Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety Act

Bill: 110-hr-6707
Sponsor: Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8]
Introduced: 2008-07-31 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Commerce
Emergency Management
Environmental Protection
Environmental assessment
Government Operations and Politics
Law
Noise
Public meetings
Railroad commuting traffic
Railroad mergers
Railroad passenger traffic
Railroad safety
Surface Transportation Board
Transportation of hazardous substances

Summary:
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: 
Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety Act - Revises requirements with respect to the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control (transaction) involving rail carriers to require public hearings in the affected communities if public hearings on a proposed transaction are held.
 
Requires the Surface Transportation Board, in a proceeding with respect to a transaction that involves at least one Class I railroad (under current law, involving the merger or control of at least two Class I railroads), to consider the safety and environmental effect of the proposed merger on local communities, intercity rail passenger transportation, and commuter rail passenger transportation.
 
Prohibits the Board from approving mergers if their adverse impacts on safety and on affected communities outweigh their transportation benefits. Authorizes the Board to impose conditions to mitigate the effect of mergers on local communities.

action_date: 2008-09-26
text: 
Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety Act - Revises requirements with respect to the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control (transaction) involving rail carriers to require public hearings in the affected communities if public hearings on a proposed transaction are held.
 
Requires the Surface Transportation Board, in a proceeding with respect to a transaction that involves at least one Class I railroad (under current law, involving the merger or control of at least two Class I railroads), to consider the effect on the public interest, including the safety and environmental effect of the proposed merger on local communities, intercity rail passenger transportation, and commuter rail passenger transportation.
 
Prohibits the Board from approving mergers if their impacts on safety and on all affected communities outweigh their transportation benefits. Authorizes the Board to impose conditions to mitigate the effect of mergers on local communities.
 
Declares that the amendments made by this Act are to be applied to all transactions that have not been approved by the Board as of August 1, 2008.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 243 - 175 (Roll no. 663).
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 243 - 175 (Roll no. 663).
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H10223-10224)
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6707.
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10158-10164; text of measure as reported in House: CR H10158)
action_date: 2008-09-27
text: Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2008-09-26
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 576.
action_date: 2008-09-26
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-893.
action_date: 2008-09-26
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-893.
action_date: 2008-09-24
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2008-09-24
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2008-09-09
text: Committee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2008-08-01
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1671)
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2008-07-31
text: Introduced in House