funds remain available in 
this account after meeting renewal demands and funding ESG, HUD 
may use it for new projects, including transitional housing, 
provided that such projects are targeted to areas with the 
greatest need, as measured by data on homelessness.
    Addressing the Needs of Victims and Survivors of Domestic 
Violence.--Victims and survivors of domestic violence and 
assault, particularly women and children, often flee unsafe 
circumstances and seek refuge through emergency shelter or 
transitional housing programs in order to avoid homelessness. 
The Committee recognizes the nexus between experiences of 
domestic violence and homelessness, as well as how access to 
housing and services can serve as an effective bridge between a 
person leaving an abusive and dangerous environment to finding 
stable housing. While permanent housing serves as a stable 
platform for preventing and ending cycles of homelessness among 
survivors, and rapid rehousing has been shown to be an 
effective method for providing shorter term assistance, the 
Committee is also aware that in some communities well-designed 
transitional housing programs have also been effective in 
meeting the needs of this population. Although HUD does not 
penalize effective transitional housing projects that serve 
survivors of domestic violence through its CoC grant 
competition, the Committee is concerned that transitional 
housing and service providers and CoCs lack the information 
necessary to make informed funding recommendations that reflect 
the needs of survivors at the local level. Therefore, the 
Committee continues to direct the Department to issue 
clarifying guidance on how transitional housing can be an 
appropriate model and an eligible and effective use of funding 
through the CoC grant competition. The Committee also continues 
to direct the Department to coordinate with the Department of 
Justice's Office on Violence Against Women [OVW] on 
opportunities in communities where CoC program resources can be 
used with OVW's transitional housing grants to ensure that 
survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and 
stalking have access to safe and affordable housing and 
services. The Committee continues to encourage the Department 
to renew transitional housing projects for domestic violence 
survivors that have been shown to effectively address 
survivors' safety and client choice and to continue funding CoC 
projects serving domestic violence survivors that allow program 
participants to obtain permanent housing through tenant-based 
rental assistance and supportive services. The Committee 
recommendation also includes $50,000,000 in competitive CoC 
grants for rapid re-housing projects and supportive service 
projects providing coordinated entry, and other critical 
activities in order to assist survivors of domestic violence, 
dating violence, and stalking. The Committee includes language 
requiring that such projects be eligible for renewal under the 
continuum of care program, subject to the same terms and 
conditions as other renewal applicants. The Committee expects 
HUD to work with Continuums of Care to ensure that such 
projects do not supplant projects eligible for renewal as part 
of the 2020 continuum of care grant competition.
    Data on Youth Homelessness.--The Committee believes an 
accurate count is critical to understanding the scale of youth 
homelessness. While the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report 
[AHAR] provides Congress and the public with meaningful 
information on the progress in ending homelessness, other 
Federal agencies have youth-specific data that can help 
communities better understand the scope of youth homelessness 
and housing instability in their area. The Committee continues 
to direct HUD to incorporate additional Federal data on youth 
homelessness into the AHAR.
    Comprehensive Interventions to Prevent and End Youth 
Homelessness.--The Committee recommendation includes 
$80,000,000 to continue implementation of comprehensive 
approaches to serving homeless youth, of which up to $5,000,000 
shall be used to provide technical assistance to grantees. The 
Committee applauds HUD's decision to use a portion of its 
technical assistance funding to support the 100-Day Challenge 
Initiative, a program that helps communities accelerate efforts 
to prevent and end youth homelessness. By offering local 
service providers the opportunity to come together to identify 
impediments and establish goals, the 100-Day Challenge leaves 
communities better prepared to confront youth homelessness in a 
comprehensive manner. The program also lays the groundwork for 
participants seeking to apply for a Youth Homelessness 
Demonstration Grant award.
    Barriers to Permanent Housing for Homeless Youth.--
Communities continue to update the Committee on barriers youth 
face to accessing stable, permanent housing, including a lack 
of landlord participation and flexible lease terms for youth 
independently entering the private rental housing market. The 
Committee is concerned that the CoC Interim Rule does not fully 
consider the needs of all homeless youth transitioning into 
permanent housing and directs the Department to identify and 
report to the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations 
within 120 days of enactment of this act on the barriers 
homeless youth face in securing timely and suitable permanent 
housing.
    Guidance Update.--The Committee continues to direct the 
Department to expedite its review of withdrawn guidance 
materials for homeless service providers to help them comply 
with nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual 
and transgender services recipients. The Committee reminds the 
Department that the deadline to complete this review is 
September 19, 2018, and expects the Department's full 
compliance in meeting this deadline.
    Clarifying Eligibility and Documentation Requirements for 
Homeless Youth.--The Committee continues to include language 
that waives the requirement for youth 24 and under to provide 
third-party documentation to receive housing and supportive 
services within the Continuums of Care. The Committee strongly 
believes documentation requirements should not be a basis for 
denying access to necessary services. The Committee believes 
the Department shares the goal of effectively addressing youth 
homelessness and ensuring that no youth eligible go unserved 
where there is the local capacity to house and/or provide 
services. Therefore, the Committee encourages the Department to 
continue to clarify program requirements through guidance, 
notice and webcasts as appropriate.
    Performance Partnership Pilot.--The Committee has continued 
language permitting HUD to partner with other Federal agencies 
in the Performance Partnership Pilot program, a cross-Federal 
agency initiative serving disconnected youth through 
innovative, cost-effective, and outcome-focused strategies. The 
Committee believes there is a critical role HUD can play in 
this pilot, especially as communities seek to address the 
housing and self-sufficiency needs of disconnected youth.
    Annual Homeless Assessment Report [AHAR].--AHAR is the 
result of Congressional directives, beginning in 2001, that 
directed the Department to collect data on homelessness using 
the newly implemented Homeless Management Information System 
[HMIS]. HMIS data, information provided by Continuums of Care, 
and a point-in-time count of sheltered and unsheltered persons 
from one night in January of each year informs AHAR. The 
Committee is encouraged that HUD is sharing homeless data 
widely, and that Federal, State and local service providers use 
AHAR to determine needs and develop strategies to address 
homelessness.
    The Committee believes HMIS can be used as a platform for 
information gathering in other Federal programs. Streamlining 
data to reflect the various Federal data sources will allow the 
Federal Government to better understand the scope and needs of 
homeless populations, to then inform a strategic alignment of 
Federal services. The Committee directs HUD to incorporate 
additional Federal data on homelessness into the AHAR. This 
information is important to ensure that communities develop and 
implement policies that respond to local needs. To support 
continued data collection and AHAR, the Committee has included 
$7,000,000 to support AHAR data collection and analysis. The 
Department shall submit the AHAR report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations by August 29, 2019. The Committee 
further hopes that HUD's efforts to increase participation in 
the HMIS effort will lead to improved information about and 
understanding of the Nation's homeless.
    Renewal Costs.--The Committee directs HUD to continue to 
include 5-year projections of the costs of renewing existing 
projects as part of the fiscal year 2020 budget justification. 
This should include estimated costs of renewing permanent 
supportive housing.

                            Housing Programs

                    project-based rental assistance

Appropriations, 2018.................................... $11,515,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................  11,147,000,000
Committee recommendation................................  11,747,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance provides a rental 
subsidy to a private landlord that is tied to a specific 
housing unit, as opposed to a voucher, which allows a recipient 
to seek a unit, subject primarily to certain rent caps. Amounts 
in this account include funding for the renewal of and 
amendments to expiring Section 8 project-based contracts, 
including Section 8, moderate rehabilitation, and single room 
occupancy [SRO] housing. This account also provides funds for 
contract administrators.
    The Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance [PBRA] 
program supports an estimated 17,400 contracts with private 
owners of multifamily housing. Through this program, HUD and 
private sector partners support the preservation of safe, 
stable and sanitary housing for more than 1.2 million low-
income households. Without PBRA, many affordable housing 
projects would convert to market rates with large rent 
increases that current tenants would be unable to afford.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total appropriation of 
$11,747,000,000 for the annual renewal of project-based 
contracts, of which up to $245,000,000 is for the cost of 
contract administrators. The recommended level of funding is 
$232,000,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 2018 and 
is $600,000,000 above the budget request. The funding 
recommendation provides sufficient resources to fully renew all 
existing affordable housing contracts.
    Performance-Based Contract Administrators.--Performance-
based contract administrators [PBCAs] are typically PHAs or 
State housing finance agencies. They are responsible for 
conducting on-site management reviews of assisted properties; 
adjusting contract rents; and reviewing, processing, and paying 
monthly vouchers submitted by owners, among other tasks. The 
Committee notes that PBCAs are integral to the Department's 
efforts to be more effective and efficient in the oversight and 
monitoring of this program, reduce improper payments, protect 
tenants and ensure properties are well maintained. The 
Committee is concerned that proposals to reduce the scope of 
work performed by PBCAs, diminish the applicability of Federal 
law, or consolidate PBCAs into regional awards versus State-by-
State will have a detrimental effect on the oversight of these 
HUD-assisted properties and the individuals and families that 
rely on this critical source of affordable housing.
    Oversight of Property Owners.--The Committee places a 
priority on providing access to safe, sanitary, and affordable 
housing to those most in need. If owners fail to uphold these 
standards, HUD should hold them accountable. In recent years 
the Committee has strengthened a general provision requiring 
the Department to take specific steps to ensure that serious 
defects are quickly addressed. This provision requires the 
Secretary to take explicit actions if an owner fails to 
maintain its property, including imposing civil monetary 
penalties, working to secure a different owner for the 
property, or transferring the Section 8 contract to another 
property. The Committee notes that the Department has also 
taken several additional steps to improve its inspections 
process, including: closing a loophole that allowed condemned 
units to be excluded from inspection samples; permitting REAC 
to require owners to make repairs for individual deficiencies 
even when an overall property receives a passing score; 
requiring owners to adopt industry standards when making 
repairs; and training REAC inspectors to recognize industry 
standards when evaluating whether deficiencies have been 
corrected. The Committee urges HUD to consider using PBCAs to 
identify troubled properties early on, and directs HUD to 
assess the feasibility developing a process by which PBCAs 
conduct a survey of tenants living in properties under a 
housing assistance payment contract for the purpose of 
identifying persistent problems with either the physical 
condition or management of the property. The Committee directs 
HUD to inform the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 180 days of enactment of this act on the results of that 
assessment.

                        housing for the elderly

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $678,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     601,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     678,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for housing for the elderly 
under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959. Under this 
program, the Department provides capital grants to eligible 
entities for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction 
of housing for seniors, as well as project-based rental 
assistance contracts [PRACs] to support the operational costs 
for such units. Tenants living in section 202 supportive 
housing units can access a variety of community-based services 
in order to continue living independently in their communities 
and age in place.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $678,000,000 
for the Section 202 program. This amount is consistent with the 
level provided in fiscal year 2018 and $77,000,000 more than 
the budget request. The Committee recommendation includes 
$527,000,000 in new appropriations, in addition to carryover 
balances and residual receipts, to fully fund all annual PRAC 
renewals and amendments, $90,000,000 for service coordinators 
and the continuation of existing congregate service grants, and 
$51,000,000 for the development of new housing for low-income 
seniors.
    Aging in Place Home Modification Grants.--The Committee 
recommendation also includes $10,000,000 for new grants in 
order to enable low-income seniors to remain in their homes 
through low-cost, high impact home modifications. The vast 
majority of seniors wish to remain in their homes and ``age in 
place,'' rather than move to nursing homes or other assisted 
care facilities. However, most residences lack the needed 
supportive features to make remaining in place a viable option. 
This problem is further exacerbated by the lack of financial 
stability in which most seniors find themselves. According to 
the Bipartisan Policy Center, over the next 20 years, nearly 40 
percent of individuals over the age of 62 are projected to have 
financial assets of $25,000 or less, and more than half of that 
population will have $5,000 or less. This lack of financial 
resources makes it nearly impossible for low-income seniors to 
successfully age in place. Simple, low-cost home modifications 
can not only enable low-income seniors to age in place, but 
also result in significant savings to Medicare and Medicaid. In 
designing the Notice of Funding Availability for these grants, 
HUD is directed to take into account successful models of low-
barrier, participant-led, holistic approaches to aging in 
place, including Johns Hopkins University's Community Aging in 
Place--Advancing Better Living for Elders [CAPABLE] program and 
the Comfortably Home program of the Bath Housing Authority in 
Bath, Maine. The Committee further directs HUD to track the 
outcomes of seniors whose homes have been modified in order to 
better understand the effectiveness of this funding in reducing 
at-home falls, hospitalizations, and emergency response calls, 
as well as improving independence and tenure in home over time.
    Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing [IWISH] 
Demonstration.--In fiscal year 2014, the Committee directed HUD 
to develop a housing-with-services demonstration for low-income 
senior households. This demonstration will evaluate how those 
models reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization, increase 
housing stability, and support aging in place. In developing 
this demonstration, the Department relied on the results from 
the Support and Services at Home [SASH] evaluation in Vermont, 
which indicated slowed growth in Medicare expenditures, in 
addition to other research initiatives carried out jointly 
between HUD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services. The Committee awaits the results of the Department's 
analysis which will better inform models of housing-with-
services offered to seniors. The Committee encourages the 
Department to include in the report whether future research and 
the expansion of such models could improve the provision of 
supportive services to seniors.

