zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Revises weight limits of commercial motor vehicles with respect to federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws to apply such laws to vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater (currently, applies to such vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater, or a lesser gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight, but in any event not less than a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds).

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to allow the commonwealth of Virginia to remove the high occupancy vehicle designation for one or more of Interstate Routes I-64, I-264, and I-564 in the Hampton Roads area. Requires the Secretary to waive the repayment of federal highway funds expended by the commonwealth of Virginia on the construction of any high occupancy lane or auxiliary lane on such routes due to the removal of the high occupancy designation on such lane.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the state of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the state of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.

Date: 2007-05-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Emergency Gas Price Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce highway motor fuel excise taxes by 10 cents per gallon, beginning on the date when the retail price for gasoline is greater than $3.00 per gallon and ending when such price is less than $2.50 per gallon (reduction period). Allows a tax credit or refund of such excise tax to a taxpayer for floor stocks of highway motor fuels held by dealers prior to the reduction period.

Date: 2007-05-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act of 2007 - Prohibits states or local governments from levying or collecting a discriminatory tax (as defined by this Act) on the rental of motor vehicles, motor vehicle rental businesses, or motor vehicle rental property.

Date: 2007-05-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Promoting the Use of Mixed Petroleum Act or the E-85 PUMP Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property from 30 to 50%; (2) increase the limit on such credit for commercial properties to $50,000; and (3) extend such credit through 2014.Amends the Clayton Antitrust Act to make it an unlawful restriction of trade to prohibit a service station franchisee from installing alternative fuel vehicle refueling property.

Date: 2007-05-24
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in providing assistance for projects to eliminate hazards of railway-highway crossings, to give priority consideration to emergency grade crossing safety improvements at railroad grade crossings where there have been multiple serious collisions.

Date: 2007-06-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends commercial motor vehicle safety requirements to exempt drivers of intrastate commercial vehicles engaged in agricultural-related activities from certain federal commercial motor vehicle and operator regulations.Revises the definition of the term "commercial motor vehicle" with respect to federal commercial motor vehicle laws, including to mean a motor vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds (under current law, a motor vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property that has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater, or a lesser gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight the Secretary of Transportation prescribes by regulation, but not less than a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds).

Date: 2007-07-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on state revenues from tolls first imposed during 2009 for the use of any federal-aid interstate highway. Makes such tax revenues available to the Secretary of Labor for use in carrying out the trade adjustment assistance program under the Trade Act of 1974.

Date: 2007-07-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Prohibits, with a specified exception, the imposition or collection of a toll on any portion of a federal highway facility: (1) that is in existence upon enactment of this Act; and (2) on which no toll is imposed or collected under a tolling provision on such enactment.

Date: 2007-09-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Insular Rate for Cellular Customers Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that, for purposes of rate integration for wireless interstate telecommunications services, a provider of a commercial mobile radio service shall, with respect to any interstate services, be treated as a provider of interstate, interexchange telecommunications services.

Date: 2007-09-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish programs to provide grants to states and units of local government for projects that implement continuous bridge monitoring technology.

Date: 2007-09-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Toll Road Prohibition Act of 2007 - Prohibits a toll from being collected on highways, bridges, or tunnels that have been constructed with federal funds unless such funds (including reasonable interest) are repaid to the United States from non-federal sources.

Date: 2007-10-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a general business tax credit for 50% of the cost of placing in service any qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system. Defines "qualified commercial vehicle advanced safety system" as a manufacturer-certified brake stroke monitoring system, lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or vehicle stability system identified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as significantly enhancing the safety or security of commercial drivers, vehicles, or passengers. Terminates such credit after 2012.

Date: 2007-10-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Minnesota Bridge Repair Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for emergency repairs and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35W bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007. Rescinds the total amount required to offset the new discretionary budget authority provided in this Act.

