zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Secure Airport Terminal Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to prescribe regulations that: (1) require the use of security cameras at all screening locations and all locations where passengers exit the sterile area at airports in the United States; (2) prescribe requirements for the use, maintenance, and testing of such security cameras and other technological devices; and (3) specify that employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have access to all such security cameras and technological devices as well as data or recordings from them relating to airport security. (Under aviation security regulations: (1) "screening location" means each site at which individuals or property are inspected for the presence of weapons, explosives, or incendiaries; and (2) "sterile area" means a portion of an airport that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator or a foreign air carrier, through the screening of persons and property.) Directs the DHS Assistant Secretary (TSA) to report to specified congressional committees: (1) recommendations for improving the security of each location at an airport where passengers exit the sterile area; and (2) an assessment of differences in location configurations and options for improving security at such locations. Prescribes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for individuals who enter an aircraft or an airport area in violation of security requirements. Increases the criminal penalty of maximum imprisonment for such violations from one year to 10 years. Directs each U.S. airport operator that is required to establish an air transportation security program to ensure that signs meeting DHS requirements for providing notice of such penalties are displayed near all screening locations, all locations where passengers exit the sterile area, and other appropriate airport locations. Subjects an individual to such penalties, however, without regard to whether signs are displayed as required by this Act.

Date: 2010-01-20
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Flight 3407 Memorial Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) contained in the Aircraft Accident Report on the Loss of Control on Approach of Colgan Air, Incorporated, Operating as Continental Connections Flight 3407 at Clarence Center, New York, on February 12, 2009 (NTSB/AAR-10-01). Requires the FAA Administrator, within 180 days after the NTSB makes a safety recommendation to the Administrator, to notify Congress: (1) whether or not the Administrator has determined to implement it; and (2) what actions the Administrator plans to take to implement it, or what reasons the Administrator has for not doing so. Requires the Administrator, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to send Congress such a notification with respect to each NTSB recommendation made before the enactment of this Act which has not been implemented.

Date: 2010-02-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through April 30, 2010: (1) excise taxes on aviation fuels and air transportation of persons and property; and (2) the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations for the seven-month period from October 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010, for airport improvement program (AIP) projects, including project grant authority. Sets forth a formula for calculating the apportionment of AIP funding. Extends through April 30, 2010, various airport development projects, including: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fees at nonhub airports; (2) small airport grants for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (3) the temporary increase to 95% in the government share of certain AIP project costs; and (4) the funding of Midway Island airport development. Extends through April 30, 2010, state and local land use compatibility projects under the AIP program. Extends through April 30, 2010, the authority of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to apply for an airport development grant and impose a passenger facility fee. Extends through April 30, 2010, Department of Transportation (DOT) insurance coverage for domestic and foreign-flag air carriers. Allows further extension through July 31, 2010. Extends through July 31, 2010, air carrier liability limits for injuries to passengers resulting from acts of terrorism. Extends through April 30, 2010, certain competitive access assurance requirements for large or medium hub airport sponsors applying for AIP grants. Extends for the seven-month period from October 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010, the authorization of appropriations for: (1) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) research, engineering, and development.

Date: 2010-03-25
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to complete a rulemaking that: (1) prohibits air carriers from charging fees for carry-on baggage that fall within weight, size, or number of bags restrictions imposed by the air carrier; (2) requires such air carriers to notify air passengers of such baggage restrictions before they arrive at the airport for a schedule departure on the air carrier; and (3) requires air carriers to make available to the public and to the Secretary a list of all passenger fees and charges (other than airfare) imposed by the air carrier.