                 HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $229,600,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     140,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     154,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides funding for housing for persons with 
disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzales 
National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. Traditionally, the 
Section 811 program provided capital grants to eligible 
entities for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction 
of housing for persons with disabilities, as well as project-
based rental assistance contracts [PRACs] to support the 
operational costs for such units. Since fiscal year 2012, HUD 
has transitioned to providing project rental assistance to 
State housing finance agencies or other appropriate entities, 
which act in partnership with State health and human services 
agencies to provide supportive services, as authorized by the 
Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010 
(Public Law 111-374).

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $154,000,000 
for the Section 811 program. This level is $14,000,000 more 
than the budget request and is $75,600,000 less than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. This level of funding, in addition to 
residual receipts, recaptures, and other unobligated balances, 
will support all PRAC renewals and amendments.
    Discrimination against Individuals with Disabilities.--The 
Committee is extremely concerned with HUD's recent findings of 
significant levels of adverse differential treatment towards 
individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual or 
developmental disabilities as they seek to live in community-
based housing through the rental market. Equality of access to 
the rental housing market for individuals with disabilities is 
crucial to meeting the holdings of Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 
581 (1999), and ensuring that those populations are not forced 
to remain in nursing homes and other institutional or 
segregated settings. The discrimination faced by individuals 
with disabilities is further confirmed by complaints based on 
disability making up the largest number of housing 
discrimination complaints filed with Federal, State, and local 
fair housing agencies and with private fair housing groups. In 
2014, disability complaints alone made up over 51 percent of 
the fair housing complaints filed with HUD, its partner State 
and local agencies, and private fair housing enforcement 
organizations.
    The Committee directs HUD to develop educational materials 
for both individuals with disabilities and housing providers 
regarding fair housing rights and obligations, including 
appropriate policies and practices when dealing with 
individuals with mental illnesses, intellectual or 
developmental disabilities, or any other mental disability. 
These materials should also assist individuals with 
disabilities, who are leaving institutional or segregated 
settings, by informing them of their rights under Federal law, 
how to recognize potential discrimination, and what actions to 
take when faced with discrimination.

                     HOUSING COUNSELING ASSISTANCE

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $55,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      45,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      45,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Housing Counseling Assistance Program provides 
comprehensive housing counseling services to eligible 
homeowners and tenants through grants to non-profit 
intermediaries, State government entities, and other local and 
national agencies. Eligible counseling activities include: pre- 
and post-purchase education, personal financial management, 
reverse mortgage product education, foreclosure prevention, 
mitigation, and rental counseling.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,000,000 
for the Housing Counseling Assistance Program, which is equal 
to the budget request and $10,000,000 less than the fiscal year 
2018 enacted level. These funds will help to provide 
individuals and families across the country with sound advice 
to make more informed housing decisions, improve their 
financial situation, and meet their homeownership goals over 
time. Specifically, it will support competitive counseling 
grants and training activities. The network of HUD-approved 
housing counseling organizations provides a wide variety of 
counseling services, including assistance with preventing 
foreclosure and homelessness. In addition, the administrative 
contract support funding includes resources for financial 
audits and technical assistance.
    The Committee continues language requiring HUD to obligate 
counseling grants within 180 days of enactment of this act, as 
well as permitting HUD to publish multi-year NOFAs, contingent 
on annual appropriations. This should result in administrative 
savings for HUD and its grantees.
    Eviction Counseling.--Nearly one million households in the 
United States were evicted in 2016. The Committee is concerned 
about the short- and long-term effects of these evictions on 
families and individuals. The Committee directs the Department 
to work with housing counselors to improve prevention efforts 
in order to assist renters at risk of eviction and to report to 
the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 120 
days of enactment of this act on their efforts to improve their 
processes, including the identification of any barriers to the 
collection of data on at-risk households, as well as to augment 
the services offered by housing counselors.

                       RENTAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $14,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    This account provides amendment funding for housing 
assisted under the Rental Housing Assistance Program (Section 
236) and the Rent Supplement Program.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,000,000 for 
HUD-assisted, State-aided, noninsured rental housing projects, 
consistent with the budget request and $9,000,000 less than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The Committee recommendation 
includes a provision, which allows for the conversion of these 
projects to long-term Section 8 contracts at no additional 
cost. The Committee hopes that the conversion of these 
projects, through the Rental Assistance Demonstration, will 
lead to the eventual elimination of these outdated programs.

            PAYMENT TO MANUFACTURED HOUSING FEES TRUST FUND

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $11,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      12,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      12,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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 construction and safety standards for the construction, 
design, and performance of manufactured homes. All manufactured 
homes are required to meet these Federal standards, and fees 
are charged to producers to cover the costs of administering 
the Act.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $12,000,000 to support the 
manufactured housing standards programs, of which $12,000,000 
is expected to be derived from fees collected and deposited in 
the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund [Trust Fund] account. 
No direct appropriation is provided. The total amount 
recommended is equal to the budget request and $1,000,000 more 
than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Total shipments of new 
manufactured homes in the United States have grown by nearly 14 
percent in both 2016 and 2017. This increase in funding 
reflects that continued growth in manufactured housing 
production and is necessary for the continued oversight and 
effective administration of this program.
    The Committee recommendation directs that not less than 
$3,600,000 is for payments to State Administrative Agency 
partners and not less than $3,600,000 is for the monitoring of 
manufacturers' compliance with construction and safety 
standards by third-party inspection agencies.
    The Committee continues language allowing for the 
Department to collect fees from program participants in the 
dispute resolution and installment programs, as mandated by the 
Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000. These fees are to 
be deposited into the Trust Fund and may be used to support the 
manufactured housing standards programs, subject to the overall 
cap placed on this account.
    Congressional Justifications.--The Committee notes with 
disappointment the lack of detail in the Office of Manufactured 
Housing Programs' [OMHP] fiscal year 2019 written budget 
justification. This document has traditionally provided the 
Committee with essential information to assist with determining 
OMHP's executable budget. The Committee directs OMHP to provide 
detailed Congressional justifications of its annual budget 
requests. These justifications shall include anticipated 
payments related, but not limited, to: State Administrative 
Agencies, Monitoring Manufacturer's Compliance with 
Construction and Safety Standards, Oversight of Model 
Installation Standards, Administration of the Dispute 
Resolution Program, Coordination of Activities of the 
Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee, and Meetings with 
Partners in the Federal Manufactured Housing Program.
    Recreational Vehicle Definition.--The Committee notes that 
the Department is working towards updating its regulatory 
definition of a ``recreational vehicle'' and intends to 
complete its final rulemaking process by the end of Spring 
2019. The Committee expects the Department to finalize this 
rule within this timeframe and in accordance with the existing 
December 2014 recommendation of the Manufactured Housing 
Consensus Committee.
    Resident-Owned Cooperative Models.--Two-thirds of new 
affordable housing produced in the United States is 
manufactured housing. This industry serves as an important tool 
in combatting rising home prices and the growing housing 
shortage. More than 2.9 million manufactured homes are located 
in mobile home parks, where residents own their homes, but 
often do not own the land on which their homes reside. This 
leaves homeowners vulnerable to land cost increases, arbitrary 
rule enforcement, and land conversion for other uses. It can 
also result in the eviction or closure of a community, which is 
very disruptive and can result in thousands of dollars in 
relocation costs. Resident-owned cooperative models provide a 
viable means for preserving this crucial source of affordable 
housing and protecting vulnerable residents from displacement. 
The Committee notes the recent growth of this cooperative model 
and encourages the further expansion of this model nationally 
as manufactured housing production continues to rise.

                     Federal Housing Administration

               mutual mortgage insurance program account

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Limitation on      Limitation on      Administrative
                                                            direct loans     guaranteed loans  contract expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018...................................         $5,000,000   $400,000,000,000       $130,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019..................................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        150,000,000
Committee recommendation...............................          1,000,000    400,000,000,000        130,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                GENERAL AND SPECIAL RISK PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Limitation on     Limitation on
                                        direct loans    guaranteed loans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018................        $5,000,000   $30,000,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...............         1,000,000    30,000,000,000
Committee recommendation............         1,000,000    30,000,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Housing Administration [FHA] fund covers the 
mortgage and loan insurance activity of HUD mortgage/loan 
insurance programs. These include the mutual mortgage insurance 
[MMI] fund, cooperative management housing insurance [CMHI] 
fund, general insurance [GI] fund, and the special risk 
insurance [SRI] fund. For presentation and accounting control 
purposes, these are divided into two sets of accounts based on 
shared characteristics. The unsubsidized insurance programs of 
the mutual mortgage insurance fund and the cooperative 
management housing insurance fund constitute one set; and the 
general risk insurance and special risk insurance funds make up 
the other.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee has included the following amounts for the 
Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program account: a limitation on 
guaranteed loans of $400,000,000,000, a limitation on direct 
loans of $1,000,000, and $130,000,000 for administrative 
contract expenses. For the GI/SRI account, the Committee 
recommends $30,000,000,000 as a limitation on guaranteed loans 
and a limitation on direct loans of $1,000,000. The Committee 
does not include authority for HUD to charge a fee to provide 
additional funds for FHA's administrative costs as proposed in 
the budget request. However, the Committee supports the goal of 
improving FHA's system automation, risk management and quality 
control efforts and has included funding in the Information 
Technology Fund account for these purposes.
    Home Equity Conversion Mortgages [HECM].--The Committee 
urges the Department to take appropriate actions to ensure 
transparency and improve the resolution of defaulted and 
foreclosed FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loans which have 
been assigned to HUD in order to improve program performance 
and loss mitigation results for borrowers.
    International Residential Code [IRC].--The Committee notes 
that HUD has not comprehensively updated its minimum property 
standards for FHA insured housing in over 20 years, but has 
accepted the IRC for new construction of one and two-family 
homes. The IRC development process is consensus driven and 
includes relevant stakeholders at the State and local level to 
update the building code on a periodic basis. Currently, 49 
States and the District of Columbia utilize some version of the 
IRC as their model building code for new one and two-family 
home construction. The Committee encourages HUD to undertake a 
review of its minimum property standards, including the IRC to 
determine if: (1) it would be redundant and a poor use of 
Federal resources to update its minimum property standards; (2) 
in light of the near universal adoption of some version of the 
IRC, if it is acceptable to be used to determine whether a 
property meets FHA's minimum property standards and therefore 
eligible for mortgage insurance; and (3) minimum property 
standards can be streamlined.
    FHA Condominium Regulations.--The Committee notes that in 
October 2016, HUD published a proposed rule to implement the 
authorities included in the Housing Opportunity Through 
Modernization Act of 2016 but has not yet issued a final rule. 
The Committee directs HUD to complete this regulatory process 
and include any essential safeguards to mitigate risk to the 
FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund while also protecting 
borrowers.
    HUD-Federal Financing Bank Risk Sharing.--In fiscal year 
2014, HUD and the Federal Financing Bank [FFB] launched a risk 
sharing initiative in order to provide financing for 
multifamily mortgage loans inured by FHA under its Risk Sharing 
programs on an interim basis until September 30, 2020. Through 
this initiative, FFB provides Housing Finance Agencies [HFAs] 
with upfront financing for affordable multifamily housing 
developments, which FHA insures through the Multifamily Risk-
Sharing Program under section 542 of the Housing and Community 
Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1707). Since the Federal 
government takes an ownership interest in section 542 FHA-
insured mortgages equal to 100 percent of principal and 
interest, FFB financing reduces the cost of funds for 
participating HFAs. As part of the HUD-FFB initiative, the 
Department of Treasury and HUD are expected to monitor the 
partnership over time to assess whether FFB financing is needed 
to support affordable housing given current market conditions, 
such as the cost of tax-exempt bonds. The Committee recognizes 
the existing unmet need for affordable housing and supports 
innovative and prudent approaches to accomplishing this goal. 
Therefore, HUD is directed to continue working with HFAs that 
have existing HUD-FFB risk sharing agreements in place. The 
Committee encourages HUD to make every effort to expedite the 
approval of projects in order to meet the total authorized 
level of projects as outlined in their agreements. The 
Committee further directs HUD to work with FFB and to seek 
input from HFAs and other stakeholders in order to assess the 
effectiveness of the initiative to determine whether it is 
meeting its intended goals and should be continued with or 
without improvements, and to report to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations, as well as the authorizing 
committees of jurisdictions on this evaluation within 180 days 
of enactment of this act. The Committee encourages HUD to 
continue to work with HFAs under the section 542 authority in 
order to spur affordable multifamily housing production.