Date: 2007-10-17
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Amends federal transportation law to prohibit a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semi-trailer, container, or other property-carrying unit longer than 53 feet, except for a fire-fighting unit) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless the operation of such unit is authorized by the state on June 1, 2007, and in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including seasonal operations) on or before that date. Prohibits a state from allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle combination on the NHS (except a vehicle or load that cannot be dismantled or divided easily, and that has been issued a special permit under state law) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding the truck tractor) whose property-carrying units are more than: (1) the maximum combination trailer, semi-trailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2007; or (2) the length of the property-carrying units of those commercial motor vehicle combinations, by specific configuration, in actual and lawful operation on a regular or periodic basis (including continual seasonal operation) in such state on or before June 1, 2007. Amends federal highway law to prohibit a state from allowing the operation of a vehicle or combination (other than a longer combination vehicle) exceeding Interstate weight limits on the Interstate System unless its operation was lawful: (1) on July 1, 1956; (2) in the case of the overall gross weight of any group of two or more consecutive axles, on the date of enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments of 1974; or (3) under a special permit pursuant to state (grandfather) law. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to such vehicles and combinations that operate on non-Interstate segments of the NHS, unless: (1) such segments are subject to lower state weight limits; or (2) a state allows the operation of any vehicle or combination on an existing non-Interstate segment of the NHS that could be so operated lawfully on June 1, 2007.

Date: 2007-10-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bridge Spending Accountability, Flexibility, and Efficiency Act of 2007 - Authorizes a state to obligate certain apportioned high priority project funds for projects to improve structurally deficient bridges located within the state.

Date: 2007-10-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 - Amends federal transportation law to add as a registration condition for motor carriers of passengers that a carrier be willing and able to comply with specified accessibility requirements for transportation provided by an over-the-road bus (characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment). Directs the Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General to enter into a memorandum of understanding to delineate the specific roles and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice, respectively, in enforcing carrier compliance with such requirements.

Date: 2007-10-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Aspheric Outside Rearview Mirror Timely Assessment Act of 2007 - Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a rulemaking to amend federal regulations pertaining to rearview mirrors to determine whether to permit the use of aspheric mirrors as outside rearview mirrors on passenger cars.

Date: 2007-11-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold specified graduated percentages of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds for FY2010 and thereafter if driver licenses or personal identification cards issued by the state do not meet with certain minimum federal standards to be accepted by a federal agency.

Date: 2007-11-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Border Wait Times Study Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the traffic patterns of commercial and passenger vehicles that enter and exit U.S. international land ports of entry along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to Congress on the negative economic impact, if any, on the United States of wait times at such ports of entry.

Date: 2007-12-06
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bluffton University Safety Act of 2007 - Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe federal motor vehicle safety standards for occupant protection systems for new and existing motorcoaches. Directs the Secretary to carry out, and submit to Congress, an independent study on the passenger safety benefits of three-point passenger safety restraints and compartmentalization in motorcoaches and whether the use of one methodology reduces or enhances passenger safety benefits of the other methodology. Expresses the sense of Congress that it is in the public interest for states to adopt and enforce mandatory seat belt use laws that require the use of seat belts. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a qualified motorcoach safety credit to a taxpayer for the costs of new and existing motorcoaches to comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Requires the Secretary to provide grants (not to exceed $20,000) to motorcoach operators to assist with the cost of retrofitting motorcoaches in order to comply with such federal standards. Amends the Small Business Act to grant the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) the authority to make SBA loans and loan guarantees to motorcoach operators to retrofit their buses and motorcoaches for occupant protection.

Date: 2007-12-13
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Designates a segment from Interstate Route 68 to Corridor H as an addition to Corridor O of the Appalachian Development Highway System in Maryland and West Virginia.

Date: 2007-12-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Our Nation's Trade, Infrastructure, Mobility, and Efficiency Act of 2007 or the ON TIME Act of 2007 - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to: (1) address major transportation investment needs in national trade gateway corridors; (2) reduce freight congestion along current and future trade corridors along surface transportation routes that are or will be congested as a result of current or future growth in international trade; and (3) develop corridors that will increase freight transportation system reliability. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to assess and collect a national trade gateway corridor fee on each article imported into, and exported from, the United States. Requires collected fees to be deposited in the National Trade Gateway Corridor Fund for projects in the transportation trade corridors for the Customs port of unloading of imported, or loading of exported, articles. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) the allocation of Fund amounts in the form of grants to state departments of transportation to carry out eligible projects in the corridors for the Customs ports of entry; and (2) project selection and eligibility. Requires the Secretary to establish a transportation trade corridor for each Customs port of entry where fees are collected.

