In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge 
Establishment Act''.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds that--
        (1) as the southernmost unleveed portion of the Mississippi 
    River, Cat Island, Louisiana, is one of the last remaining tracts 
    in the lower Mississippi Valley that is still influenced by the 
    natural dynamics of the river;
        (2) Cat Island supports one of the highest densities of virgin 
    bald cypress trees in the entire Mississippi River Valley, 
    including the Nation's champion cypress tree which is 17 feet wide 
    and has a circumference of 53 feet;
        (3) Cat Island is important habitat for several declining 
    species of forest songbirds and supports thousands of wintering 
    waterfowl;
        (4) Cat Island supports high populations of deer, turkey, and 
    furbearers, such as mink and bobcats;
        (5) conservation and enhancement of this area through inclusion 
    in the National Wildlife Refuge System would help meet the habitat 
    conservation goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan;
        (6) these forested wetlands represent one of the most valuable 
    and productive wildlife habitat types in the United States, and 
    have extremely high recreational value for hunters, anglers, 
    birdwatchers, nature photographers, and others; and
        (7) the Cat Island area is deserving of inclusion in the 
    National Wildlife Refuge System.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    For purposes of this Act--
        (1) the term ``Refuge'' means the Cat Island National Wildlife 
    Refuge; and
        (2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

SEC. 4. PURPOSES.

    The purposes for which the Refuge is established and shall be 
managed are--
        (1) to conserve, restore, and manage habitats as necessary to 
    contribute to the migratory bird population goals and habitat 
    objective as established through the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint 
    Venture;
        (2) to conserve, restore, and manage the significant aquatic 
    resource values associated with the area's forested wetlands and to 
    achieve the habitat objectives of the ``Mississippi River Aquatic 
    Resources Management Plan'';
        (3) to conserve, enhance, and restore the historic native 
    bottomland community characteristics of the lower Mississippi 
    alluvial valley and its associated fish, wildlife, and plant 
    species;
        (4) to conserve, enhance, and restore habitat to maintain and 
    assist in the recovery of endangered, and threatened plants and 
    animals; and
        (5) to encourage the use of volunteers and facilitate 
    partnerships among the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 
    local communities, conservation organizations, and other non-
    Federal entities to promote public awareness of the resources of 
    the Refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System and public 
    participation in the conservation of those resources.

SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF REFUGE.

    (a) Acquisition Boundary.--The Secretary is authorized to establish 
the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of approximately 
36,500 acres of land and water, as depicted upon a map entitled ``Cat 
Island National Wildlife Refuge-Proposed'', dated February 8, 2000, and 
available for inspection in appropriate offices of the United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service.
    (b) Boundary Revisions.--The Secretary may make such minor 
revisions of the boundary designated under this section as may be 
appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Refuge or to facilitate 
the acquisition of property within the Refuge.
    (c) Acquisition.--The Secretary is authorized to acquire the lands 
and waters, or interests therein, within the acquisition boundary 
described in subsection (a) of this section.
    (d) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish the Refuge by 
publication of a notice to that effect in the Federal Register and 
publications of local circulation whenever sufficient property has been 
acquired to constitute an area that can be efficiently managed as a 
National Wildlife Refuge.

SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer all lands, waters, 
and interests therein acquired under this Act in accordance with the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et 
seq.). The Secretary may use such additional statutory authority as may 
be available for the conservation of fish and wildlife, and the 
provision of fish- and wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities as 
the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out the purposes of this 
Act.
    (b) Priority Uses.--In providing opportunities for compatible fish- 
and wildlife-oriented recreation, the Secretary, in accordance with 
paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)), shall ensure 
that hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and 
environmental education and interpretation are the priority public uses 
of the Refuge.

SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the 
Interior--
        (1) such funds as may be necessary for the acquisition of lands 
    and waters designated in section 5(c); and
        (2) such funds as may be necessary for the development, 
    operation, and maintenance of the Refuge.

SEC. 8. DESIGNATION OF HERBERT H. BATEMAN EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
              CENTER.

