Summary: 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.

resist offsetting additional debt act road act rescinds unobligated balances certain earmarked surface_transportation projects safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea certain appropriations acts order eliminate deficit highway_trust_fund htf prohibits recalculation amounts allocated surface_transportation projects equity bonus program fiscal year rescissions account transfer funds general_fund_of_the_treasury order alleviate deficit htf amounts equivalent certain taxes penalties expresses sense congress state transportation departments consider implementing certain projects highway bridge program surface_transportation program improve transportation safety


Summary: 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.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code exempt excise tax diesel fuel special motor fuels sales fuels rural area operator diesel powered highway vehicle gross vehicle weight pounds


Summary: 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.

enhanced safety act directs secretary transportation secretary prescribe regulations requiring installed safety seat belts seating position advanced portal prevent passenger improved firefighting equipment enhanced safety countermeasures certain motor vehicle safety features requires secretary complete report congress study improving bus bus crash avoidance bus fire protection passenger evacuation amends federal transportation law direct secretary prescribe regulations requiring providers services registered federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa undergo periodic safety reviews establishing training curriculum providing certification driver seeking commercial driver license cdl passenger endorsement improving cdl testing requiring driver commercial motor vehicle transports compensation fewer passengers cdl requiring federal medical qualification certificate requiring annual review state licensing authorities assess accuracy physical examination reports medical certificates cdl applicants submitted medical examiners authorities requiring commercial motor vehicles equipped electronic board recorders record driver hours service sets forth deadline secretary establish national_registry medical examiners requires state carry annual commercial motor vehicle inspection program order receive grant development implementation programs improving motor carrier internal_revenue_code allow tax credit purchase qualified new cost improvements existing satisfy new federal safety requirements limits credit terminates credit secretary develop administer supplemental grants exceed cost retrofitting comply federal motor vehicle safety standards limits eligibility grants certain operators fleet total annual revenues million amends small_business_act set forth loan loan guarantee requirements industry


Summary: 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.

surface_transportation safety act directs secretary transportation modify certain federal regulations allow fire services personnel wear high visibility apparel meeting certain requirements ensure positive protective measures including temporary longitudinal traffic barriers separate workers highway construction projects motorized traffic directs secretary approve use federal aid highway funds patented proprietary items goals state strategic highway safety plans directs secretary transportation revise manual uniform traffic control devices include standard minimum level retroreflectivity maintained pavement markings shall apply roads open public travel revises requirements highway safety improvement program count installation replacement upgrade highway signs pavement markings highway safety improvement project directs secretary require state assess local government financial obligations maintain minimum levels retroreflectivity traffic signs pavement markings provide local governments funding obligations directs secretary carry program improve traffic signs pavement markings older drivers pedestrians states review safety highway rail grade crossings united_states based review compile list highway rail grade crossings having greatest need safety improvements establish national database information safety highway rail grade crossings united_states


Summary: 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.)

idaho efficient vehicle demonstration act prohibits reduction apportionment federal aid highway funds idaho permits commercial combination vehicle weighing pounds operate specified routes interstate system state vehicle exceed state weight limits operation state highways vehicle limited travel certain portions interstate routes current law federal aid highway funds state shall reduced permits commercial combination vehicle weight excess federal weight limits operate interstate system highways state


Summary: 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.

authorizes state allow special permit operation vehicles gross vehicle weight pounds hauling livestock limits cost special permit livestock trailer year


Summary: 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.

national freight mobility infrastructure act_-_directs secretary transportation establish program award grants competitive basis states designated entities projects improve efficiency freight mobility united_states establishes national freight mobility infrastructure fund carry projects act amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose tax taxable ground transportation property equal fair market value transportation amends consolidated_omnibus_budget_reconciliation_act direct secretary treasury charge collect freight mobility customs fee requires deposit fund amounts equivalent tax imposed taxable ground transportation property freight mobility customs fees


Summary: 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.

directs secretary transportation establish criminal penalties fines employers road bus drivers convicted driving influence alcohol controlled substance acting scope employment


Summary: 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).

michael transportation safety enhancement_act directs secretary transportation withhold graduated percentage federal aid highway funds state enact enforce law requires annual inspection registered motor vehicles meet exceed state motor vehicle standards including vehicle


Summary: 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.