Date: 2008-01-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to include a western passage in the State of Arizona from San Luis as part of the identification of the CANAMEX Corridor in Arizona as a high priority corridor.

Date: 2008-03-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on the minimum level of sound that is necessary to be emitted from a motor vehicle, or some other method, to alert blind and other pedestrians of the presence of operating motor vehicles while traveling.

Date: 2008-04-09
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008 - Requires each state to have in effect within two years a law, or each state department of transportation or metropolitan planning organization an explicit policy statement, that requires all federally-funded transportation projects to accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with certain complete streets principles. Defines "complete streets principles" as federal, state, local, or regional level transportation laws, policies, or principles which ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older people, motorists, and those with disabilities, are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development. Allows such law or policy to make exemptions from such principles only if: (1) affected roadways prohibit specified users by law from using them, the cost of a compliance project would be excessively disproportionate to the need, or the population and employment densities or level of transit service around a roadway is low enough that there is no need to implement such principles; and (2) all project-specific exemptions are properly approved. Requires states to ensure that every agency responsible for a project within an approved transportation improvement program reviews and certifies that the project incorporates complete streets principles. Requires the U.S. Access Board to issue final standards for accessibility of new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities for public rights-of-way.

Date: 2008-05-01
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Fairness in Trucking Transactions Act - Amends federal transportation law to require certain fuel cost reimbursements by a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder providing or arranging truckload transportation or service using fuel for which it does not bear the cost. Requires such a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to reimburse persons (truckers) that do bear fuel costs for any such costs they have paid. Prohibits any person from causing a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder to present false or misleading information on a document or in an oral representation about the actual rate, charge, or allowance to any party to the transaction or transportation. Sets forth additional civil penalties (including the award of treble damages by a court) for a motor carrier, broker, or freight forwarder that fails to make a fuel cost payment to the cost bearer. Provides for the confidentiality of information obtained by the Secretary of Transportation or the Surface Transportation Board in investigations of alleged violations of the payment of fuel costs.

Date: 2008-05-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Bridge Life Extension Act of 2008 - Allows the Secretary of Transportation to approve federal-aid highway funding for states for bridge reconstruction, replacement, or rehabilitation projects only if the state submits, and the Secretary approves, a corrosion mitigation and prevention plan.

Date: 2008-06-11
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Responsible Highway Investment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the requirement that obligations held by the Highway Trust Fund be U.S. obligations that are not interest-bearing.

Date: 2008-06-12
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2008 - Prohibits a person from transporting a horse in interstate commerce in a motor vehicle containing two or more levels stacked on top of one another. Sets forth civil penalties for persons who knowingly violate such prohibition.

Date: 2008-06-17
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Designates the portion of U.S. Route 20A located in Orchard Park, New York, between Abbot Road and California Road, as the "Timothy J. Russert Highway."

Date: 2008-06-19
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Commemorations
National Highway Chokepoint Congestion Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) issue regulations to establish a chokepoint congestion relief program; and (2) develop criteria for designating national chokepoint regions in a state. Authorizes the Secretary to make capital improvement grants to states in order to carry out eligible projects that reduce traffic congestion in the national chokepoint regions. Sets forth a formula for the apportioning of grant funds. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) states should adopt both interim and long-term objectives for significantly reducing traffic congestion at chokepoint areas; (2) establishment of performance measures and quantitative goals will allow states to make efficient use of available resources on projects that have the maximum impact in reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility at chokepoint areas; and (3) alleviation of traffic congestion requires Congress to commit to authorizing and funding nonautomotive travel modes as well as travel demand management, growth management, and land use strategies. Requires the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), through the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, to study and report to specified congressional committees on the extent to which congestion pricing can encourage travelers to drive during off-peak hours, or change their mode of transportation, and can also generate revenue and thus require less tax-based funding.