    (a) In General.--A building proposed to be located within the 
boundaries of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, on Assateague 
Island, Virginia, shall be known and designated as the ``Herbert H. 
Bateman Education and Administrative Center''.
    (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the building referred to 
in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Herbert H. 
Bateman Education and Administrative Center.

SEC. 9. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Effective on the day after the date of the enactment of the Act 
entitled, ``An Act to reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation 
and Design Program Act of 1994'' (106th Congress), section 6 of the 
Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd note; Public Law 103-340), relating to an environmental 
education center and refuge, is redesignated as section 7.
    (b) Effective on the day after the date of the enactment of the 
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act (106th 
Congress), section 6 of that Act is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the Endangered Species Act 
    of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.)'' and inserting ``the Endangered 
    Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)''; and
        (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``section 4(a)(3) and (4) of 
    the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
    U.S.C. 668ee(a)(3), (4))'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) and (4) 
    of section 4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge System 
    Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a))''.
    (c) Effective on the day after the date of the enactment of the Red 
River National Wildlife Refuge Act (106th Congress), section 4(b)(2)(D) 
of that Act is amended by striking ``section 4(a)(3) and (4) of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 
668ee(a)(3), (4))'' and inserting ``paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 
4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 
(16 U.S.C. 668dd(a))''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.

A: Directs the Secretary, in providing opportunities for compatible fish- and wildlife-oriented recreation on the Refuge, to ensure that hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation are the priority public uses of the Refuge.
Authorizes appropriations.
Designates a building proposed to be located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia, as the Herbert H. Bateman Education And Administrative Center.
****
Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Educational Empowerment Act''.

SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

             ``Subchapter X--Educational Empowerment Zones

        ``Sec. 1400E. Designation of educational empowerment zones.

``SEC. 1400E. DESIGNATION OF EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES.