                Government National Mortgage Association

GUARANTEES OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Limitation on
                                                           personnel,
                                      Limitation on     compensation and
                                     guaranteed loans    administrative
                                                            expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018..............   $500,000,000,000        $27,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019.............    550,000,000,000         24,400,000
Committee recommendation..........    550,000,000,000         27,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Government National Mortgage Association [Ginnie Mae], 
through the mortgage-backed securities program, guarantees 
privately issued securities backed by pools of Government-
guaranteed mortgages. Ginnie Mae is a wholly owned corporate 
instrumentality of the United States within the Department. Its 
powers are prescribed generally by title III of the National 
Housing Act, as amended. Ginnie Mae is authorized by section 
306(g) of the act to guarantee the timely payment of principal 
and interest on securities that are based on and backed by a 
trust, or pool, composed of mortgages that are guaranteed and 
insured by the FHA, the Rural Housing Service, or the 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Ginnie Mae's guarantee of 
mortgage-backed securities is backed by the full faith and 
credit of the United States. This account also funds all 
salaries and benefits funding to support Ginnie Mae.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a limitation on new commitments on 
mortgage-backed securities of $550,000,000,000. This level is 
the same as the budget request and $50,000,000,000 more than 
the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The bill allows Ginnie Mae 
to use $27,000,000 for salaries and expenses. This is the same 
as the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $2,600,000 more than 
the budget request.

                    Policy Development and Research

                        RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $89,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      85,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     100,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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. Additionally, this 
appropriation is used to support HUD evaluation and monitoring 
activities and to conduct housing surveys.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $100,000,000 
for research, technology, and community development activities 
in fiscal year 2019. This level is $11,000,000 more than the 
fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $15,000,000 more than the 
budget request. The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for Core 
Research and Technology, including: market surveys; research 
support and dissemination; data acquisition; housing finance 
studies; research partnerships; and housing technology. In 
addition, the Committee includes $50,000,000 for Department-
wide technical assistance and critical research beyond the core 
studies. Of this amount, at least $25,000,000 is for technical 
assistance [TA] across HUD programs. The Committee 
recommendation will continue to support market surveys, such as 
the American Housing Survey, that are integral to HUD's ability 
to understand its own programs and also help enhance public and 
private entities' knowledge of housing conditions in the United 
States.
    Of the amount provided for critical research beyond the 
core studies, the recommendation includes $2,000,000 for an 
Envision Center evaluation, $2,000,000 for homeless youth 
research activities authorized under section 345 of the Runaway 
and Homeless Youth Act, and up to $2,000,000 for use by the 
Office of Innovation for innovation awards.
    The recommendation also includes continued funding for 
evaluations of the Moving-to-Work program and expansion; and 
on-going evaluations of rent reform, the Choice Neighborhoods 
Initiative, long-term tracking of the Family Self-Sufficiency 
program, and energy performance contracting in public housing.
    The recommendation also includes funding for the following 
new research and evaluations: Section 3 process evaluation, 
administrative data linkages to assess long-term outcomes of 
exit from assisted housing, energy efficiency in disaster 
reconstruction, a lead awareness module for the Current 
Population Survey, research addressing the housing needs of 
older Americans, and an assessment of utility savings from sub-
metering conversions in public housing. HUD shall include 
details on its allocation of these resources in its operating 
plan.
    Fair Market Rents [FMRs].--The Committee encourages HUD to 
identify and implement alternatives to locally funded rent 
surveys of areas affected by changing economic conditions and 
natural disasters. In fiscal year 2018, the Committee directed 
HUD to submit a report describing proposals to update the FMR 
formula to more accurately reflect the current housing market. 
The Committee believes that this report will be critical to 
identifying potential sources of challenges with aligning 
American Community Survey data, as well as inflation and trend 
factors. While the Committee recognizes that the results of the 
analysis may not result in actions that will inform the fiscal 
year 2019 FMR calculations, the findings will help inform a 
more accurate assessment of local market conditions. The 
Committee continues to encourage the Department, to the extent 
practicable, to work with communities to use local rent survey 
data made available in the preceding year to inform the 
calculation of FMRs. The Committee continues to strongly 
encourage HUD to expedite the process for consideration of FMRs 
and exception payment standards that are requested by PHAs.

                   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

                        fair housing activities

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $65,300,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      62,300,000
Committee recommendation................................      65,300,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The fair housing activities appropriation includes funding 
for both the Fair Housing Assistance Program [FHAP] and the 
Fair Housing Initiatives Program [FHIP].
    The Fair Housing Assistance Program helps State and local 
agencies to implement title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 
1968, as amended, which prohibits discrimination in the sale, 
rental, and financing of housing and in the provision of 
brokerage services. The major objective of the program is to 
assure prompt and effective processing of title VIII complaints 
with appropriate remedies for complaints by State and local 
fair housing agencies.
    The Fair Housing Initiatives Program is authorized by 
section 561 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1987, as amended, and by section 905 of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1992. This initiative is designed 
to alleviate housing discrimination by increasing support to 
public and private organizations for the purpose of eliminating 
or preventing discrimination in housing, and to enhance fair 
housing opportunities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $65,300,000 
for the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity [OFHEO]. 
This amount is equal to the budget request and the 2018 enacted 
level. Of the amounts provided, $23,500,000 is for FHAP, 
$39,900,000 is for FHIP, and $300,000 is for the creation, 
promotion, and dissemination of translated materials that 
support the assistance of persons with limited English 
proficiency. The Committee also provides $1,600,000 for the 
National Fair Housing Training Academy [NFHTA], and encourages 
the Department to pursue ways to make the Academy self-
sustaining. The Committee is concerned with the delay in the 
fiscal year 2018 NFHTA and directs HUD to move forward with 
this critical training expeditiously.

            Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $230,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     145,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     260,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 
1992 established the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard 
Reduction Act, under which HUD is authorized to make grants to 
States, localities, and Native American Tribes in order to 
conduct lead-based paint hazard reduction and abatement 
activities in private, low-income housing. Lead poisoning is a 
significant environmental health hazard, particularly for young 
children and pregnant women, and can result in neurological 
damage, learning disabilities, and impaired growth. The Healthy 
Homes Initiative, authorized under sections 501 and 502 of the 
Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701z-1 
and 1701z-2), provides grants to remediate housing hazards that 
have been scientifically shown to negatively impact occupant 
health and safety.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $260,000,000 
for lead-based paint hazard reduction and abatement activities 
for fiscal year 2019. This amount is $115,000,000 above the 
President's budget request and $30,000,000 more than the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level. Of the amount provided, $45,000,000 is 
for the Healthy Homes Initiative, and $45,000,000 is for the 
Lead-Safe Communities demonstration program. The overall 
funding level will support lead-based paint hazard reductions 
in up to 15,600 units, providing safer homes for over 55,600 
low and very-low income families or individuals, including more 
than 14,450 children under the age of 6.
    The Committee remains committed to protecting children in 
communities with the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning 
and the oldest housing stock. Lead-based paint is far more 
prevalent in older homes and in low-income housing in 
particular, where maintenance is less robust and paint surfaces 
are more likely to deteriorate, leading to a heightened risk of 
exposure from peeling paint. In order to target funding to 
those communities, the Committee directs HUD to award no less 
than $95,000,000 of grants to remediate lead-based paint 
hazards in low-income housing to those jurisdictions with the 
highest lead-based paint abatement needs. The Committee notes 
that this set-aside is a minimum floor and encourages HUD to 
exceed this threshold when providing assistance to those 
communities where there is the highest risk.
    Lead-Safe Communities.--Lead poisoning disproportionately 
affects the lives of children from economically-disadvantaged 
backgrounds and has lifelong, irreversible consequences that 
have been shown to severely inhibit healthy development and 
compromise learning. According to the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, children in at least 4 million U.S. 
households are exposed to high levels of lead. Exposure to 
lead-based paint hazards at a young age poses not only serious 
immediate health consequences, but may also permanently 
jeopardize potential for upward social mobility throughout 
adulthood. Children who are exposed to lead hazards are seven 
times more likely to drop out of school and six times more 
likely to end up in the juvenile justice system.
    In an effort to demonstrate the effectiveness of intensive 
multi-year investments in lead-based paint remediation 
activities in low-income communities, the Committee provides 
$45,000,000 for five-year grants in five communities. This 
funding will support projects to dramatically reduce the 
presence of lead-based paint hazards in neighborhoods with high 
rates of housing stock built before 1940, low-income families 
with young children, and high reported incidences of elevated 
blood lead levels in children under the age of 6 years old. The 
Committee believes that providing higher funding levels over an 
extended period in concentrated areas can dramatically reduce 
the cost of lead-based paint remediation activities by 
incentivizing greater economies of scale and lowering grantees' 
administrative expenses. Reducing the per-unit-cost for lead-
based paint remediation would permit considerably more work to 
be performed and has the potential to transform communities 
whose school systems, law enforcement agencies, and public 
health providers currently struggle with the long-term 
secondary effects of childhood lead poisoning.
    Grantee Coordination.--Funds received under the Lead-Based 
Paint Hazard Control Grant Program may be utilized to evaluate 
and address lead-based paint hazards in Section 8 voucher 
units. The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes 
[OLHCHH] currently gives preference to grantees that work with 
public housing agencies to address lead-based paint hazards in 
Section 8 voucher units. The Committee commends HUD for 
emphasizing the need to address lead-based paint hazards in 
Section 8 voucher units when awarding these grants and urges 
HUD to continue to address these needs in HUD-assisted housing 
stock in the private market.
    Coordination with Weatherization Assistance Program 
Grantees.--HUD's lead hazard control grant programs [LHC] serve 
many communities in areas of the country with large stocks of 
older low-income housing, and funding is often used to replace 
cracked and peeling windows that generate lead dust that is 
harmful to children. The homes served by LHC are also often 
eligible for the Department of Energy's [DOE's] Weatherization 
Assistance Program [WAP], which can provide funding to replace 
windows with more energy-efficient ones. However, even with the 
establishment of DOE's Lead-Safe Weatherization program, a set 
of protocols and standards initially put in place in 2001 to 
control the amount of lead dust generated when disturbing 
painted surfaces, many WAP contractors are still strongly 
discouraged from working in units where lead-based paint 
hazards may be present because dealing with those hazards adds 
time and cost to each weatherization project. There is a 
tremendous opportunity for these two complementary programs to 
support one another in a manner that saves grantees money and 
allows for more work to be completed. For example, a home 
eligible for both grant programs could apply to have WAP pay 
for new window hardware and have the lead-certified LHC grantee 
fund installation.
    The Committee supports the OLHCHH's continued participation 
in the interagency working group on healthy homes and energy, 
particularly as it relates to coordination with DOE to bring 
LHC and WAP grantees together. OLHCHH is encouraged to continue 
to coordinate with DOE and to help WAP grantees and subgrantees 
that would otherwise be deterred from replacing windows in 
homes where lead-based paint may be present to partner with 
local LHC grantees to perform window removal and installation 
work in older low-income housing. HUD is also directed to amend 
its rating factors to further incentivize partnerships between 
WAP and LHC grantees, giving preference to those LHC grantees 
that have obtained a partnership commitment for this work with 
their State's WAP grantee or their local WAP subgrantee. 
Grantees, however, should maintain the LHC grants' contractor 
lead safety qualifications for contractors performing the lead-
related window work. Finally, HUD is directed to collect 
information from LHC grantees on how many units benefit from 
coordinated WAP and LHC grants and how much coordination has 
reduced costs to the LHC grants for hardware and labor. HUD is 
directed to provide this information to the Senate and House 
Committees on Appropriations no later than six months after the 
end of each grant cycle on an annual basis.
    Community Level Data.--The Committee is pleased that the 
Department has begun to develop a tool that will provide data 
to more fully identify communities at risk for lead-based paint 
hazards. This tool will inform the Department's review of 
applications for grants to address lead-based paint hazards and 
ensure that awards are targeted to areas of the country most at 
risk. The Committee directs the Department to operationalize 
this tool as soon as possible and to incorporate those results 
when awarding grants in the future.
    Noncompliance and Enforcement of Regulations.--The 
Committee is concerned that the Department lacks detailed 
procedures either to address the noncompliance of grantees, 
including public housing agencies, with lead-based paint 
regulations, or to determine when enforcement decisions against 
grantees may also be needed. Providing clear guidance for how 
to address noncompliance through technical assistance or 
enforcement actions is essential to keeping grantees 
accountable to the mandates set forth in the Department's lead-
based paint regulations and to protecting children who live in 
their assisted units. The Committee directs the Department to 
issue clarifying guidance to all HUD Program Offices within 180 
days of enactment of this act identifying specific actions that 
should be taken, including timeframes for which each action 
should be performed by Program Office staff, when deficiencies 
are identified.
    Annual Reporting.--The Committee notes that the Department 
has failed to provide the annual report mandated by 42 U.S.C. 
4856. The Committee directs the Department to resume this 
annual reporting and to submit this report within 180 days of 
enactment of this act.