Date: 2008-07-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Gasoline Savings and Speed Limit Reduction Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving a federal-aid highway project for a state: (1) with a maximum speed limit in excess of 60 miles per hour on any state highway (other than a highway on the National Highway System (NHS) located outside of an urbanized area), or in excess of 65 miles per hour on any such NHS highway; and (2) that has failed to certify to the Secretary that it is enforcing such national maximum speed limits. Prohibits the Secretary from approving a federal-aid highway project also for a state with a speed limit on any portion of a public highway within its jurisdiction which is not uniformly applicable to all types of motor vehicles using such portion of highway, if on July 1, 2008, such highway portion had a speed limit which was uniformly applicable to all types of motor vehicles using it. Allows a lower speed limit, however, for a vehicle under a special permit based on the weight or dimension of such vehicle. Makes the requirement inapplicable, also, during any time that the condition of the highway, weather, or an accident creates a temporary hazard to the safety of traffic. Requires the Secretary to transfer up to a specified annual percentage of the aggregate amount of federal-aid highway funds to state safety projects in states that fail to enforce the national maximum speed limits. Directs the Secretary to arrange with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study, and report to the Secretary and Congress on, the benefits of the national maximum speed limits program and the effectiveness of state enforcement of such limits.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Putting the Brakes on Human Smuggling Act - Disqualifies from operating a commercial motor vehicle any individual who uses a commercial motor vehicle to assist in the entry of illegal aliens into the United States. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to impose a lifetime disqualification from operating such a vehicle on any individual convicted under federal criminal law of assisting in such entry or in the harboring of illegal aliens. Revises content requirements of the commercial driver's license information system to include whether a commercial motor vehicle operator has been temporarily or permanently disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for violation of this Act. Requires a state to notify the Secretary of Transportation or the operator of the information system of disqualifications, revocations, suspensions, or cancellations of licenses to operate a commercial motor vehicle because of such a violation.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Resist Offsetting with Additional Debt Act or the ROAD Act - Rescinds unobligated balances of certain earmark surface transportation projects under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (in order to eliminate the shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund (HTF)). Prohibits the transfer of funds from the General Fund of the Treasury to the HTF. Expresses the sense of Congress that state transportation departments should consider implementing certain projects under the highway bridge program and the surface transportation program that improve transportation safety.

Date: 2008-07-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Resist Offsetting with Additional Debt Act or the ROAD Act - Rescinds unobligated balances of certain earmarked surface transportation projects under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and certain other appropriations Acts (in order to eliminate the deficit in the Highway Trust Fund (HTF)). Prohibits: (1) recalculation of amounts allocated for surface transportation projects under the Equity bonus program for a fiscal year to take such rescissions into account; and (2) the transfer of funds from the General Fund of the Treasury in order to alleviate the deficit in the HTF (except amounts equivalent to certain taxes and penalties). Expresses the sense of Congress that state transportation departments should consider implementing certain projects under the highway bridge program and the surface transportation program that improve transportation safety.

Date: 2008-07-17
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on diesel fuel and special motor fuels sales of such fuels in a rural area to any operator of a diesel-powered highway vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 25,000 pounds.