Date: 2010-04-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Firearm-Free Airport Act - Makes it unlawful for all but specified authorized individuals to possess a firearm at a commercial airport in any area in a terminal building, in any area adjacent to the sterile area, in an airfield, or in any building that opens on to an airfield. Prescribes criminal penalties for nonauthorized individuals who violate such prohibition. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that signs warning passengers of such prohibition are posted in airport terminal buildings and other such areas.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Securing Aircraft From Explosives Responsibly: Advanced Imaging Recognition Act of 2010 or SAFER AIR Act of 2010 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should: (1) increase efforts to address privacy concerns regarding the screening of passengers using advanced imaging technology at airports; and (2) conduct additional testing of advanced imaging technology; and (3) deploy technology to standardize images, remove personally identifying characteristics, while providing transportation security officers with necessary information, and upgrade equipment to detect new threats without major capital expenditures. Declares it to be U.S. policy to aggressively seek, develop, and timely deploy primary screening technologies capable of detecting and protecting against threats to domestic and international aviation travel that cannot be effectively and efficiently detected by other technologies currently more commonly used, such as metal detectors. Directs the Secretary to ensure that advanced imaging technology and other advanced technology with capability to detect weapons, on-body plastic explosives, and other nonmetallic explosives are timely deployed for the primary screening of aircraft passengers. Requires the Secretary to provide passengers with an option for primary screening other than the use of such technologies. Requires all advanced imaging technology equipment used at airport checkpoints to be configured so that passenger: (1) images are not retained; and (2) facial features are blurred, while allowing detection of individual on-body threats. Prohibits DHS employees from having cameras or cell phones present while viewing such images. Requires such employees to communicate with other DHS employees using a wireless headset or another comparable method of communication that does not allow for the transmission of the image.

Date: 2010-06-24
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act - Directs the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish rules to ensure that all consumers are able to compare airline ticket prices, including taxes and fees, easily and fairly. Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for a domestic or foreign air carrier or ticket agent to sell an airline ticket without displaying simultaneously in reasonable proximity to the ticket price (including on the Internet to an online purchaser) all applicable: (1) ticket taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges (including fuel surcharges); and (2) fees for checked baggage, seating assignments, and optional in-flight goods and services, and other fees that may be charged after the ticket is purchased. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat as part of the 7.5% excise tax on air transportation of a person any fees paid for checked baggage or carry-on baggage personally carried by the passenger into the cabin or overhead storage compartments of an aircraft. Grants the Assistant DOT General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, acting through the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, authority to carry out consumer protection compliance and enforcement with respect to passenger claims for lost, stolen, and damaged baggage. Grants the Aviation Consumer Protection Division authority also to collect, and make available on the DOT website, information from each commercial air carrier regarding its procedures and performance relating to lost, stolen, and damaged baggage.

Date: 2010-08-03
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Commerce
American Security and Freedom Fuels Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of liquid fuel suitable for use as an aviation fuel or aviation fuel blend and that: (1) is domestically produced; (2) is a synthetic fuel or derived from biomass; (3) is produced in a manner that does not primarily compete with food stocks; and (4) meets the regulatory standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for renewable fuels standards pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Limits each contract to a 20-year period, and prohibits contract options. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on performance under each such contract.

Date: 2010-09-20
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Airport Master Plan Customer Convenience Enhancement, Security, and Sustainability Act of 2011 or ACCESS Act 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to encourage (including through Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] advisory circulars) airport sponsors and state and local officials in the development of their airport master plans to consider as additional goals: (1) customer service, and (2) access to airport grounds and airport facilities.

Date: 2011-01-24
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a program to reduce or remove lead from the emissions of piston engine aircraft.

Date: 2011-02-08
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Baggage Fee Fairness Act of 2011 - Requires air carriers to refund passenger baggage fees within 30 days after the arrival of any passenger flight in which a piece of baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged. Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for a domestic air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent to sell a ticket for air transportation but fail, before sale of the ticket, to: (1) ask the ticket purchaser if he or she has one or more pieces of baggage to check, and (2) inform him or her of the cost of checking each piece of baggage.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2011 - Requires each air carrier and airport operator to submit for approval by the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) a proposed contingency plan meeting minimum standards established by the Secretary. Requires an air carrier to provide passengers on a departure- or arrival-delayed grounded aircraft with: (1) adequate food, water, restrooms, ventilation, and medical services; as well as (2) a time frame under which passengers may deplane a delayed aircraft after three hours, except in specified circumstances. Requires an airport operator plan to describe: (1) how passengers will be deplaned following a long tarmac delay, and (2) how facilities will be shared and gates made available to aircraft that experience such delays. Authorizes the Secretary to assess a civil penalty against air carriers and airport operators that fail to submit, obtain approval of, or adhere to a contingency plan. Requires public access to such plans. Directs the Secretary to establish a consumer hotline telephone number for air passenger complaints.