                      Information Technology Fund

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $267,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     260,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     280,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    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 an appropriation of $280,000,000 
for the Information Technology Fund for fiscal year 2019, which 
is $20,000,000 more than the budget request and $13,000,000 
more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Federal Housing Administration [FHA] Information Technology 
Modernization.--FHA's primary underwriting system is over 40 
years old, while its monitoring system, property accounting, 
and vendor management systems are over 25 years old. These 
antiquated systems not only make it difficult and expensive for 
lenders to work with FHA, but more importantly, they undermine 
the fiscal solvency of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and 
create significant risk to the taxpayers. The Committee 
recommendation includes $20,000,000 to begin the modernization 
of FHA's IT systems. The Committee directs these funds to be 
used for improving single-family insured mortgage processing 
underwriting and delivery, modernizing the single-family asset 
management and claims systems, and addressing lender activities 
and program compliance. These funds may also be used for more 
immediate IT needs including: FHA system interface with the 
Department of Treasury's Do Not Pay System, update FHA 
origination systems for HUD IT security policy compliance, and 
reverse mortgage system enhancements.
    HUD Information Technology Modernization.--The Committee 
remains supportive of HUD's efforts to modernize its IT 
systems, which are critical to effectively manage its programs. 
For years, HUD has been hampered by outdated IT systems that 
are not integrated, which limit its ability to oversee 
grantees. In addition, HUD's efforts to work around system 
limitations to collect information for oversight purposes often 
results in increased work for grantees who have to input 
information into multiple systems. While HUD has undertaken 
efforts to better integrate systems, the Committee remains 
concerned that non-mission-critical development activities are 
occurring at the expense of mission critical IT systems.
    Unsanctioned Information Technology Development.--The 
Committee remains concerned about the development of IT systems 
outside of the Information Technology Fund. While the Committee 
understands that limited resources may prompt HUD offices to 
develop solutions with their own resources, the Committee 
expects that, at a minimum, OCIO will monitor and oversee the 
development of any such solutions. The Committee directs the 
OCIO to monitor the development of new system solutions by 
every office in HUD to make sure they conform to HUD's 
enterprise architecture, and will be compatible with systems 
under development.
    GAO Oversight.--The Committee emphasizes the importance of 
pursuing a strategic approach as HUD continues to improve its 
IT management. To this end, in order to monitor the 
Department's progress, in 2012 the Committee instructed GAO to 
conduct several reviews. In 2013, GAO completed a review of the 
Department's IT project management practices. The Committee 
reaffirms its direction to GAO to also evaluate HUD's 
institutionalization of governance and cost estimating 
practices. In particular, the Committee remains interested in 
any cost savings or operational efficiencies that have resulted 
(or may result) from the Department's improvement efforts. The 
Committee appreciates the work that GAO has done in this area 
and believes it has benefited the Committee and the Department. 
The Committee encourages HUD to take advantage of GAO expertise 
as it makes further improvements to its IT structure and 
governance. The Committee notes that the Department has yet to 
submit plans articulating how the Department is implementing 
GAO's IT-related recommendations, and identifying savings it 
will achieve by retiring legacy systems and shutting off old 
servers. The Committee directs the Chief Operating Officer and 
the Chief Information Officer to ensure reports are submitted 
in a timely manner and include all required information.

                      Office of Inspector General

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $128,082,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     128,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     128,082,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Inspector General [OIG] conducts independent 
investigations, audits, and evaluations not only to prevent and 
detect fraud, waste, and abuse, but also to promote efficiency 
and effectiveness in the programs and operations of the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development. This appropriation 
will finance all salaries and related expenses associated with 
the operation of the OIG.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $128,082,000 
for the OIG, which is $82,000 more than the budget request and 
consistent with the fiscal year 2018 enacted level.
    Audit Reports.--The Committee expects the OIG to continue 
providing copies of all audit reports to the Committee 
immediately after they are issued and to make the Committee 
aware immediately of any review which recommends significant 
budgetary savings.
    Untimely and Insufficient Reports.--The Committee is 
concerned that recent reporting by the OIG in response to 
congressional directives has been found to be inadequate. The 
Committee directs the OIG to carefully review both bill and 
report language in order to ensure that reporting requirements 
are concluded in a timely manner and that the content of that 
reporting is sufficient to meet directives contained in both 
bill and report language.
    Improving Digital Services.--The Committee is concerned 
about the user interface of the OIG's website. The OIG's 
mission statement aims to ``provide independent, objective, and 
impactful oversight of the Department to help ensure efficient 
and effective programs and operations.'' To better achieve this 
goal, the Committee believes that the OIG's website should show 
clear, evident categories of audits and reports that the OIG 
has completed for easy navigability by the public. The 
Committee notes that the General Services Administration offers 
guidance and support for Federal agencies through DigitalGov 
and directs the OIG to coordinate on enhancing its web 
services.
    Indian Housing Loan Guarantee.--The Committee remains 
concerned about the lack of oversight on the Section 184 Indian 
Home Loan Guarantee Program and reiterates the fiscal year 2017 
directive to conduct a review of the management and oversight 
of the Section 184 loan program, including related information 
technology systems. This report was due to the Committee in 
September, 2017. The failure to deliver this report within a 
reasonable timeframe is concerning and the Committee expects 
the OIG to provide the required audit immediately. The Section 
184 loan program is an important tool to help meet the housing 
needs of Indian country and its effective and efficient 
management is critical to its success.

    GENERAL PROVISIONS--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                         (INCLUDING RESCISSION)

    The Committee recommends administrative provisions. A brief 
description follows.
    Sec. 201. This section promotes the refinancing of certain 
housing bonds.
    Sec. 202. This section clarifies a limitation on the use of 
funds under the Fair Housing Act.
    Sec. 203. This section requires HUD to award funds on a 
competitive basis unless otherwise provided.
    Sec. 204. This section allows funds to be used to reimburse 
GSEs and other Federal entities for various administrative 
expenses.
    Sec. 205. This section limits HUD's spending to amounts set 
out in the budget justification.
    Sec. 206. This section clarifies expenditure authority for 
entities subject to the Government Corporation Control Act.
    Sec. 207. This section requires quarterly reports on all 
uncommitted, unobligated and excess funds associated with HUD 
programs.
    Sec. 208. This section requires that the administration's 
budget and the Department's budget justifications for fiscal 
year 2020 be submitted in the identical account and sub-account 
structure provided in this act.
    Sec. 209. This section exempts GNMA from certain 
requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990.
    Sec. 210. This section allows HUD to authorize the transfer 
of existing project-based subsidies and liabilities from 
obsolete housing to housing that better meets the needs of the 
assisted tenants.
    Sec. 211. This section reforms certain section 8 rent 
calculations as related to athletic scholarships.
    Sec. 212. This section provides allocation requirements for 
Native Alaskans under the Indian Housing Block Grant program.
    Sec. 213. This section requires HUD to maintain section 8 
assistance on HUD-held or owned multifamily housing.
    Sec. 214. This section clarifies the use of the section 108 
loan guaranteed program for nonentitlement communities.
    Sec. 215. This section allows PHAs with less than 400 units 
to be exempt from management requirements in the operating fund 
rule.
    Sec. 216. This section restricts the Secretary from 
imposing any requirement or guideline relating to asset 
management that restricts or limits the use of capital funds 
for central office costs, up to the limit established in QWHRA.
    Sec. 217. This section 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.
    Sec. 218. The section requires the Secretary to publish all 
notices of funding availability that are competitively awarded 
on the Internet.
    Sec. 219. This section limits attorney fees and requires 
the Department to submit a spend plan to the House and Senate 
Committees on Appropriations.
    Sec. 220. This section 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.
    Sec. 221. This section requires HUD to take certain actions 
against owners receiving rental subsidies that do not maintain 
safe properties.
    Sec. 222. This section places limits on PHA compensation.
    Sec. 223. This section requires the Secretary to provide 
the Committee with advance notification before discretionary 
awards are made.
    Sec. 224. This section prohibits funds to be used to 
require or enforce the Physical Needs Assessment.
    Sec. 225. This section prohibits funds for HUD financing of 
mortgages for properties that have been subject to eminent 
domain.
    Sec. 226. This section prohibits funds from being used to 
terminate the status of a unit of local government as a 
metropolitan city, as defined under section 102 of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974, with respect to grants 
under section 106 of such act.
    Sec. 227. This section 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.
    Sec. 228. This section prohibits funds to be used for 
financial awards for employees subject to administrative 
discipline.
    Sec. 229. This section 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.
    Sec. 230. This section allows program income to be used as 
an eligible match for 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 Continuum of 
Care funds.
    Sec. 231. This section permits HUD to provide 1 year 
transition grants under the continuum of care program.
    Sec. 232. This section 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''.
    Sec. 233. This section prohibits section 218(g) of the 
Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act from applying 
with respect to the right of a jurisdiction to draw funds from 
its HOME Investment Trust Fund that otherwise expired or would 
expire.
    Sec. 234. This section maintains current Promise Zone 
designations and agreements.
    Sec. 235. This section establishes a regulatory advisory 
committee to review public housing and tenant-based rental 
assistance program regulations.
    Sec. 236. This section prohibits funds from being used to 
establish preference or bonus points for competitive grant 
programs for EnVision Center participants.