    ``(a) Designation.--
            ``(1) Educational empowerment zone.--For purposes of this 
        title, the term `educational empowerment zone' means any area--
                    ``(A) which is nominated by one or more local 
                governments and the State or States in which it is 
                located for designation as an educational empowerment 
                zone (hereinafter in this section referred to as a 
                `nominated area'), and
                    ``(B) which the Secretary of Health and Human 
                Services and the Secretary of Education (hereinafter in 
                this section referred to as the `Secretaries 
                concerned') jointly designate as an educational 
                empowerment zone.
            ``(2) Number of designations.--The Secretaries concerned 
        may designate not more than 30 nominated areas as educational 
        empowerment zones.
            ``(3) Areas designated based on degree of poverty, etc.--
        Except as otherwise provided in this section, the nominated 
        areas designated as educational empowerment zones under this 
        subsection shall be those nominated areas with the highest 
        average ranking with respect to the criteria described in 
        subsection (c)(3). For purposes of the preceding sentence, an 
        area shall be ranked within each such criterion on the basis of 
        the amount by which the area exceeds such criterion, with the 
        area which exceeds such criterion by the greatest amount given 
        the highest ranking.
            ``(4) Limitation on designations.--
                    ``(A) Publication of regulations.--The Secretaries 
                concerned shall prescribe by regulation no later than 4 
                months after the date of the enactment of this 
                section--
                            ``(i) the procedures for nominating an area 
                        under paragraph (1)(A).
                            ``(ii) the parameters relating to the size 
                        and population characteristics of an 
                        educational empowerment zone, and
                            ``(iii) the manner in which nominated areas 
                        will be evaluated based on the criteria 
                        specified in subsection (c).
                    ``(B) Time limitations.--The Secretaries concerned 
                may designate nominated areas as educational 
                empowerment zones only during the 24-month period 
                beginning on the first day of the first month following 
                the month in which the regulations described in 
                subparagraph (A) are prescribed.
                    ``(C) Procedural rules.--The Secretaries concerned 
                shall not make any designation of a nominated area as 
                an educational empowerment zone under paragraph (2) 
                unless--
                            ``(i) a nomination regarding such area is 
                        submitted in such a manner and in such form, 
                        and contains such information, as the 
                        Secretaries concerned shall by regulation 
                        prescribe, and
                            ``(ii) the Secretaries concerned determine 
                        that any information furnished is reasonably 
                        accurate.
            ``(5) Nomination process for indian reservations.--For 
        purposes of this subchapter, in the case of a nominated area on 
        an Indian reservation, the reservation governing body (as 
        determined by the Secretary of the Interior) shall be treated 
        as being both the State and local governments with respect to 
        such area.
    ``(b) Period for Which Designation is in Effect.--Any designation 
of an area as an educational empowerment zone shall remain in effect 
during the period beginning on the date of the designation and ending 
on the earliest of--
            ``(1) December 31, 2007,
            ``(2) the termination date designated by the State and 
        local governments in their nomination, or
            ``(3) the date the Secretaries concerned revoke such 
        designation.
    ``(c) Area and Eligibility Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce may designate 
        a nominated area as an educational empowerment zone under 
        subsection (a) only if the area meets the requirements of 
        paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection.
            ``(2) Area requirements.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a 
        nominated area meets the requirements of this paragraph if--
                    ``(A) the area is within the jurisdiction of one or 
                more local governments,
                    ``(B) the boundary of the area is continuous, and
                    ``(C) the area does not include an empowerment zone 
                (as defined in section 1393(b)) other than such a zone 
                designated under section 1391(g).
            ``(3) Eligibility requirements.--For purposes of paragraph 
        (1), a nominated area meets the requirements of this paragraph 
        if the State and the local governments in which it is located 
        certify that the nominated area satisfies such conditions as 
        the Secretary of Education deems appropriate.
            ``(4) Consideration of dropout rate, etc.--The Secretary of 
        Education, in setting forth the conditions for eligibility 
        pursuant to paragraph (3), shall take into account the extent 
        to which an area has low-income families, a high dropout rate, 
        a high rate of teen pregnancy, and large school class size.
    ``(d) Coordination With Treatment of Enterprise Communities.--For 
purposes of this title, if there are in effect with respect to the same 
area both--
            ``(1) a designation as an educational empowerment zone, and
            ``(2) a designation as an enterprise community,
both of such designations shall be given full effect with respect to 
such area.
    ``(e) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this 
subchapter, rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (2), (3), (5), and 
(7) of section 1393 shall apply.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of subchapters for chapter 1 is 
amended by adding at the end the following new item:

                              ``Subchapter X. Educational Empowerment 
                                        Zones.''.

SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR DONATIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN EDUCATIONAL 
              EMPOWERMENT ZONES.

    (a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after 
section 30A the following new section

``SEC. 30B. CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN EDUCATIONAL 
              EMPOWERMENT ZONES.

    ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit 
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount 
equal to the amount of qualified educational empowerment zone 
contributions made by the taxpayer during such year.
    ``(b) Maximum Credit.--The amount of the credit allowed by 
subsection (a)--
            ``(1) in the case of an individual, shall not exceed 
        $2,000, and
            ``(2) in the case of any other taxpayer, shall not exceed 
        $10,000.
    ``(c) Definition of Qualified Educational Empowerment Zone 
Contributions.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified 
educational empowerment zone contributions' means cash contributions 
made to any school district located in an educational empowerment zone 
(as designated under section 1400E) if such contributions--
            ``(1) but for subsection (d), would be allowable as a 
        deduction under section 170, and
            ``(2) are used for any of the following purposes by the 
        school district:
                    ``(A) Hiring new teachers.
                    ``(B) Increasing teacher salaries.
                    ``(C) Training teachers.
    ``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed 
under this chapter for any contribution taken into account in computing 
the credit under this section.
    ``(e) Election.--This section shall apply to any taxpayer for any 
taxable year only if such taxpayer elects (at such time and in such 
manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe) to have this 
section apply for such taxable year.
    ``(f) Application With Other Credits; Carryover of Excess Credit.--
The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not 
exceed the excess (if any) of--
            ``(1) the regular tax for the taxable year reduced by the 
        sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and the preceding 
        sections of this subpart, over
            ``(2) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable year.
If the credit under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation of the 
preceding sentence, such excess shall be added to the credit allowable 
under subsection (a) for the succeeding taxable year.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of 
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 30A the following new 
item:

        ``Sec. 30B. Contributions to school districts in educational 
                            empowerment zones.''.
    (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall 
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2003.