Date: 2011-02-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
FHA Refinance Program Termination Act - Rescinds and permanently cancels all unexpended funding remaining available and allocated for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Refinancing Program of the Making Home Affordable initiative of the Secretary of the Treasury (under which borrowers owing more on their mortgage than the value of their home are provided opportunities to refinance into a FHA loan). Terminates the program. Requires all such unobligated balances so rescinded and permanently canceled to be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for reducing the debt of the federal government. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to study: (1) the extent to which the FHA Refinancing Program is used by homeowners who are active duty members of the Armed Forces (or their spouses or parents), veterans, Gold Star-eligible widows, parents, or next of kin of Armed Forces members who died in military operations, or members or veterans with service-connected injuries (and their survivors and dependents); and (2) the impact of the program on such homeowners. Directs the HUD Secretary to publish a statement on the HUD website as to: (1) termination of the FHA Short [sic] Refinance Program; and (2) the availability of a Member of Congress to assist any borrower having trouble paying a mortgage and needing help contacting the borrower's lender or servicer to negotiate or acquire a loan modification.

Date: 2011-02-28
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Housing and community development
Empowering States to Innovate Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to: (1)  allow states to apply for waivers of certain health insurance coverage requirements in such Act (including requirements for the establishment of qualified health plans and health insurance exchanges) for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2014 (currently, January 1, 2017), and (2) require the waiver application process to begin not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

Date: 2011-02-28
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Health
Title X: Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2011 - (Sec. 1003) Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2014 for civil aviation research and development, including specified research, engineering, and development projects. (Sec. 1004) Requires the FAA Administrator to conduct or supervise specified research to develop technologies and methods to assess the risk of and prevent defects, failures, and malfunctions in all classes of drones. (Sec. 1005) Directs the FAA Administrator to conduct research on: (1) improved runway surfaces as well as engineered material restraining systems for such runways at both general aviation and commercial airports, and (2) methods and procedures to improve certification of new technologies for introduction into the national airspace system. (Sec. 1007) Converts the airport cooperative research program from a four-year pilot into a permanent program. (Sec. 1008) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to increase the federal share of costs of operating regional centers of air transportation excellence and related research activities from a maximum of 50% to a maximum of 75% for any fiscal year if a center is unable to carry out authorized activities without additional funding. (Sec. 1009) Authorizes the FAA Administrator to establish a center of excellence for aviation human resource research on: (1) human performance in the air transportation environment, including air traffic controllers, pilots, and technicians; and (2) any other aviation human resource issues pertinent to developing and maintaining a safe and efficient air transportation system. (Sec. 1010) Authorizes the FAA Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to: (1) maintain a research program to assess the potential effect of aviation on the environment and, if warranted, to evaluate approaches to address such effect; and (2) continue research and development into the qualification of and safe transition to the use of unleaded aviation fuel by the fleet of piston engine aircraft. (Sec. 1012) Directs the Secretary to establish a research grant program to develop technologies that produce jet fuel from alternative sources (such as coal, natural gas, biomass, ethanol, butanol, and hydrogen). (Sec. 1013) Directs the FAA Administrator to review FAA energy-, environment-, and aviation safety-related research programs.

Date: 2011-03-09
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airport and Airway Trust Fund Financing Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to excise taxes dedicated to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to extend through September 30, 2014, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Trust Fund.

Date: 2011-03-11
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through May 31, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. (Sec. 4) Increases the authorization of appropriation for the 8-month period beginning on October 1, 2010, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Allows such funds to be obligated at any time through September 30, 2011, and remain available until expended. Sets forth a formula for calculating AIP funding apportionments. Extends through May 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. (Sec. 5) Extends until June 1, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through May 31, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through August 31, 201. Extends through August 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through May 31, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under the AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through May 31, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.