                               TITLE III

                          INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

                              Access Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $8,190,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................       8,400,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,400,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Access Board (formerly known as the Architectural and 
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board) was established by 
section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Access Board 
is responsible for developing guidelines under the Americans 
with Disabilities Act, the Architectural Barriers Act, and the 
Telecommunications Act. These guidelines ensure that buildings 
and facilities, transportation vehicles, and telecommunications 
equipment covered by these laws are readily accessible to and 
usable by people with disabilities. The Board is also 
responsible for developing standards under section 508 of the 
Rehabilitation Act for accessible electronic and information 
technology used by Federal agencies, and for medical diagnostic 
equipment under section 510 of the Rehabilitation Act. The 
Access Board also enforces the Architectural Barriers Act, 
ensuring accessibility to a wide range of Federal agencies, 
including national parks, post offices, social security 
offices, and prisons. In addition, the Board provides training 
and technical assistance on the guidelines and standards it 
develops to Government agencies, public and private 
organizations, individuals and businesses on the removal of 
accessibility barriers.
    In 2002, the Access Board was given additional 
responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act. The Board 
serves on the Board of Advisors and the Technical Guidelines 
Development Committee, which helps the Election Assistance 
Commission develop voluntary guidelines and guidance for voting 
systems, including accessibility for people with disabilities.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $8,400,000 for the operations of 
the Access Board. This level of funding is equal to the 
President's fiscal year 2019 request and $210,000 more than the 
2018 enacted level.

                      Federal Maritime Commission

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $27,490,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      27,490,000
Committee recommendation................................      27,490,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Federal Maritime Commission [FMC] is an independent 
regulatory agency, which administers the Shipping Act of 1984 
(Public Law 98-237), as amended by the Ocean Shipping Reform 
Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-258); section 19 of the Merchant 
Marine Act of 1920 (41 Stat. 998); the Foreign Shipping 
Practices Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418); and Public Law 89-
777.
    FMC's mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable 
international ocean transportation system and to protect the 
public from unfair and deceptive practices. To accomplish this 
mission, FMC regulates the international waterborne commerce of 
the United States. In addition, FMC has responsibility for 
licensing and bonding ocean transportation intermediaries and 
for ensuring that vessel owners or operators establish 
financial responsibility to pay judgments for death or injury 
to passengers, or nonperformance of a cruise, on voyages from 
United States ports.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $27,490,000 for the salaries and 
expenses of FMC for fiscal year 2019. This amount is equal to 
the President's fiscal year 2019 budget request and the fiscal 
year 2018 enacted level.

                National Railroad Passenger Corporation

                      OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................     $23,274,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      23,274,000
Committee recommendation................................      23,274,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Office of Inspector General for Amtrak was created by 
the Inspector General Act Amendment of 1988. The act recognized 
Amtrak as a ``designated Federal entity'' and required the 
railroad to establish an independent and objective unit to 
conduct and supervise audits and investigations relating to the 
programs and operations of Amtrak; recommend policies designed 
to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in Amtrak, 
and prevent and detect fraud and abuse; and to provide a means 
for keeping the Amtrak leadership and the Congress fully 
informed about problems in Amtrak operations and the 
corporation's progress in making corrective action.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $23,274,000 for the Amtrak Office 
of Inspector General [OIG]. This funding level is equal to the 
budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 
The Committee retains language that requires the Amtrak OIG to 
submit a budget request in similar format and substance to 
those submitted by other executive agencies in the Federal 
Government.

                  National Transportation Safety Board

                         salaries and expenses

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $110,400,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................     108,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     110,400,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    Initially established along with the Department of 
Transportation, the National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB] 
commenced operations on April 1, 1967, as an independent 
Federal agency. The Board is charged by Congress with 
investigating every civil aviation accident in the United 
States as well as significant accidents in the other modes of 
transportation--railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline--and 
issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future 
accidents. Although it has always operated independently, NTSB 
relied on 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 starting in 
1975.
    In addition to its investigatory duties, NTSB is 
responsible for maintaining the Government's database of civil 
aviation accidents and also conducts special studies of 
transportation safety issues of national significance. 
Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of international 
treaties, 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. NTSB also serves as the 
``court of appeals'' for any airman, mechanic, or mariner 
whenever certificate action is taken by the Federal Aviation 
Administration or the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, or when 
civil penalties are assessed by FAA.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends $110,400,000 for the National 
Transportation Safety Board, which is $2,400,000 more than the 
budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. 
The Committee has also continued to include language that 
allows NTSB to make payments on its lease for the NTSB training 
facility with funding provided in the bill.
    Accident Investigations.--The Committee remains committed 
to the safety deployment of automated vehicles which could 
reduce or eliminate the 94 percent of all crashes caused by 
human error. However, the Committee is also concerned with how 
drivers are using intermediate technologies that offer some but 
not all features of automated vehicles. The Committee believes 
NTSB's investigations of recent crashes involving vehicles with 
automated vehicle control systems will provide the necessary 
insight to address driver behavior and encourages the NTSB to 
make necessary recommendations after it has completed such 
investigations.

                 Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation

          payment to the neighborhood reinvestment corporation

Appropriations, 2018....................................    $140,000,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................      27,400,000
Committee recommendation................................     147,000,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation was created by 
the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (Title VI of the 
Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978, Public 
Law 95-557). The Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, 
operating under the trade name ``NeighborWorks America,'' helps 
local communities establish efficient and effective 
partnerships between residents and representatives of the 
public and private sectors. These partnership-based 
organizations are independent, tax-exempt, non-profit entities. 
Collectively, these organizations are known as the 
``NeighborWorks network.'' Nationally, nearly 250 NeighborWorks 
organizations serve almost 3,000 urban, suburban, and rural 
communities in every State, the District of Columbia, and 
Puerto Rico.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $145,000,000 
for NeighborWorks, and an additional $2,000,000 for the 
promotion and development of shared equity housing models. This 
amount is $119,600,000 more than the budget request and 
$7,000,000 more than the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The 
Committee continues to support the set-aside of $5,000,000 for 
the multifamily rental housing initiative, which has been 
successful in developing innovative approaches to producing 
mixed-income affordable housing throughout the Nation. The 
Committee directs NeighborWorks to provide at least 3 days' 
advance notice to the House and Senate Committees on 
Appropriations prior to the announcement of any grant exceeding 
$50,000 that is awarded to a NeighborWorks network 
organization.
    Rural Areas.--The Committee commends NeighborWorks' efforts 
to build capacity in rural areas and urges NeighborWorks to 
continue those initiatives.
    Shared Equity Homeownership.--The Committee recognizes the 
need for increased Federal investment to promote, expand, and 
preserve affordable homeownership for low- to moderate-income 
families and first-time homebuyers. Shared equity models offer 
unique opportunities for those individuals to purchase housing 
at a lower cost, while also maintaining the homes' long-term 
affordability, building the homeowners' assets, and 
revitalizing the surrounding communities.
    Thirty organizations within the NeighborWorks network 
currently support affordable homeownership opportunities 
through some form of shared equity model, representing over 
2,700 affordable properties. To further promote shared equity 
models, NeighborWorks also currently offers four training 
courses regarding the development and preservation of shared 
equity housing.
    In order to expand the utilization of this housing model, 
the Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 to build the 
capacity of network organizations to develop shared equity 
models, better understand scalable, sustainable shared equity 
models, and develop an array of strategies for different 
housing markets. These investments will allow for NeighborWorks 
to provide grants and technical assistance to interested 
network organizations in order to assist with their strategic 
planning in developing shared equity housing. These efforts 
will also include customized place-based trainings for 
organizations, offering scholarships to national training 
courses, and bringing representatives from network 
organizations together, including those which have already 
successfully implemented shared equity models, to discuss how 
to improve their planning and operations.
    NeighborWorks is also directed to evaluate strategies 
undertaken by each organization in order to determine both 
individual and community level outcomes, develop tools and 
templates that reflect best practices, create toolkits and 
marketing materials to raise awareness of these housing models 
within various housing markets, and develop two additional 
courses based on lessons learned from grantees. In developing 
these materials and performing evaluations, NeighborWorks is 
directed to work with charter members with extensive experience 
in offering shared equity homeownership opportunities.

                      Surface Transportation Board

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Crediting
                                        Appropriation      offsetting
                                                           collections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2018................       $37,100,000        $1,250,000
Budget estimate, 2019...............        37,100,000         1,250,000
Committee recommendation............        37,100,000         1,250,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The Surface Transportation Board [STB] was created on 
January 1, 1996, by the Interstate Commerce Commission 
Termination Act of 1995 [ICCTA] (Public Law 104-88). The Board 
is a five-member, bipartisan, decisionally independent 
adjudicatory body and is responsible for the regulation of the 
rail and pipeline industries and certain non-licensing 
regulations of motor carriers and water carriers.
    STB's rail oversight activities include rate 
reasonableness, car service and interchange, mergers, line 
acquisitions, line constructions, and abandonments. STB's 
jurisdiction also includes certain oversight of the intercity 
bus industry, pipeline carriers, intercity passenger train 
service, rate regulation involving noncontiguous domestic water 
transportation, household goods carriers, and collectively 
determined motor carrier rates.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a total appropriation of 
$37,100,000. This funding level is equal to the budget request 
and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. Included in 
the recommendation is $1,250,000 in fees, which will offset the 
appropriated funding, resulting in final appropriation from the 
general fund estimated at no more than $35,850,000.
    Regulatory Proceedings.--While the STB has made progress in 
implementing the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization 
Act of 2015, the Committee is concerned about a number of 
pending regulatory proceedings that would reform existing 
regulations at the STB. These proceedings are more difficult to 
resolve without all five board members. The Committee continues 
to encourage the administration to nominate the full complement 
of board members to the STB as soon as possible, and encourages 
STB to provide a timely and decisive regulatory process.

           United States Interagency Council On Homelessness

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2018....................................      $3,600,000
Budget estimate, 2019...................................         630,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,600,000