Date: 2008-07-29
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Taxation
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2008- Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety seat belts at each seating position; (2) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection; (3) improved firefighting equipment; and (4) enhanced compartmentalization safety countermeasures and certain other motor vehicle safety features.Requires the Secretary to complete, and report to Congress on, a study on improving bus crashworthiness, bus crash avoidance, and bus fire protection and passenger evacuation.Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary to prescribe regulations: (1) requiring providers of motorcoach services registered with the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to undergo periodic safety reviews; (2) establishing a training curriculum and providing certification for each driver of a motorcoach seeking a commercial driver's license (CDL) passenger endorsement; (3) improving CDL testing; (4) requiring a driver of a commercial motor vehicle that transports for compensation not fewer than 9 and not more than 15 passengers to have a CDL; (5) requiring a federal medical qualification certificate to be made a part of CDLs; (6) requiring the annual review of state licensing authorities to assess the accuracy of physical examination reports and medical certificates of CDL applicants that are submitted by medical examiners to such authorities; and (7) requiring that all commercial motor vehicles be equipped with electronic on-board recorders that record driver hours of service. Sets forth a deadline for the Secretary to establish the national registry of medical examiners.Requires a state to carry out an annual commercial motor vehicle inspection program in order to receive a grant for the development or implementation of programs for improving motor carrier safetyAmends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified new motorcoaches and for the cost of improvements to existing motorcoaches to satisfy new federal safety requirements. Limits the amount of such credit to $45,000. Terminates such credit after 2026.Directs the Secretary to develop and administer supplemental grants, not to exceed $20,000, for the cost of retrofitting motorcoaches to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Limits eligibility for such grants to certain motorcoach operators who have a fleet of not more than 25 motorcoaches and have total annual revenues of less than $5 million.Amends the Small Business Act to set forth loan and loan guarantee requirements for the motorcoach industry.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Surface Transportation Safety Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to modify certain federal regulations to: (1) allow fire services personnel to wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements; and (2) ensure that positive protective measures (including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers) are used to separate workers on highway construction projects from motorized traffic. Directs the Secretary to approve the use of federal-aid highway funds for patented or proprietary items that further the goals of state strategic highway safety plans. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to include a standard for a minimum level of retroreflectivity that must be maintained for pavement markings, which shall apply to all roads open to public travel. Revises requirements for the highway safety improvement program to count installation, replacement, and upgrade of highway signs and pavement markings as a highway safety improvement project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require each state to assess local government financial obligations to maintain minimum levels of retroreflectivity in traffic signs and pavement markings; and (2) provide local governments funding for at least 90% of such obligations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to improve traffic signs and pavement markings for older drivers and pedestrians in all states; (2) review the safety of all highway-rail grade crossings in the United States and, based on such review, compile a list of the ten highway-rail grade crossings having the greatest need for safety improvements; and (3) establish a national database of information on the safety of highway-rail grade crossings in the United States.

Date: 2008-07-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2008 - Prohibits any reduction of the apportionment of federal-aid highway funds to Idaho if: (1) it permits a commercial combination vehicle weighing up to 129,000 pounds to operate on specified routes of the Interstate System within the state; (2) such vehicle does not exceed state weight limits for operation on state highways; and (3) the vehicle is limited to travel only on certain portions of Interstate Routes 15, 84, and 86.(Under current law, the federal-aid highway funds of a state shall be reduced if it permits a commercial combination vehicle with a weight in excess of federal weight limits to operate on Interstate System highways within the state.)

Date: 2008-09-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Authorizes a state to allow, by special permit, the operation of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 95,000 pounds for the hauling of livestock. Limits the cost of a special permit for a livestock trailer to no more than $200 per year.

Date: 2008-09-23
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to states and designated entities for projects to improve the efficiency of freight mobility in the United States. Establishes the National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund to carry out projects under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on taxable ground transportation of property equal to 1% of the fair market value of such transportation. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to charge and collect a freight mobility customs fee. Requires deposit into the Fund of amounts equivalent to: (1) the tax imposed on taxable ground transportation of property; and (2) freight mobility customs fees.

Date: 2008-09-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish criminal penalties and fines for employers of over-the-road bus drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while acting within the scope of their employment.

Date: 2008-09-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold a graduated percentage of federal-aid highway funds of a state that does not enact or enforce a law that requires the annual inspection of registered motor vehicles so that they meet or exceed state motor vehicle standards (including the operability of vehicle seatbelts and speedometers).

Date: 2008-09-28
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Emergency Automobile Industry American Jobs Protection Act of 2008 - States that any distribution of loan funds to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (Big Three) should be conditioned upon their certifying to Congress, before the disbursement, that: (1) U.S. automobile jobs will not be decreased by relocation to foreign countries; (2) automobile dealerships will benefit from the receipt of these loan funds; (3) the Big Three shall provide for the stability of such dealerships; and (4) U.S. automobile suppliers will also be supported by and stabilized such loan funding. States that no loan funds should be used by the Big Three to allow them to relocate overseas if the relocation causes the loss of U.S. automobile industry jobs, dealerships, or suppliers. Declares that such loan funds should be used to: (1) ensure the stability of the Big Three; and (2) establish a long-term plan of growth for automobile dealerships and automotive industry suppliers.

Date: 2008-11-20
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to increase from nine to 13 the number of members on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Revises the current requirement that at least seven Board members be legal residents of the TVA service area. Requires, instead, that at least one member be a legal resident of each state in the TVA service area.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Water resources development
Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate the Interstate Route 14 corridor from Wilmington, North Carolina, westward to El Paso, Texas, as a high priority corridor on the National Highway System.