SEC. 4. TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM.

    Part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended 
by inserting after section 428K (20 U.S.C. 1078-11) the following new 
section:

``SEC. 428L. LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHERS.

    ``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to encourage more 
individuals to enter and stay in the field of teaching mathematics, 
science, and related fields.
    ``(b) Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program 
        of assuming the obligation to repay, pursuant to subsection 
        (c), a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part or 
        part D (excluding loans made under sections 428B and 428C or 
        comparable loans made under Part D) for any new borrower after 
October 12, 1998, who--
                    ``(A) has been employed as a full-time teacher for 
                3 consecutive complete school years in a school that is 
                located in an educational empowerment zone, as such 
                term is defined in section 1400E of the Internal 
                Revenue Code of 1986;
                    ``(B) is a fully qualified teacher; and
                    ``C) is not in default on a loan for which the 
                borrower seeks forgiveness.
            ``(2) Award basis; priority.--
                    ``(A) Award basis.--Subject to subparagraph (B), 
                loan repayment under this section shall be on a first-
                come, first-served basis and subject to the 
                availability of appropriations.
                    ``(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority 
                in providing loan repayment under this section for a 
                fiscal year to student borrowers who received loan 
                repayment under this section for the preceding fiscal 
                year.
            ``(3) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to 
        prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the 
        provisions of this section.
    ``(c) Loan Repayment.--
            ``(1) Eligible amount.--The amount the Secretary may repay 
        on behalf of any individual under this section shall not 
        exceed--
                    ``(A) 80 percent of the sum of the principal 
                amounts outstanding of the individual's qualifying 
                loans at the end of 3 consecutive complete school years 
                of service described in subsection (b)(1)(A);
                    ``(B) an additional 10 percent of such sum at the 
                end of each of the next 2 consecutive complete school 
                years of such service; and
                    ``(C) a total of more than $10,000.
            ``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to authorize the refunding of any repayment of a loan 
        made under this part or part D.
            ``(3) Interest.--If a portion of a loan is repaid by the 
        Secretary under this section for any year, the proportionate 
        amount of interest on such loan which accrues for such year 
        shall be repaid by the Secretary.
            ``(4) Double benefits prohibited.--No borrower may, for the 
        same service, receive a benefit under both this section and 
        subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act 
        of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.). No borrower may receive a 
        reduction of loan obligations under both this section and 
        section 428J or 460.
    ``(d) Repayment to Eligible Lenders.--The Secretary shall pay to 
each eligible lender or holder for each fiscal year an amount equal to 
the aggregate amount of loans which are subject to repayment pursuant 
to this section for such year.
    ``(e) Application for Repayment.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each eligible individual desiring loan 
        repayment under this section shall submit a complete and 
        accurate application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
        manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
        require.
            ``(2) Conditions.--An eligible individual may apply for 
        loan repayment under this section after completing the required 
        number of years of qualifying employment.
            ``(3) Fully qualified teachers.--An application for loan 
        repayment under this section shall include such information as 
        is necessary to demonstrate that the applicant--
                    ``(A) if teaching in a public elementary or 
                secondary school (other than as a teacher in a public 
                charter school), has obtained State certification as a 
                teacher (including certification obtained through 
                alternative routes to certification) or passed the 
                State teacher licensing exam and holds a license to 
                teach in such State; and
                    ``(B) if teaching in--
                            ``(i) an elementary school, holds a 
                        bachelor's degree and demonstrates knowledge 
                        and teaching skills in reading, writing, 
                        mathematics, science, and other areas of the 
                        elementary school curriculum; or
                            ``(ii) a middle or secondary school, holds 
                        a bachelor's degree and demonstrates a high 
                        level of competency in all subject areas in 
                        which he or she teaches through--
                                    ``(I) a high level of performance 
                                on a rigorous State or local academic 
                                subject areas test; or
                                    ``(II) completion of an academic 
                                major in each of the subject areas in 
                                which he or she provides instruction.
    ``(f) Evaluation.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct, by grant or 
        contract, an independent national evaluation of the impact of 
        the program assisted under this section.
            ``(2) Competitive basis.--The grant or contract described 
        in subsection (b) shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
            ``(3) Contents.--The evaluation described in this 
        subsection shall--
                    ``(A) determine the number of individuals who were 
                encouraged by the program assisted under this section 
                to pursue teaching careers;
                    ``(B) determine the number of individuals who 
                remain employed in teaching mathematics, science, or 
                related fields as a result of participation in the 
                program;
                    ``(C) identify the barriers to the effectiveness of 
                the program;
                    ``(D) assess the cost-effectiveness of the program; 
                and
                    ``(E) identify the number of years each individual 
                participates in the program.
            ``(4) Interim and final evaluation reports.--The Secretary 
        shall prepare and submit to the President and the Congress such 
        interim reports regarding the evaluation described in this 
        subsection as the Secretary deems appropriate, and shall 
        prepare and so submit a final report regarding the evaluation 
        by January 1, 2006''.