                          PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

    The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness 
[USICH] is an independent agency created by the McKinney-Vento 
Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 to coordinate and direct the 
multiple efforts of Federal agencies and other designated 
groups. The Council was authorized to review Federal programs 
that assist homeless persons and to take necessary actions to 
reduce duplication. The Council can recommend improvements in 
programs and activities conducted by Federal, State, and local 
government, as well as local volunteer organizations. The 
Council consists of the heads of 19 Federal agencies, including 
the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and 
Human Services, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Commerce, 
Defense, Education, Labor, and Transportation; and other 
entities as deemed appropriate.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,600,000 for 
the USICH. This amount is $2,970,000 greater than the budget 
request and equal to the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. USICH 
supports Federal collaboration and implementation of the 
Federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. The 
Committee recognizes the complexity of homelessness and the 
valuable role USICH plays to help communities identify 
comprehensive and coordinated strategies to prevent and end 
homelessness. USICH's establishment of criteria and benchmarks 
for ending homelessness in America has been critical to the 
progress made nationwide towards this goal. Since 2010, overall 
homelessness has decreased by more than 13 percent, with 
chronic homelessness decreasing by 18 percent and family 
homelessness decreasing by 24 percent. The Council's efforts to 
engage more than 880 mayors since 2014 through the Mayor's 
Challenge to end veteran homelessness has helped 63 communities 
across 33 states develop a roadmap to work towards this 
objective. Through local engagement, combined with the 
Council's efforts to convene the VA and HUD to streamline and 
triage the VA's case management and housing placements through 
HUD's housing assistance programs, including the HUD-VASH 
program, USICH has played a key role in the overall reduction 
in veteran homelessness by 46 percent since 2010. As challenges 
to preventing and ending homelessness arise at the local and 
Federal level, USICH continues to serve as the lead agency for 
identifying suitable cost-effective solutions. The Committee 
applauds the work of USICH and recognizes how its support for 
mayors and governors across the country helps them address the 
unique drivers of homelessness in their communities. USICH 
promotes collaborative engagement across government, public 
housing agencies, homeless service providers, and local 
partners, which results in more effective alignment of 
resources, efforts, goals, and measures of success. As such, 
the Committee has maintained the agency's 2-year operating 
authority, extending it to October 1, 2021, which is consistent 
with the fiscal year 2018 Omnibus. The Committee supports a 
permanent extension of the Council in an effort end 
homelessness for the more than 550,000 individuals and families 
without stable housing or shelter in our Nation.
    The Council's work on such issues as establishing common 
definitions of homelessness across programs and consolidating 
Federal data is helping to breakdown silos and increase Federal 
collaboration. Its work was recognized by GAO in its February 
2012 report on ways to reduce duplication, overlap, and 
fragmentation in the Federal Government. The Committee is aware 
that individuals who are homeless or in unstable housing 
situations are often living with multiple chronic conditions. 
The link between homelessness and long-term physical and 
behavioral health conditions is well documented. The Committee 
has recognized the cost-savings that can be achieved by using 
evidence-based practices, and has been supportive of such 
efforts, including through the HUD-VASH program and other 
permanent supportive housing through HUD's homeless assistance 
grants program. However, the Committee believes that more can 
be done to emphasize evidence-based practices in serving other 
populations. The Committee continues to direct the USICH to 
improve coordination between HUD, HHS, the Department of Labor 
and Justice, as well as other Federal agencies, and to help 
communities use the Homeless Management Information System and 
other data to target affordable housing and homeless resources 
to high-need, high-cost families and individuals. The Committee 
further encourages HUD to work with HHS, the Department of 
Justice and other Federal agencies to identify homeless 
individuals who have high utilization rates for emergency and 
other public services, and share strategies for combining 
affordable housing with health and social support services to 
improve both housing and health outcomes for these individuals.
    Performance Metrics and Cross-Agency Coordination.--USICH 
leads the coordination of the Federal response to ending 
homelessness among 19 Federal agencies, as well as State, 
local, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. However, the 
Committee remains concerned that other stakeholders do not 
fully appreciate the value of the important work that agency 
has been able to accomplish over time due to the Council's lack 
of clear output and outcome based performance metrics. The 
Committee directs the agency to undertake the development of 
measurable performance goals and metrics that define how USICH 
accomplishes its mission for inclusion in its fiscal year 2020 
Congressional budget justification.
    The Committee also directs USICH to develop performance 
metrics to measure the progress that USICH and its partners 
have made to address and end homelessness in the 2020 
performance and accountability report, as well as provide an 
update on efforts to improve cross-agency collaboration and 
coordination on integrating child welfare systems with housing 
and services provided through HUD and the Department of Health 
and Human Services in response to youth homelessness; the 
coordination between continuums of care and the Department of 
Labor employment programs, the Department of Education and HUD, 
and the Department of Agriculture with other Federal agencies.
    The Committee believes these targeted, data-driven analyses 
will better educate Congress and the public at-large on the 
clear outcomes of USICH's work to promote cost-effective 
policies, and evidence-based practices in urban and rural 
communities alike. The Committee further directs the agency to 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
within 120 days of enactment of this act on the status of these 
efforts.
    Homeless Youth.--One of the goals of the Federal Strategic 
Plan is to prevent and end homelessness among youth by 2020. 
The plan identifies four core targeted outcomes for youth 
experiencing homelessness--stable housing, permanent 
connections, education and employment, and social/emotional 
well-being. These outcomes appropriately identify the multiple 
needs of youth experiencing homelessness and underscore the 
importance of comprehensive solutions. To be successful, it is 
critical to coordinate Federal services and programs at the 
local, regional, and State levels to ensure these outcomes are 
met. As such, the Committee recognizes that it can be difficult 
for local communities, as well as housing and service 
providers, to navigate different Federal program laws and 
regulatory requirements. USICH is directed to continue working 
with its Federal member agencies to ensure that all homeless-
related Federal grant funding solicitations are coordinated and 
made publically available in a user-friendly document that 
helps local communities identify and understand the scope of 
all Federal programs for which homeless youth are eligible. 
This document shall include detailed descriptions of 
eligibility criteria, application instructions, and application 
deadlines and be updated as necessary.

                                TITLE IV

                      GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

    Section 401 prohibits pay and other expenses for non-
Federal parties in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings 
funded in this act.
    Section 402 prohibits obligations beyond the current fiscal 
year and prohibits transfers of funds unless expressly so 
provided here-in.
    Section 403 limits expenditures for consulting services 
through procurement contracts where such expenditures are a 
matter of public record and available for public inspection.
    Section 404 prohibits the use of funds for employee 
training unless such training bears directly upon the 
performance of official duties.
    Section 405 authorizes the reprogramming of funds within a 
budget account and specifies the reprogramming procedures for 
agencies funded by this act. The Committee rejects the 
administration's request to transfer budget authority between 
accounts.
    Section 406 ensures that 50 percent of unobligated balances 
may remain available for certain purposes.
    Section 407 prohibits the use of funds for eminent domain 
unless such taking is employed for public use.
    Section 408 prohibits funds in this act to be transferred 
without express authority.
    Section 409 protects employment rights of Federal employees 
who return to their civilian jobs after assignment with the 
Armed Forces.
    Section 410 prohibits the use of funds for activities not 
in compliance with the Buy American Act.
    Section 411 prohibits funding for any person or entity 
convicted of violating the Buy American Act.
    Section 412 prohibits funds for first-class airline 
accommodation in contravention of section 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 and specifies that nothing in this section shall 
prohibit, restrict, or preclude the Secretary of DOT from 
granting a permit or exemption where such authorization is 
consistent with the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport 
Treaty and the U.S. law.
    Section 414 restricts the number of employees that agencies 
funded in this act may send to international conferences.
    Section 415 prohibits the Surface Transportation Board from 
charging filing fees for rate or practice complaints that are 
greater than the fees authorized for district court civil 
suits.
    Section 416 prohibits funds to agencies unless they are in 
compliance with the Presidential Memorandum--Federal Fleet 
Performance, dated May 24, 2011.
    Section 417 prohibits funds from being used to maintain or 
establish computer networks unless such networks block the 
viewing, downloading, or exchange of pornography.
    Section 418 prohibits funds from denying 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.
    Section 419 prohibits funds from being used to pay awards 
or fees for contractors with poor performance.
    Section 420 prohibits funds made available in this act to 
be used to acquire certain telecommunications equipment unless 
the agency meets certain criteria.

  COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI, OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports on 
general appropriations bills identify each Committee amendment 
to the House bill ``which proposes an item of appropriation 
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing 
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously 
passed by the Senate during that session.''
    The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not 
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the 
spirit of full disclosure.
    The Committee recommends funding for the following programs 
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal 
year 2019:

                 Title I--Department of Transportation

    National Infrastructure Investments
    Federal Aviation Administration
    Maritime Administration

         Title II--Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Rental Assistance Programs
    Indian Housing Block Grants
    Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund
    Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant
    Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS
    Community Development Fund
    Community Development Loan Guarantee
    Home Investment Partnerships Program
    Choice Neighborhoods Initiatives
    Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program
    Homeless Assistance
    Housing for the Elderly
    Housing for Persons with Disabilities
    FHA General and Special Risk Program Account
    GNMA Mortgage Backed Securities Loan Guarantee Program 
Account
    Policy Development and Research
    Fair Housing Activities, Fair Housing Program
    Lead Hazard Reduction Program
    Salaries and Expenses

                      Title III--Related Agencies

    Access Board
    National Transportation Safety Board

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(C), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on June 7, 2018, 
the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (S. 3023) 
making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, 
and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, 
provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and that the 
bill be consistent with its budget allocation, and provided 
that the Chairman of the Committee or his designee be 
authorized to offer the substance of the original bill as a 
Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House 
companion measure, by a recorded vote of 31-0, a quorum being 
present. The vote was as follows:
        Yeas                          Nays
Chairman Shelby
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Lankford
Mr. Daines
Mr. Kennedy
Mr. Rubio
Mrs. Hyde-Smith
Mr. Leahy
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Reed
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Manchin
Mr. Van Hollen

 COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports 
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute 
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or 
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a 
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution 
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof 
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and 
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical 
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the 
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by 
the committee.''
    In compliance with this rule, changes in existing law 
proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing 
law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is 
printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman.

                CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018, 
                           PUBLIC LAW 115-141

DIVISION L--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED 
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

           United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

                           OPERATING EXPENSES

    For necessary expenses (including payment of salaries, 
authorized travel, hire of passenger motor vehicles, the rental 
of conference rooms, and the employment of experts and 
consultants under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code) 
of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness in 
carrying out the functions pursuant to title II of the 
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended, $3,600,000: 
Provided, That title II of the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11311 et seq.) is amended by striking 
``October 1, 2018'' in section 209 and inserting ``October 1, 
[2020] 2021''.

                        BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL

  PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(A), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
                                                     AMENDED
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Budget authority                         Outlays
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Committee                           Committee
                                             allocation      Amount  in bill     allocation      Amount  in bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with
 the subcommittee allocation for 2019:
 Subcommittee on Transportation and
 Housing and Urban Development, and
 Related Agencies:
    Mandatory...........................  ................  ................  ................  ................
    Discretionary.......................            71,417            71,417           132,712        \1\132,712
        Security........................               300               300                NA                NA
        Nonsecurity.....................            71,117            71,117                NA                NA
Projection of outlays associated with
 the recommendation:
    2019................................  ................  ................  ................         \2\45,969
    2020................................  ................  ................  ................            43,792
    2021................................  ................  ................  ................            17,790
    2022................................  ................  ................  ................             8,432
    2023 and future years...............  ................  ................  ................            13,322
Financial assistance to State and local                 NA            38,988                NA        \2\34,191
 governments for 2019...................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
 
NA: Not applicable.

  COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
                                                                        YEAR 2019
                                                                [In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        Senate Committee recommendation
                                                                                                                            compared with (+ or -)
                             Item                                     2018         Budget estimate      Committee    -----------------------------------
                                                                  appropriation                      recommendation         2018
                                                                                                                        appropriation    Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
                    Office of the Secretary
 
Salaries and expenses.........................................           112,813           113,842           113,535              +722              -307
    Immediate Office of the Secretary.........................           (3,001)  ................           (3,001)  ................          (+3,001)
    Immediate Office of the Deputy Secretary..................           (1,040)  ................           (1,040)  ................          (+1,040)
    Office of the General Counsel.............................          (20,555)  ................          (20,428)            (-127)         (+20,428)
    Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy          (10,331)  ................          (10,265)             (-66)         (+10,265)
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs.          (14,019)  ................          (14,019)  ................         (+14,019)
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs           (2,546)  ................           (2,550)              (+4)          (+2,550)
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration......          (29,356)  ................          (29,244)            (-112)         (+29,244)
    Office of Public Affairs..................................           (2,142)  ................           (2,142)  ................          (+2,142)
    Office of the Executive Secretariat.......................           (1,760)  ................           (1,835)             (+75)          (+1,835)
    Office of Intelligence, Security, and Emergency Response..          (11,318)  ................          (12,325)          (+1,007)         (+12,325)
    Office of the Chief Information Officer...................          (16,745)  ................          (16,686)             (-59)         (+16,686)
Research and Technology.......................................            23,465             6,971             8,471           -14,994            +1,500
National Infrastructure Investments...........................         1,500,000  ................         1,000,000          -500,000        +1,000,000
National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau.             3,000             2,987             2,987               -13  ................
Financial Management Capital..................................             6,000             2,000             2,000            -4,000  ................
Cyber Security Initiatives....................................            15,000            10,000            15,000  ................            +5,000
Office of Civil Rights........................................             9,500             9,470             9,470               -30  ................
Transportation Planning, Research, and Development............            14,000             7,879             7,879            -6,121  ................
Working Capital Fund..........................................         (202,245)  ................         (203,883)          (+1,638)        (+203,883)
Minority Business Resource Center Program.....................               500               249               249              -251  ................
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilizaton and Outreach /                 4,646             3,488             3,488            -1,158  ................
 Minority Business Outreach...................................
Payments to Air Carriers (Airport & Airway Trust Fund)........           155,000            93,000           175,000           +20,000           +82,000
 