Date: 2011-03-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Air Ambulance Patient Safety, Protection, and Coordination Act - Authorizes states to regulate medical aspects of intrastate air ambulance services with respect to: (1) the quality of emergency medical care provided to patients by air ambulances; (2) the availability of air ambulance services provided to patients with emergency medical conditions; (3) communication between emergency medical and public safety agencies and hospitals as well as the flightcrew and air ambulance medical personnel; (4) the accessibility of emergency medical care provided by air ambulances and the incorporation and integration of air ambulance services into state emergency medical services systems; (5) the acceptability of air ambulance services to ensure the adequate provision by air ambulances of medically necessary emergency medical care to critically ill and injured patients; and (6) the physical attributes of the air ambulance necessary for protection of the ambulance, ground, and emergency response personnel. Requires an air ambulance medical service provider licensed in more than one state, if the different state air ambulance medical services regulations are inconsistent, to comply with the most stringent regulation. Requires a state, if necessary, to establish regulations or negotiate mutual aid agreements with adjacent states or air ambulances to ensure access to air ambulance services across state borders.

Date: 2011-03-16
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Aerotropolis Act of 2011 - Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to extend the eligibility for projects of national and regional significance under the surface transportation grant program to certain aerotropolis transportation system projects. Defines "aerotropolis transportation system" as a planned and coordinated multimodal freight and passenger transportation network that provides efficient, sustainable, and intermodal connectivity to a defined region of economic significance centered around a major airport.

Date: 2011-04-05
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue an order to require: (1) the installation of secondary barriers to prevent access to the flight deck of a commercial aircraft; (2) with respect to an aircraft that is equipped with a cockpit door, that such barriers remain locked while the aircraft is in flight and the cockpit door separating the flight deck and the passenger area is open; and (3) with respect to an aircraft that is not equipped with a cockpit door, that such barriers remain locked as determined by the pilot.

Date: 2011-04-05
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Leading and Expediting Aerotropolis Development Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish an aerotropolis grant program to assist in the development of aerotropolis transportation systems (i.e., planned and coordinated multimodal freight and passenger transportation networks that provide efficient, sustainable, and intermodal connectivity to a defined region of economic significance centered around a major airport). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to eligible entities to assist in planning, design, environmental review, or land acquisition activities for one or more specified kinds of projects to benefit such systems.

Date: 2011-04-06
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, subject to certain conditions, to release specified restrictions on the use of certain property conveyed to Dona Ana County, New Mexico, for airport purposes.

Date: 2011-04-07
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Minimum Staffing of Air Traffic Controllers Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to take necessary action to ensure that a commercial airport has at least two air traffic controllers on duty and physically situated within the airport's air traffic control room or tower at all times during periods of airfield operations.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Prevention of Unreasonable Fees Act - Prohibits an operator of a transportation terminal that uses federal funds for terminal construction, or for the purchase or lease of equipment installed there, from charging a fee to a provider of pre-arranged ground transportation service that meets state vehicle and intrastate passenger licensing requirements. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) fees charged to the general public for access to, or use of, the terminal; (2) any fee for the availability of ancillary facilities located there; or (3) any fee for such access or use that the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) has approved in advance as reasonable, nonburdensome, nondiscriminatory, and necessary to the provision of prearranged ground transportation service. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to: (1) prohibit or restrict a transportation terminal operator from requiring vehicles that cannot safely use public parking facilities to use segregated facilities provided the fee for segregated facilities is no more than that charged to the public for similar facilities, or (2) restrict the right of a state or its political subdivisions to require a license or fee (other than a prohibited transportation terminal fee) for a motor vehicle providing certain other prearranged ground transportation.

Date: 2011-05-03
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Revises membership requirements for and increases to 17 the number of members on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), including an additional 4 members appointed by the Governor of Virginia. Declares that members of the board serve at the pleasure of their appointers. Limits members to one term. Increases from 8 to 9 the number of votes required to approve bond issues and the annual budget.

Date: 2011-05-10
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part II - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through June 30, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the nine-month period beginning on October 1, 2010, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Allows such funds to be obligated at any time through September 30, 2011, and remain available until expended. Sets forth a formula for calculating AIP funding apportionments. Extends through June 30, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until July 1, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through June 30, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through September 30, 2011. Extends through September 30, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through June 30, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility projects under the AIP; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through June 30, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP project costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.

Date: 2011-05-13
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part III - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through July 22, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Increases the authorization of appropriations for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on July 22, 2011, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Allows such funds to be obligated at any time through September 30, 2011, and to remain available until expended. Sets forth a formula for calculating AIP funding apportionments. Extends through July 22, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until July 23, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through July 22, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through October 31, 2011. Extends through October 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through July 22, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through Junly 22, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.