Date: 2007-01-26
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Senate disagrees with the plan to augment our forces in Iraq by 21,500 and urges the President to consider all options for achieving the strategic goals set forth below; (2) the Senate believes the United States should continue operations in Anbar province, specifically for the purpose of combating an insurgency, including Al Qaeda associated elements, and denying terrorists a safe haven; (3) the Senate believes a failed state in Iraq would present a threat to regional and world peace, and the long-term U.S. security interests are best served by an Iraq that can govern and defend itself and serve as an ally in the war against extremists; (4) Congress should not take any action that will endanger U.S. military forces in the field, including the elimination or reduction of funds for such troops; (5) the primary objective of U.S. strategy in Iraq should be to encourage Iraqi leaders to make political compromises that will strengthen the unity government and lead to security improvements; (6) the military part of this strategy should focus on maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity, denying international terrorists a safe haven, conducting counterterrorism operations, promoting regional stability, supporting Iraqi efforts to bring greater security to Baghdad, and training and equipping Iraqi forces; (7) U.S. military operations should, as much as possible, be confined to these goals and should charge the Iraqi military with the primary mission of combating sectarian violence; (8) the military Rules of Engagement for this plan should reflect this delineation of responsibilities and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff should clarify the command and control arrangements in Baghdad; (9) the U.S. government should transfer necessary military equipment to the Iraqi military; (10) the U.S. government should engage selected nations in the Middle East to develop a regional, internationally sponsored peace-and-reconciliation process for Iraq; (11) the Administration should provide regular updates to Congress; and (12) our overall military, diplomatic, and economic strategy should not be regarded as open-ended but rather as a new strategy conditioned upon the Iraqi government's meeting delineated benchmarks agreed to by the Iraqi Prime Minister. Amends the United States Policy in Iraq Act to require the President to report monthly to Congress respecting specified aspects of U.S. policy and military operations in Iraq until U.S. combat troops are redeployed from Iraq.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: International affairs
Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Act - Amends the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2000 to repeal provisions establishing the National Intellectual Property Law Enforcement Coordination Council.Establishes the Intellectual Property Enforcement Network (IPEN), consisting of specified representatives of various government agencies, to: (1) establish policies, objectives, and priorities concerning international intellectual property protection and law enforcement; (2) coordinate and facilitate implementation of such policies, objectives, and priorities; and (3) protect U.S. intellectual property rights overseas, including by creating an international task force.Requires the agencies in IPEN to: (1) share the information they collect; (2) coordinate civil and criminal actions related to intellectual property rights; (3) establish formal processes for consulting and working with state and local government agencies and consulting with companies, writers, artists, labor unions, and other interested persons and groups; and (4) consult with the Register of Copyrights on law enforcement matters.Urges the President and relevant agency officers, when meeting with certain foreign countries, to stress the importance of establishing and participating in the international task force.Requires the Director of the Office of Mangement and Budget and the Coordinator of IPEN to submit to the President and the relevant congressional committees a strategic plan, which includes the goals, objectives, and priorities of IPEN.Calls for other government intellectual property initiatives to be consolidated into the work of IPEN to prevent duplication.

Date: 2007-02-07
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Commerce
Commercial Truck Highway Safety Demonstration Program Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to carry out a program to demonstrate the effects on the safety of the highway network in Maine of permitting operation on the Interstate System highways within the state of a vehicle that weighs over 80,000 pounds, that consists of a three-axle tractor unit hauling a single trailer or semitrailer, and that does not exceed any vehicle weight limitation applicable under Maine law. Waives highway funding reduction relating to weight of vehicles using Interstate System highways with respect to vehicles allowed pursuant to this program. Provides for program termination and for the responsibilities of the state of Maine, including: (1) submitting a plan to the Secretary; (2) establishing a highway safety committee; and (3) collecting data on the net effects of the operation of such vehicles on safety.