                   Administrative Provision
 
Working Capital Fund (Sec. 104) (reappropriation).............  ................            12,000  ................  ................           -12,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Office of the Secretary..........................         1,843,924           261,886         1,338,079          -505,845        +1,076,193
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Aviation Administration
 
Operations....................................................        10,211,754         9,931,312        10,410,758          +199,004          +479,446
    Air traffic organization..................................       (7,692,786)       (7,495,690)       (7,843,427)        (+150,641)        (+347,737)
    Aviation safety...........................................       (1,310,000)       (1,276,255)       (1,334,377)         (+24,377)         (+58,122)
    Commercial space transportation...........................          (22,587)          (21,578)          (24,981)          (+2,394)          (+3,403)
    Finance and management....................................         (801,506)         (771,010)         (816,562)         (+15,056)         (+45,552)
    NextGen...................................................          (60,000)          (58,536)          (61,796)          (+1,796)          (+3,260)
    Security and Hazardous Materials Safety...................         (112,622)         (105,558)         (114,312)          (+1,690)          (+8,754)
    Staff offices.............................................         (212,253)         (202,685)         (215,303)          (+3,050)         (+12,618)
Facilities and Equipment (Airport & Airway Trust Fund)........         3,250,000         2,766,572         3,000,000          -250,000          +233,428
Research, Engineering, and Development (Airport & Airway Trust           188,926            74,406           191,000            +2,074          +116,594
 Fund.........................................................
Grants-in-Aid for Airports (Airport and Airway Trust Fund)           (3,000,000)       (3,000,000)       (3,000,000)  ................  ................
 (Liquidation of contract authorization)......................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................       (3,350,000)       (3,350,000)       (3,350,000)  ................  ................
        Administration........................................         (111,863)         (112,600)         (112,600)            (+737)  ................
        Airport cooperative research program..................          (15,000)          (15,000)          (15,000)  ................  ................
        Airport technology research...........................          (33,210)          (33,194)          (33,210)  ................             (+16)
        Small community air service development program.......          (10,000)  ................          (10,000)  ................         (+10,000)
        Airport Discretionary Grants (General Fund)...........         1,000,000  ................           750,000          -250,000          +750,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Federal Aviation Administration..............        14,650,680        12,772,290        14,351,758          -298,922        +1,579,468
                Limitations on obligations....................       (3,350,000)       (3,350,000)       (3,350,000)  ................  ................
          Total budgetary resources...........................      (18,000,680)      (16,122,290)      (17,701,758)        (-298,922)      (+1,579,468)
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Highway Administration
 
Limitation on Administrative Expenses.........................         (442,692)         (449,692)         (449,692)          (+7,000)  ................
 
Federal-Aid Highways (Highway Trust Fund):
    (Liquidation of contract authorization)...................      (44,973,212)      (46,007,596)      (46,007,596)      (+1,034,384)  ................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................      (44,234,212)      (45,268,596)      (45,268,596)      (+1,034,384)  ................
    (Exempt contract authority)...............................         (739,000)         (739,000)         (739,000)  ................  ................
Rescission of contract authority (Highway Trust Fund).........  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
Federal-Aid Highways, grants to States (General Fund).........         2,525,000  ................         3,300,000          +775,000        +3,300,000
Rescission of budget authority (Sec. 126).....................  ................          -216,951  ................  ................          +216,951
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Highway Administration...................         2,525,000          -216,951         3,300,000          +775,000        +3,516,951
          Limitations on obligations..........................      (44,234,212)      (45,268,596)      (45,268,596)      (+1,034,384)  ................
          Exempt contract authority...........................         (739,000)         (739,000)         (739,000)  ................  ................
      Total budgetary resources...............................      (47,498,212)      (45,790,645)      (49,307,596)      (+1,809,384)      (+3,516,951)
                                                               =========================================================================================
          Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
 
Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs (Highway Trust            (283,000)         (284,000)         (284,000)          (+1,000)  ................
 Fund) (Liquidation of contract authorization)................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................         (283,000)         (284,000)         (284,000)          (+1,000)  ................
Motor Carrier Safety Grants (Highway Trust Fund) (Liquidation          (561,800)         (381,800)         (382,800)        (-179,000)          (+1,000)
 of contract authorization)...................................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................         (561,800)         (381,800)         (382,800)        (-179,000)          (+1,000)
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration......  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
          Limitations on obligations..........................         (844,800)         (665,800)         (666,800)        (-178,000)          (+1,000)
      Total budgetary resources...............................         (844,800)         (665,800)         (666,800)        (-178,000)          (+1,000)
                                                               =========================================================================================
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
 
Operations and Research (general fund)........................           189,075           152,427           190,000              +925           +37,573
 
Operations and Research (Highway Trust Fund) (Liquidation of           (149,000)         (152,100)         (152,100)          (+3,100)  ................
 contract authorization)......................................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................         (149,000)         (152,100)         (152,100)          (+3,100)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Operations and Research.......................           338,075           304,527           342,100            +4,025           +37,573
 
Highway Traffic Safety Grants (Highway Trust Fund)                     (597,629)         (610,208)         (610,208)         (+12,579)  ................
 (Liquidation of contract authorization)......................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................         (597,629)         (610,208)         (610,208)         (+12,579)  ................
        Highway safety programs (23 USC 402)..................         (261,200)         (270,400)         (270,400)          (+9,200)  ................
        National priority safety programs (23 USC 405)........         (280,200)         (283,000)         (283,000)          (+2,800)  ................
        High visibility enforcement...........................          (29,900)          (30,200)          (30,200)            (+300)  ................
        Administrative expenses...............................          (26,329)          (26,608)          (26,608)            (+279)  ................
 
                   Administrative Provision
 
Impaired Driving/Rail-Grade funding (Sec. 144) (General Fund).            11,500  ................             4,000            -7,500            +4,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...           200,575           152,427           194,000            -6,575           +41,573
          Limitations on obligations..........................         (746,629)         (762,308)         (762,308)         (+15,679)  ................
      Total budgetary resources...............................         (947,204)         (914,735)         (956,308)          (+9,104)         (+41,573)
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Railroad Administration
 
Safety and Operations.........................................           221,698           202,304           221,698  ................           +19,394
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Direct appropriation....................................           221,698           202,304           221,698  ................           +19,394
 
Railroad Research and Development.............................            40,600            19,550            40,600  ................           +21,050
Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program.....            25,000  ................  ................           -25,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................           287,298           221,854           262,298           -25,000           +40,444
 
Federal State Partnership for State of Good Repair............           250,000  ................           300,000           +50,000          +300,000
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements......           592,547  ................           255,000          -337,547          +255,000
Restoration and Enhancement Grants............................            20,000  ................            10,000           -10,000           +10,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................           862,547  ................           565,000          -297,547          +565,000
 
National Railroad Passenger Corporation:
    Northeast Corridor Grants.................................           650,000           200,000           650,000  ................          +450,000
    National Network..........................................         1,291,600           537,897         1,291,600  ................          +753,703
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................         1,941,600           737,897         1,941,600  ................        +1,203,703
 
                   Administrative Provisions
 
Transportation Technology Center financing (Sec. 151).........  ................           100,000  ................  ................          -100,000
Rail unobligated balances (rescission) (Sec. 153).............  ................           -55,726  ................  ................           +55,726
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Railroad Administration..................         3,091,445         1,004,025         2,768,898          -322,547        +1,764,873
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Transit Administration
 
Administrative Expenses.......................................           113,165           111,742           113,165  ................            +1,423
Transit Formula Grants (Hwy Trust Fund, Mass Transit Account)       (10,300,000)       (9,900,000)       (9,900,000)        (-400,000)  ................
 (Liquidation of contract authorization)......................
    (Limitation on obligations)...............................       (9,733,353)       (9,939,380)       (9,939,380)        (+206,027)  ................
 
Transit Infrastructure Grants.................................           834,000  ................           800,000           -34,000          +800,000
Technical Assistance and Training.............................             5,000  ................             5,000  ................            +5,000
Capital Investment Grants.....................................         2,644,960         1,000,000         2,552,687           -92,273        +1,552,687
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Capital and               150,000           120,000           150,000  ................           +30,000
 Preventive Maintenance.......................................
Transit Research (rescission) (Sec. 163)......................  ................            -6,000  ................  ................            +6,000
Transit Formula Grants (rescission) (Sec. 164)................  ................           -46,560           -46,560           -46,560  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Transit Administration...................         3,747,125         1,179,182         3,574,292          -172,833        +2,395,110
          Limitations on obligations..........................       (9,733,353)       (9,939,380)       (9,939,380)        (+206,027)  ................
      Total budgetary resources...............................      (13,480,478)      (11,118,562)      (13,513,672)         (+33,194)      (+2,395,110)
                                                               =========================================================================================
         Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
 
Operations and Maintenance (Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund)....            40,000            28,837            36,000            -4,000            +7,163
 
                    Maritime Administration
 
Maritime Security Program.....................................           300,000           214,000           300,000  ................           +86,000
Operations and Training.......................................           513,642           452,428           149,442          -364,200          -302,986
State Maritime Academy Operations.............................  ................  ................           340,200          +340,200          +340,200
Assistance to Small Shipyards.................................            20,000  ................            20,000  ................           +20,000
Ship Disposal.................................................           116,000            30,000             5,000          -111,000           -25,000
 
Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account:
    Administrative expenses and guarantees....................            30,000  ................             3,000           -27,000            +3,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Maritime Administration..........................           979,642           696,428           817,642          -162,000          +121,214
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
 
Operational Expenses:
    General Fund..............................................            23,000            23,710            23,710              +710  ................
 
Hazardous Materials Safety:
    General Fund..............................................            59,000            52,070            58,000            -1,000            +5,930
 
Pipeline Safety:
    Pipeline Safety Fund......................................           131,000           119,200           134,000            +3,000           +14,800
    Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund............................            23,000            23,000            23,000  ................  ................
    Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety Fund......             8,000             8,000             8,000  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................           162,000           150,200           165,000            +3,000           +14,800
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety                  244,000           225,980           246,710            +2,710           +20,730
       Administration.........................................
 
Pipeline safety user fees.....................................          -131,000          -119,200          -134,000            -3,000           -14,800
Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Safety Fund user fee.            -8,000            -8,000            -8,000  ................  ................
 