Date: 2011-06-22
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part IV - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through September 16, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. (Sec. 4) Increases the authorization of appropriations for the period beginning on October 1, 2010, and ending on September 16, 2011, for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]). Extends through September 16, 2011, the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. (Sec. 5) Extends until September 17, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through September 16, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through December 31, 2011. Extends through December 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through September 16, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through September 16, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport. (Sec. 6) Revises essential air service (EAS) program eligibility requirements to limit such service to airports (except those in Alaska) that: (1) are located at least 90 miles from the nearest medium or large hub airport, and (2) had an average subisdy per passenger of less than $1,000. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive such requirements for a particular location if its geographic characteristics result in undue difficulty in accessing the nearest medium or large hub airport.

Date: 2011-07-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Aviation Jobs and Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through September 30, 2011, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Extends through September 30, 2011: (1) the authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]), and (2) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to make new AIP grants. Extends until October 1, 2011: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Directs the Secretary to extend through September 30, 2011, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through December 31, 2011. Extends through December 31, 2011, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through September 30, 2011: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through September 30, 2011: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, and (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport.

Date: 2011-07-26
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Taxation
Federal Aviation Employees Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make amounts in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund available to pay personnel compensation and benefits for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees funded from appropriations or authorizations provided on or before July 22, 2011.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
BARR Preservation Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, to require that, with respect to that owner's or operator's noncommercial flights, the display of the owner's or operator's aircraft registration number is blocked in aircraft situational display data available to the public. Allows the Administrator, however, to make such information available to federal, state, or local government agencies.

Date: 2011-09-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Stop TSA's Reach In Policy Act or the STRIP Act - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to prohibit any employee of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who has not received federal law enforcement training or is not eligible for federal law enforcement benefits from using the title of "officer" or wearing a uniform and carrying a badge resembling that of a law enforcement officer.

Date: 2011-12-08
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Basic Airline Services to Improve Customer Satisfaction Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prescribe regulations to require commercial air carriers to allow each air passenger who has purchased a ticket, and without paying a charge in addition to the ticket price, to: (1) check one bag; (2) carry on one personal item and one carry-on bag; and (3) once on board the aircraft have access to a seat, potable water, and bathroom facilities. Imposes a civil penalty on air carriers that fail to comply with such regulations.

Date: 2011-12-12
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Amends the Aviation and Transportation Security Act to require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act when carrying out certain personnel decisions with respect to the employment of air transportation passenger and property screeners.

Date: 2011-12-14
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2012 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through February 17, 2012, increased excise taxes on aviation fuels, the excise tax on air transportation of persons and property, and the expenditure authority for the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. (Sec. 4) Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) the authorization of appropriations for airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning projects (known as airport improvement projects [AIPs]), and (2) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make new AIP grants. (Sec. 5) Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) the pilot program for passenger facility fee authorizations at non-hub airports, and (2) disclosure requirements for large and medium hub airports applying for AIP grants. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary through February 17, 2012, to make agreements to provide small community air service assistance to underserved airports. Directs the Secretary to extend through February 17, 2012, the termination date of insurance coverage for domestic or foreign-flag aircraft. Grants the Secretary discretionary authority to further extend such coverage through May 17, 2012. Extends through May 17, 2012, the authority of the Secretary to limit air carrier liability for claims arising out of acts of terrorism. Extends through February 17, 2012: (1) grant eligibility for airports located in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau; (2) grants to state and local governments for land use compatibility AIPs; and (3) authority for approving an application of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for an airport development grant or for permission to impose a passenger facility fee. Amends the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act to extend through February 17, 2012: (1) the temporary increase to 95% of the federal government's share of certain AIP costs, (2) funding for airport development at Midway Island Airport, and (3) the effective period of final orders of the Secretary regarding the eligibility of small communities for essential air service subsidies. (Sec. 6) Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the period from October 1, 2011, through February 17, 2012, for: (1) FAA operations; (2) air navigation facilities and equipment; and (3) civil aviation research, engineering, and development. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for the period from October 1, 2011, through February 17, 2012, for the essential air service (EAS) program.