A: Educational Empowerment Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for qualified educational empowerment zone contributions. Allows the designation of up to 30 such zones. Bases designations on the degree of poverty.Establishes a teacher loan forgiveness program for mathematics and science teachers.
****
Q: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Motor Carrier Protection Act of 
2010''.

SEC. 2. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Annual registration fee.--Each freight forwarder or 
        freight broker that registers under chapter 139 of title 49, 
        United States Code, shall--
                    (A) pay an annual registration renewal fee in an 
                amount to be determined by the Secretary;
                    (B) provide updated information for each 
                registration; and
                    (C) submit proof that the registrant is in 
                compliance with the applicable surety and insurance 
                requirements under such chapter 139.
            (2) Use of fees.--All new fees collected by the Secretary 
        as a result of the new licensing requirements under this Act 
        and the amendments made by this Act shall be used to administer 
        and enforce the registration and related requirements under 
        chapter 139 of title 49, United States Code.
            (3) Consequence of noncompliance.--Not later than 30 days 
        after the date on which a broker, freight forwarder, or motor 
        carrier fails to comply with this subsection, such entity shall 
        be listed as inactive on all relevant Department of 
        Transportation Internet websites.
    (b) Amendments.--Section 13901 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``A person'' and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--A person''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Registration Numbers.--
            ``(1) In general.--If the Administrator of the Federal 
        Motor Carrier Administration registers a person under this 
        chapter for 1 or more activities or services, including motor 
        carrier, freight forwarder, or broker activities or services, 
        the Administrator shall issue a distinctive registration number 
        to the person for each such activity or service for which the 
        person is registered.
            ``(2) Activity or service type indicator.--Each number 
        issued under paragraph (1) shall include an indicator of the 
        type of activity or service for which the registration number 
        is issued, including whether the registration number is issued 
        for registration of a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or 
        broker activity or service.
    ``(c) Authority.--For each shipment for which a registered person 
seeks compensation, the registered person shall specify, in writing, 
the operating authority under which it is providing the services 
required.''.

SEC. 3. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR CARRIERS.

    Section 13902 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``using vehicles 
                the motor carrier owns or leases'' after ``motor 
                carrier''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Separate registration required.--A motor carrier may 
        not broker transportation services unless the motor carrier has 
        registered as a broker under this chapter.''; and
            (2) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Insurance requirements.--A motor carrier registered 
        under this section shall maintain insurance for property damage 
        required under section 13906(a)(4) for all shipments 
        transported under its operating authority.''.