Emergency Preparedness Grants:
    Limitation on emergency preparedness fund.................          (28,318)          (28,318)          (28,318)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety                     105,000            98,780           104,710              -290            +5,930
       Administration.........................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
                  Office of Inspector General
 
Salaries and Expenses.........................................            92,152            91,500            92,600              +448            +1,100
 
       General Provisions--Department of Transportation
 
Extending the availability of certain payments (Sec. 186(1))..  ................             2,000  ................  ................            -2,000
      Total, title I, Department of Transportation............        27,275,543        16,070,404        26,577,979          -697,564       +10,507,575
          Appropriations......................................      (27,275,543)      (16,395,641)      (26,624,539)        (-651,004)     (+10,228,898)
          Rescissions.........................................  ................        (-325,237)         (-46,560)         (-46,560)        (+278,677)
          Limitations on obligations..........................      (58,908,994)      (59,986,084)      (59,987,084)      (+1,078,090)          (+1,000)
      Total budgetary resources...............................      (86,184,537)      (76,056,488)      (86,565,063)        (+380,526)     (+10,508,575)
                                                               =========================================================================================
     TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
                 Management and Administration
 
Executive Offices.............................................            14,708            15,583            14,898              +190              -685
Administrative Support Offices................................           518,303           507,372           556,000           +37,697           +48,628
 
Program Office Salaries and Expenses:
    Public and Indian Housing.................................           216,633           209,473           222,000            +5,367           +12,527
    Community Planning and Development........................           107,554           105,906           110,000            +2,446            +4,094
    Housing...................................................           383,000           359,448           390,000            +7,000           +30,552
    Policy Development and Research...........................            24,065            25,366            26,000            +1,935              +634
    Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity........................            69,808            71,312            71,500            +1,692              +188
    Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes...........             7,600             7,540             7,800              +200              +260
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................           808,660           779,045           827,300           +18,640           +48,255
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Management and Administration....................         1,341,671         1,302,000         1,398,198           +56,527           +96,198
                                                               =========================================================================================
                   Public and Indian Housing
 
Tenant-based Rental Assistance:
    Renewals..................................................        19,600,000        18,748,749        20,520,000          +920,000        +1,771,251
    Tenant protection vouchers................................            85,000           140,000            85,000  ................           -55,000
    Administrative fees.......................................         1,760,000         1,550,000         1,956,987          +196,987          +406,987
    Sec. 811 vouchers, incremental and renewals...............           505,000           107,000           154,000          -351,000           +47,000
    Incremental VASH vouchers.................................            40,000  ................            40,000  ................           +40,000
    Tribal veterans affairs supportive housing renewals.......             5,000             4,000             5,000  ................            +1,000
    Incremental family unification vouchers...................            20,000  ................            20,000  ................           +20,000
    PHA Modernization.........................................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal (available this fiscal year)...................        22,015,000        20,549,749        22,780,987          +765,987        +2,231,238
 
    Advance appropriations....................................         4,000,000         4,000,000         4,000,000  ................  ................
    Less appropriations from prior year advances..............        -4,000,000        -4,000,000        -4,000,000  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Tenant-based Rental Assistance appropriated in           22,015,000        20,549,749        22,780,987          +765,987        +2,231,238
       this bill..............................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
Rental Assistance Demonstration...............................  ................           100,000  ................  ................          -100,000
Public Housing Capital Fund...................................         2,750,000  ................         2,775,000           +25,000        +2,775,000
Public Housing Operating Fund.................................         4,550,000         3,279,000         4,756,000          +206,000        +1,477,000
Choice Neighborhoods..........................................           150,000  ................           100,000           -50,000          +100,000
Family Self-Sufficiency.......................................            75,000            75,000            80,000            +5,000            +5,000
Native American Housing Block Grants..........................           755,000           600,000           755,000  ................          +155,000
Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account............             1,000  ................             1,440              +440            +1,440
    (Limitation on guaranteed loans)..........................         (270,270)  ................         (553,846)        (+283,576)        (+553,846)
Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant...........................             2,000  ................             2,000  ................            +2,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Public and Indian Housing........................        30,298,000        24,603,749        31,250,427          +952,427        +6,646,678
                                                               =========================================================================================
              Community Planning and Development
 
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS...................           375,000           330,000           375,000  ................           +45,000
 
Community Development Fund:
    CDBG formula..............................................         3,300,000  ................         3,300,000  ................        +3,300,000
    Indian CDBG...............................................            65,000  ................            65,000  ................           +65,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................         3,365,000  ................         3,365,000  ................        +3,365,000
 
Community Development Loan Guarantees (Section 108):
    (Limitation on guaranteed loans)..........................         (300,000)  ................         (300,000)  ................        (+300,000)
HOME Investment Partnerships Program..........................         1,362,000  ................         1,362,000  ................        +1,362,000
Self-help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program......            54,000  ................            54,000  ................           +54,000
Homeless Assistance Grants....................................         2,513,000         2,383,000         2,612,000           +99,000          +229,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Community Planning and Development...............         7,669,000         2,713,000         7,768,000           +99,000        +5,055,000
                                                               =========================================================================================
                       Housing Programs
 
Project-based Rental Assistance:
    Renewals..................................................        11,230,000        10,902,000        11,502,000          +272,000          +600,000
    Contract administrators...................................           285,000           245,000           245,000           -40,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal (available this fiscal year)...................        11,515,000        11,147,000        11,747,000          +232,000          +600,000
 
    Advance appropriations....................................           400,000           400,000           400,000  ................  ................
    Less appropriations from prior year advances..............          -400,000          -400,000          -400,000  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Project-based Rental Assistance appropriated in          11,515,000        11,147,000        11,747,000          +232,000          +600,000
       this bill..............................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
Housing for the Elderly.......................................           678,000           601,000           678,000  ................           +77,000
Housing for Persons with Disabilities.........................           229,600           140,000           154,000           -75,600           +14,000
Housing Counseling Assistance.................................            55,000            45,000            45,000           -10,000  ................
Rental Housing Assistance.....................................            14,000             5,000             5,000            -9,000  ................
Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund..........................            11,000            12,000            12,000            +1,000  ................
    Offsetting collections....................................           -11,000           -12,000           -12,000            -1,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Housing Programs.................................        12,491,600        11,938,000        12,629,000          +137,400          +691,000
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Housing Administration
 
Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program Account:
    (Limitation on guaranteed loans)..........................     (400,000,000)     (400,000,000)     (400,000,000)  ................  ................
    (Limitation on direct loans)..............................           (5,000)           (1,000)           (1,000)          (-4,000)  ................
    Offsetting receipts.......................................        -7,392,000        -6,930,000        -6,930,000          +462,000  ................
    Proposed offsetting receipts (HECM).......................          -309,000  ................  ................          +309,000  ................
    Additional offsetting receipts (Sec. 222).................  ................           -20,000  ................  ................           +20,000
    Administrative contract expenses..........................           130,000           150,000           130,000  ................           -20,000
 
General and Special Risk Program Account:
    (Limitation on guaranteed loans)..........................      (30,000,000)      (30,000,000)      (30,000,000)  ................  ................
    (Limitation on direct loans)..............................           (5,000)           (1,000)           (1,000)          (-4,000)  ................
    Offsetting receipts.......................................          -619,000          -620,000          -620,000            -1,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Housing Administration...................        -8,190,000        -7,420,000        -7,420,000          +770,000  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
           Government National Mortgage Association
 
Guarantees of Mortgage-backed Securities Loan Guarantee
 Program Account:
    (Limitation on guaranteed loans)..........................     (500,000,000)     (550,000,000)     (550,000,000)     (+50,000,000)  ................
    Administrative expenses...................................            27,000            24,400            27,000  ................            +2,600
    Offsetting receipts.......................................          -116,000          -104,000          -104,000           +12,000  ................
    Offsetting receipts.......................................        -1,560,000        -1,900,000        -1,900,000          -340,000  ................
    Proposed offsetting receipts (HECM).......................           -59,000  ................  ................           +59,000  ................
    Additional contract expenses..............................             1,000  ................             1,000  ................            +1,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Gov't National Mortgage Association..............        -1,707,000        -1,979,600        -1,976,000          -269,000            +3,600
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Policy Development and Research
 
Research and Technology.......................................            89,000            85,000           100,000           +11,000           +15,000
 
              Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
 
Fair Housing Activities.......................................            65,300            62,300            65,300  ................            +3,000
 
        Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes
 
Lead Hazard Reduction.........................................           230,000           145,000           260,000           +30,000          +115,000
Information Technology Fund...................................           267,000           260,000           280,000           +13,000           +20,000
Office of Inspector General...................................           128,082           128,000           128,082  ................               +82
 
                      General Provisions
 
Mark-to-Market extension (Sec. 231)...........................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
Unobligated balances (Sec. 233) (rescission)..................  ................          -138,000  ................  ................          +138,000
Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee unobligated balances     ................            -5,000  ................  ................            +5,000
 (Sec. 251) (rescission)......................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
      Total, title II, Department of Housing and Urban                42,682,653        31,694,449        44,483,007        +1,800,354       +12,788,558
       Development............................................
          Appropriations......................................      (48,348,653)      (37,023,449)      (49,649,007)      (+1,300,354)     (+12,625,558)
          Advance appropriations..............................       (4,400,000)       (4,400,000)       (4,400,000)  ................  ................
          Offsetting receipts.................................     (-10,055,000)      (-9,574,000)      (-9,554,000)        (+501,000)         (+20,000)
          Offsetting collections..............................         (-11,000)         (-12,000)         (-12,000)          (-1,000)  ................
          (Limitation on direct loans)........................          (10,000)           (2,000)           (2,000)          (-8,000)  ................
          (Limitation on guaranteed loans)....................     (930,570,270)     (980,000,000)     (980,853,846)     (+50,283,576)        (+853,846)
                                                               =========================================================================================
             TITLE III--OTHER INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
 
Access Board..................................................             8,190             8,400             8,400              +210  ................
Federal Maritime Commission...................................            27,490            27,490            27,490  ................  ................
National Railroad Passenger Corporation Office of Inspector               23,274            23,274            23,274  ................  ................
 General......................................................
National Transportation Safety Board..........................           110,400           108,000           110,400  ................            +2,400
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation.........................           140,000            27,400           147,000            +7,000          +119,600
Surface Transportation Board..................................            37,100            37,100            37,100  ................  ................
    Offsetting collections....................................            -1,250            -1,250            -1,250  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal................................................            35,850            35,850            35,850  ................  ................
 
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.............             3,600               630             3,600  ................            +2,970
                                                               =========================================================================================
      Total, title III, Other Independent Agencies............           348,804           231,044           356,014            +7,210          +124,970
                                                               =========================================================================================
            TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT
 
Unobligated balances (Sec. 417) (rescission)..................            -7,000  ................  ................            +7,000  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
      Total, title IV, General Provisions This Act............            -7,000  ................  ................            +7,000  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
                     OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
 
  FURTHER ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER
            RELIEF ACT, 2018 P(PUBLIC LAW 115-123)
 
                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
                Federal Aviation Administration
 
Operations (Airport and Airway Trust Fund) (emergency)........            35,000  ................  ................           -35,000  ................
Facilities and Equipment (Airport and Airway Trust Fund)                  79,589  ................  ................           -79,589  ................
 (emergency)..................................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Federal Aviation Administration..................           114,589  ................  ................          -114,589  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
                Federal Highway Administration
 
Federal-Aid Highways:
    Emergency Relief Program (emergency)......................         1,374,000  ................  ................        -1,374,000  ................
 
                Federal Transit Administration
 
Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program (emergency)....           330,000  ................  ................          -330,000  ................
 
                    Maritime Administration
 
Operations and Training (emergency)...........................            10,000  ................  ................           -10,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Department of Transportation.....................         1,828,589  ................  ................        -1,828,589  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
          DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
              Community Planning and Development
 
Community Development Fund (emergency)........................        28,000,000  ................  ................       -28,000,000  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Further Additional Supplemental Appropriations           29,828,589  ................  ................       -29,828,589  ................
       Act, 2018..............................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
      Grand total.............................................       100,128,589        47,995,897        71,417,000       -28,711,589       +23,421,103
          Appropriations......................................      (75,974,250)      (53,651,384)      (76,630,810)        (+656,560)     (+22,979,426)
          Rescissions.........................................          (-7,000)        (-468,237)         (-46,560)         (-39,560)        (+421,677)
          Rescissions of contract authority...................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
          Advance appropriations..............................       (4,400,000)       (4,400,000)       (4,400,000)  ................  ................
          Offsetting receipts.................................     (-10,055,000)      (-9,574,000)      (-9,554,000)        (+501,000)         (+20,000)
          Offsetting collections..............................         (-12,250)         (-13,250)         (-13,250)          (-1,000)  ................
      (By transfer)...........................................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
      (Limitation on obligations).............................      (58,908,994)      (59,986,084)      (59,987,084)      (+1,078,090)          (+1,000)
      Total budgetary resources...............................     (159,037,583)     (107,981,981)     (131,404,084)     (-27,633,499)     (+23,422,103)
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