Date: 2012-01-23
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Pilot's Bill of Rights - Requires National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) proceedings for the review of decisions of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deny, amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman's certificate to be conducted, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence. Requires the Administrator to: (1) advise the subject of an investigation involving the approval, denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of an airman certificate of specified information pertinent to the investigation; and (2) provide him or her with access to relevant air traffic data. Allows an individual to elect to file an appeal of a certificate denial, a punitive civil action, or an emergency order of revocation in the U.S. district court in which individual resides, in which the action in question occurred, or the district court for the District of Columbia. Allows an adversely affected individual who elects not to file an appeal in a federal district court to file such appeal with the NTSB. Directs the Administrator to begin a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program to improve the system of providing airmen with pertinent and timely information before a flight in the national airspace system. Makes Flight Service Station briefings and other air traffic services performed by any government contractor available to airmen under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Requires the Administrator to review the FAA system for the medical certification of airmen in order to: (1) revise the medical application form, (2) align medical qualification policies with present-day qualified medical judgment and practices, and (3) publish objective medical standards to advise the public of the criteria determining an airman's medical certificate eligibility.

Date: 2012-01-24
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline First Responder Workplace Fairness Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to develop recommendations for the Administrator to include in a final rule to minimize flight attendant fatigue. Requires the Committee to comprise aviation safety experts, labor representatives, and industry stakeholders. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations to minimize flight attendant fatigue.

Date: 2012-01-25
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Travel Transparency Act - Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for an air carrier (including an indirect air carrier), foreign air carrier, a carrier agent, or a ticket agent to advertise or solicit air passenger transportation without disclosing the base airfare ticket costs and user taxes imposed for it. Requires the disclosure of any other government imposed taxes and fees paid on a per passenger basis to be clear and separate from the base airfare ticket cost in any such advertisement or solicitation.

Date: 2012-02-01
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), acting through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to submit to Congress a plan for ensuring the placement of sufficient CBP officers at each of the 10 U.S. international airports with the largest volume of international travelers.

Date: 2012-02-09
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Emergency management
Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to arrange for an independent study of the effects on human health caused by the use of backscatter x-ray machines at airline checkpoints operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Directs the TSA Administrator to ensure that large, readable signs or equivalent electronic displays are placed at the front of airline passenger check points where backscatter advanced imaging technology machines are used for screening to inform airline passengers that they may request undergoing alternative screening procedures.

Date: 2012-02-16
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Safe Skies Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), not later than the effective date of a specified Department of Transportation (DOT) final rule, to take appropriate actions to ensure that DOT flight, duty, and rest requirements under that rule apply to all-cargo flights to the same extent they apply to passenger flights.

Date: 2012-04-16
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Inspector General Act of 2012 - Establishes an Office of Inspector General for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to appoint an Inspector General for the Authority.

Date: 2012-04-27
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Transfer Control of Ontario Airport Now Act - Directs the city of Los Angeles to transfer the LA/Ontario International Airport to the city of Ontario, California, within 60 days of a determination by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorizing such transfer. Declares that if the transfer does not occur within the 60-day period: (1) the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) shall be prohibited from approving an airport improvement project (AIP) grant to the Los Angeles World Airports (LAX) until such transfer takes place or the sale of the airport is finalized, and (2) an arbitration commission shall be established to determine the fair market value of the LA/Ontario International Airport. Requires the city of Los Angeles to sell such airport to the city of Ontario no later than 60 days after the Administrator's determination prohibiting the transfer of such airport to the city of Ontario and establishment of its fair market value. Directs the Secretary to continue to withhold AIP grants from LAX until such airport is sold to the city of Ontario.

Date: 2012-05-18
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
No Armed Drones Act of 2012 or NADA Act of 2012 - Amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) from authorizing any person to: (1) operate an unmanned aircraft system (drone) in the national airspace system as a weapon or to deliver a weapon against a person or property; or (2) manufacture, sell, or distribute a drone (or a component of one) for such a use.

Date: 2012-06-15
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Airline Maintenance Safety Act of 2012 - Amends the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 to prescribe an additional requirement that a maintenance provider authorized to approve the return to service of aircraft or aircraft parts may perform regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections outside the United States on domestic passenger aircraft only if the provider: (1) is able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language; and (2) holds an airmen certificate (other than flight crew members).

Date: 2012-06-21
Topic: Transportation (Air Travel)
Subject: Transportation and public works