SEC. 4. REGISTRATION AND SECURITY OF FREIGHT FORWARDERS AND BROKERS.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Amendment.--Chapter 139 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended by striking sections 13903 and 13904 and 
        inserting the following:
``Sec. 13903. Registration of freight forwarders and brokers
    ``(a) In General.--A person may not act as a freight forwarder by 
providing service subject to the jurisdiction under subchapter III of 
chapter 135 or as a broker unless the person holds a freight 
forwarder's permit or a broker's license, as the case may be, issued by 
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
    ``(b) Issuance of Permit or License.--
            ``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The Administrator of the 
        Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall issue a 
        freight forwarder's permit or broker's license to any person 
        that the Administration determines--
                    ``(A) to be qualified by experience and character 
                to act as a freight forwarder or broker, respectively; 
                and
                    ``(B) to be fit, willing, and able to provide the 
                service and to comply with this part and applicable 
                regulations of the Secretary.
            ``(2) Duration.--The permit or license issued under 
        paragraph (1) shall remain in effect only as long as the 
        freight forwarder or broker is in compliance with section 
        13904.
    ``(c) Registration as Motor Carrier Required.--
            ``(1) Freight forwarders.--A freight forwarder may not 
        provide transportation as a motor carrier unless the freight 
        forwarder--
                    ``(A) has registered separately to provide 
                transportation as a motor carrier; and
                    ``(B) has met all the requirements under this 
                chapter applicable to motor carriers.
            ``(2) Brokers.--A broker may not provide transportation as 
        a motor carrier unless the broker--
                    ``(A) has registered separately to provide 
                transportation as a motor carrier; and
                    ``(B) has met all of the requirements under this 
                chapter applicable to motor carriers.
    ``(d) Registration as Freight Forwarder or Broker Required.--A 
motor carrier registered under this chapter--
            ``(1) may only provide transportation of property with 
        motor vehicles owned or leased by the motor carrier; and
            ``(2) may not arrange such transportation unless the motor 
        carrier has obtained a separate freight forwarder's permit or 
        broker's license under this section.
``Sec. 13904. Security of freight forwarders and brokers
    ``(a) Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--A person may not act as a freight 
        forwarder or broker unless the person furnishes a bond, proof 
        of trust fund, or other surety, or combination of such 
        sureties, in a form and amount, and from a provider, determined 
        by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
        Administration to be adequate to insure financial 
        responsibility.
            ``(2) Standards.--The Administrator may authorize the use 
        of a group bond, trust fund, or other surety, or combination of 
        such securities that meet the cash and legal requirements under 
        section 13904(d). The Administrator may not accept proof of 
        security from any person whose surety or surety provider does 
        not meet the standards established by the Administrator, by 
        regulation. Bonds issued under this section may only be offered 
        by a bonding company that has been approved by the Secretary of 
        the Treasury.
    ``(b) Scope of Financial Responsibility.--A bond, trust fund, or 
other surety obtained under this section shall be available to pay any 
claim against a freight forwarder or broker arising from its failure to 
pay freight charges in its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for 
transportation subject to regulation under this chapter--
            ``(1) with the consent of the insured freight forwarder or 
        broker, subject to review by the surety company;
            ``(2) if the claim is deemed valid by the surety company 
        after the freight forwarder or broker has failed to respond to 
        adequate notice to address the validity of the claim; or
            ``(3) if the claimant made a reasonable attempt to resolve 
        the claim under paragraphs (1) and (2), but the claim was not 
        resolved within a reasonable period of time.
    ``(c) Freight Forwarder Insurance.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Motor 
        Carrier Safety Administration may not register a person as a 
        freight forwarder under section 13903 unless the person files 
        with the Administrator a bond, insurance policy, or other type 
        of security, in accordance with the standards established by 
        the Administrator under this section.
            ``(2) Liability insurance.--A security filed under 
        paragraph (1) shall be sufficient to pay an amount, not to 
        exceed the amount of the security, for each final judgment 
        against the freight forwarder for bodily injury to, or death 
        of, an individual, or loss of, or damage to, property (other 
        than property referred to in paragraph (3)), resulting from the 
        negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles by, 
        or under the direction and control of, the freight forwarder 
        when providing transfer, collection, or delivery service under 
        this part.
            ``(3) Cargo insurance.--The Administrator may require a 
        registered freight forwarder to file with the Administrator a 
        bond, insurance policy, or other type of security approved by 
        the Secretary, that will pay an amount, not to exceed the 
        amount of the security, for loss of, or damage to, property for 
        which the freight forwarder provides service.
    ``(d) Additional Requirements.--
            ``(1) Reissuance of licenses and permits.--Not later than 4 