Date: 2007-05-14
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safety and Accountability in Construction Act - Requires state transportation departments to submit project management plans for federal-aid highway projects to the Secretary of Transportation for approval. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a qualified independent engineer to provide independent safety reviews of federally-financed highway projects if certain determinations are made. Requires the Secretary to establish a national tunnel inspection program (including national standards for the inspection of such tunnels). Authorizes states to obligate apportioned surface transportation program funds for: (1) the construction and repair of tunnels; and (2) tunnel safety inspections.

Date: 2007-07-10
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
All-Terrain Vehicle Standards and Compliance Act of 2007 - Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a consumer product safety standard for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that is, subject to exception, identical to a specified publication by the American National Standards Institute/Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. Makes specified provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act and other federal law inapplicable to that issuance. Applies the standard to ATVs manufactured or imported after the standard is published. Allows ATVs that comply with the standard to incorporate characteristics or components not covered by the standard. Requires each ATV manufacturer or importer to submit an action plan to the CPSC for approval and to comply with an approved plan. Prohibits the importation or distribution of three-wheeled ATVs until a mandatory consumer product safety standard applicable to such vehicles is in effect. Requires each ATV to which the standard applies to bear a label certifying compliance.

Date: 2007-07-18
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Commerce
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a project for the repair and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007. Makes the federal share of the project cost 100%. Authorizes appropriations. Waives, for such project, the $100 million per state single-failure (or, single-disaster) highway-related total obligation limitation. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to authorize the Secretary to use such single-failure (or, single-disaster) highway-related funds to reimburse the Minnesota state department of transportation for actual and necessary costs of maintenance and operation (less the amount of fares earned) for additional public transportation services and traveler information services it provides as a temporary substitute for highway traffic service following the bridge collapse, until highway traffic service is restored on such bridge. Sets the federal share of the cost of reimbursed activities at 100%.

Date: 2007-08-02
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a project for the repair and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007. Makes the federal share of the project cost 100%. Authorizes appropriations. Waives, for such project, the $100 million per state single-failure (or, single-disaster) highway-related total obligation limitation. Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to authorize the Secretary to: (1) use such single-failure (or, single-disaster) highway-related funds for the repair and reconstruction of the Interstate I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that collapsed on August 1, 2007; and (2) use up to $5 million of such funds to reimburse the Minnesota state department of transportation for actual and necessary costs of maintenance and operation (less the amount of fares earned) for providing additional public transportation services and traveler information services as a substitute for highway traffic service following the collapse of the Interstate I-35 bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 1, 2007, until highway traffic service is restored on such bridge. Makes the federal share of the project cost 100%.

Date: 2007-08-03
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Prohibits, with a specified exception, the imposition or collection of a toll on any portion of a federal highway facility: (1) that is in existence upon enactment of this Act; and (2) on which no toll is imposed or collected under a tolling provision on such enactment.

Date: 2007-09-05
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to prescribe regulations requiring motorcoaches to be installed with: (1) safety seat belts at each seating position; (2) advanced glazing in each portal to prevent passenger ejection; (3) improved firefighting equipment; and (4) enhanced compartmentalization safety countermeasures and certain other motor vehicle safety features.Requires the Secretary to complete, and report to Congress on, a study on improving bus crashworthiness, bus crash avoidance, and bus fire protection and passenger evacuation.Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary to prescribe regulations: (1) requiring providers of motorcoach services registered with the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to undergo periodic safety reviews; (2) establishing a training curriculum and providing certification for each driver of a motorcoach seeking a commercial driver's license (CDL) passenger endorsement; (3) improving CDL testing; (4) requiring a driver of a commercial motor vehicle that transports for compensation not fewer than 9 and not more than 15 passengers to have a CDL; (5) requiring a federal medical qualification certificate to be made a part of CDLs; (6) requiring the annual review of state licensing authorities to assess the accuracy of physical examination reports and medical certificates of CDL applicants that are submitted by medical examiners to such authorities; and (7) requiring that all commercial motor vehicles be equipped with electronic on-board recorders that record driver hours of service. Sets forth a deadline for the Secretary to establish the national registry of medical examiners.Requires a state to carry out an annual commercial motor vehicle inspection program in order to receive a grant for the development or implementation of programs for improving motor carrier safety.

Date: 2007-11-08
Topic: Transportation (Highways)
Subject: Transportation and public works