        years after the date of the enactment of the Motor Carrier 
        Protection Act of 2010, freight forwarders and brokers shall 
        acquire new licenses and permits from the Federal Motor Carrier 
        Safety Administration that are subject to the terms and 
        conditions under this subsection. Such licenses and permits 
        shall expire 5 years after the date of issuance and may be 
        renewed as provided under this chapter.
            ``(2) Experience or training requirement.--Each freight 
        forwarder and broker shall employ, as an officer, an individual 
        who--
                    ``(A) has at least 3 years of relevant experience; 
                or
                    ``(B) provides the Administrator with satisfactory 
                evidence of certified training.
            ``(3) Online.--The Administrator shall make information on 
        permits, licenses, and financial security publicly available 
        online, including--
                    ``(A) the names and addresses of the principals of 
                each entity holding a permit or license; and
                    ``(B) the electronic address of its surety for the 
                submission of claims.
            ``(4) Minimum financial security.--Each freight forwarder 
        and broker shall provide financial security of at least 
        $100,000, regardless of the number of branch offices or sales 
        agents of such entities.
            ``(5) Specific performance standards.--The Administrator 
        shall set specific performance standards for bonds or other 
        acceptable surety, including requirements that--
                    ``(A) at least $10,000 be deposited with the surety 
                in cash;
                    ``(B) the balance of the surety amount consists of 
                assets readily available to pay valid claims without 
                resort to personal guarantees or collection of pledged 
                accounts receivable; and
                    ``(C) the surety is ultimately financially 
                responsible for any failure to make the required 
                payments.
            ``(6) Notice to cancel.--If a surety required under this 
        subsection is canceled--
                    ``(A) the holder of the surety shall provide 
                electronic notification to the Administrator of such 
                cancellation not later than 30 days before the 
                effective date of such cancellation; and
                    ``(B) the Administrator shall immediately post such 
                notification on its public website.
            ``(7) Suspension.--The Administrator shall immediately 
        suspend the registration of a freight forwarder or broker if 
        its available security falls below the amount required under 
        this subsection.
            ``(8) Payment of claims.--If a registered freight forwarder 
        or broker experiences financial failure or insolvency, the 
        freight forwarder's or broker's surety shall--
                    ``(A) submit a notice to cancel the surety to the 
                Administrator in accordance with paragraph (6);
                    ``(B) publicly advertise for claims for 60 days 
                beginning on the date of publication by the 
                Administrator of the notice to cancel the surety; and
                    ``(C) pay, not later than 30 days after the 
                expiration of the 60-day period for submission of 
                claims--
                            ``(i) all uncontested claims received 
                        during such period; or
                            ``(ii) a pro rata share of such claims if 
                        the total amount of such claims exceeds the 
                        financial security available.
            ``(9) List of claims paid.--Each surety under this 
        subsection shall--
                    ``(A) publish, on the surety's website, a list of 
                the claims paid by the surety immediately upon payment; 
                and
                    ``(B) immediately submit a copy of such list to the 
                Administrator.
            ``(10) Penalties.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Any surety that fails to comply 
                with the requirements under this subsection--
                            ``(i) shall be liable to the United States 
                        Government for a civil penalty in an amount not 
                        to exceed $10,000; and
                            ``(ii) shall be ineligible to offer broker 
                        and forwarder security under this chapter.
                    ``(B) Wilful violations.--Any surety that knowingly 
                and willfully violates the posting and notification 
                requirements under this subsection shall be held 
                financially liable for all valid claims submitted 
                against the broker or forwarder involved, regardless of 
                the amount of the security.
            ``(11) Deduction of costs prohibited.--The amount of the 
        financial security required under this subsection may not be 
        reduced by deducting attorney's fees or administrative costs.
            ``(12) Audit.--Claim payments by sureties shall be annually 
        audited by a public accounting firm. The results of such audits 
        shall be made publicly available on the surety's website.''.
            (2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
        Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall issue regulations to 
        enforce the requirements under section 13904(d) of title 49, 
        United States Code, as added by paragraph (1).
            (3) Effective date.--Section 13904(d) of title 49, United 
        States Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall take effect on 
        the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of 
        this Act.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections for chapter 139 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking the item relating to section 13903 and 
        inserting the following:

``Sec. 13903. Registration of freight forwarders and brokers.'';
        and
            (2) by striking the item relating to section 13904 and 
        inserting the following:

``Sec. 13904. Security of freight forwarders and brokers.''.

SEC. 5. REVIEW.

    (a) Review by Inspector General.--Not later than 15 months after 
the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Inspector General of 
the Department of Transportation shall--
            (1) review the regulations and enforcement practices of the 
        Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under section 
        13904(d) of title 49, United States Code, as added by section 
        4(a); and
            (2) make any recommendations to the Secretary of 
        Transportation that may be necessary to improve the enforcement 
        of such regulations.
    (b) Security and Insurance Amount Assessment.--Every 5 years, the 
Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall 
review, with public notice and comment, the amount of the security and 
insurance required under section 13904 of title 49, United States Code, 
to determine whether such amounts are sufficient to provide adequate 
financial security.

SEC. 6. UNLAWFUL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 149 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 14916. Unlawful brokerage activities
    ``(a) Prohibited Activities.--Any person that acts as a broker, 
other than a non-vessel-operating common carrier (as defined in section 
40102(16) of title 46), or an ocean freight forwarder providing 
brokerage as part of an international through movement involving ocean 
transportation between the United States and a foreign port, is 
prohibited from providing interstate brokerage services as a broker 
unless that person--
            ``(1) is registered under, and in compliance with, section 
        13903; and
            ``(2) has satisfied the financial security requirements 
        under section 13904.
    ``(b) Civil Penalties and Private Cause of Action.--Any person who 
knowingly authorizes, consents to, or permits, directly or indirectly, 
either alone or in conjunction with any other person, a violation of 
subsection (a) is liable--
            ``(1) to the United States Government for a civil penalty 
        in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each violation; and
            ``(2) to the injured party for all valid claims incurred 
        without regard to amount.
    ``(c) Liable Parties.--The liability for civil penalties and for 
claims under this section for unauthorized brokering shall apply, 
jointly and severally--
            ``(1) to any corporate entity or partnership involved; and
            ``(2) to the individual officers, directors, and principals 
        of such entities.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 149 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``Sec. 14916. Unlawful brokerage activities.''.

A:
Motor Carrier Protection Act of 2010 - Requires each freight forwarder or freight broker registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to: (1) pay an annual registration renewal fee in an amount determined by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT); (2) provide updated registration information; and (3) submit proof of compliance with applicable surety and insurance requirements.

Requires noncompliant brokers, freight forwarders, or motor carriers to be listed as inactive on all relevant DOT websites.

Requires the FMCSA Administrator to issue a distinctive registration number for each activity or service of a person (including motor carrier, freight forwarder, or broker) registered to provide one or more such activities or services. Requires a registrant to specify, in writing, the authority under which it is providing required services for each shipment for which it seeks compensation.

Revises federal motor carrier registration requirements to prohibit a motor carrier from brokering transportation services unless registered as a broker. Requires registered motor carriers to maintain insurance for property damage when transporting property.

Revises and consolidates federal registration and security requirements for freight forwarders and brokers. Prohibits a person from acting as a freight forwarder or broker unless that person: (1) holds a freight forwarder's permit or broker's license issued by the FMCSA; and (2) furnishes a bond or other surety from a provider determined by the FMCSA Administrator to be adequate to insure financial responsibility of at least $100,000.

Prohibits a person acting as a broker (other than a non-vessel-operating common carrier), or an ocean freight forwarder providing brokerage as part of an international through movement involving ocean transportation between the United States and a foreign port, from providing interstate brokerage services unless that person: (1) is registered under and in compliance with this Act; and (2) has satisfied financial security requirements. Prescribes civil penalties for violators of such requirements.
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