emergency automobile industry american_jobs protection act 2008_-_states distribution loan funds general motors big conditioned certifying congress disbursement automobile jobs decreased relocation foreign countries automobile benefit receipt loan funds big shall provide stability automobile suppliers supported loan funding states loan funds big allow relocate overseas relocation causes loss automobile industry jobs suppliers declares loan funds ensure stability big establish long term plan growth automobile automotive industry suppliers


Summary: Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act - (Sec. 3) Directs the President to designate one or more executive branch officers (designee) to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires such designee to have appropriate expertise to facilitate the restructuring necessary to achieve the long-term financial viability of domestic automobile manufacturers. (Sec. 4) Requires the designee to authorize and direct the disbursement of bridge loans or to enter into commitments for lines of credit to each automobile manufacturer that submitted to Congress a plan on December 2, 2008, and request for such loan or commitment ("automaker," for purposes of this Act). Establishes as the amount of such assistance the amount intended to facilitate continued operations of the automaker and prevent its failure.(Sec. 5) Directs the designee to: (1) determine measures to assess the progress of each automaker for transforming the plan submitted into a restructuring plan; (2) evaluate progress toward developing a restructuring plan after a 45-day period beginning when the assessment measures were established; and (3) facilitate agreement on a restructuring plan to achieve and sustain the long-term viability, international competitiveness, and energy efficiency of an automaker.(Sec. 6) Requires each automaker to submit a restructuring plan to the designee no later than March 31, 2009. Directs the designee to approve such plan if it meets specified requirements, including that it will result in: (1) the repayment of all government-provided financing, under specified terms; (2) the domestic manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles, as described under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007; (3) efforts to rationalize costs, capitalization, and capacity; and (4) proposals to restructure existing debt.(Sec. 7) Authorizes the designee, upon plan approval, to provide financial assistance to an automaker to implement the plan. Requires a loan to be called upon restructuring plan disapproval.(Sec. 9) Directs the designee to prioritize the loan assistance to automakers, based on: (1) its necessity for continued operations; (2) potential impacts of the automaker's failure on the U.S. economy; and (3) the ability to use the assistance to satisfy operational and long-term restructuring requirements.(Sec. 10) Makes appropriations to provide loan funds under this Act in an amount up to $14 billion. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Energy to replenish funds made available. Provides loan terms and conditions.(Sec. 11) Requires each recipient, during the loan period, to inform the designee of: (1) any proposed automaker transaction in excess of $100 million; and (2) any other material change in financial condition. Authorizes the designee to review and approve or disapprove such a transaction. Outlines provisions concerning an automaker's failure to comply with loan requirements.(Sec. 12) Requires the designee to receive warrants for up to 20% of the common or preferred stock of each automaker as a loan condition. Subjects each automaker, during the loan period, to specified executive compensation and corporate governance standards. Limits an automaker's owning or leasing of corporate passenger aircraft, and prohibits an automaker's payment of dividends, during such period. Subordinates to the federal loan any other automaker obligations.Prohibits a title 11 bankruptcy discharge from discharging an automaker or its successor in interest from any debt for assistance received under this Act.(Sec. 13) Directs the Comptroller General (CG) to conduct ongoing oversight of the designee's activities and performance and to report at least every 60 days to Congress. Adds to duties of the Special Inspector General established by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 the duty to coordinate audits and investigations of the designee.(Sec. 14) Requires: (1) each loan recipient to analyze potential uses of excess production capacity to make vehicles for sale to public transit agencies; and (2) the CG to review such analyses and report thereon to Congress and the designee. (Sec. 15) Requires reports from the designee to Congress on: (1) bridge loans made under this Act; (2) the restructuring progress assessment measures established under section 5; (3) actions taken against an automaker for failure to comply with this Act's requirements; (4) any additional powers and authorities necessary to facilitate completion of a negotiated restructuring plan; (5) progress of automakers to continue operations and proceed with restructuring processes that restore financial viability and promote environmental sustainability; and (6) a plan on achieving the long-term viability, international competitiveness, and energy efficiency of each automaker.(Sec. 18) Directs the designee to serve as a guarantor of leases of qualified transportation property (domestic property subject to a lease approved by the Federal Transit Administration prior to January 1, 2006). Requires designee recoupment of payments of claims in excess of collateral held with respect to such guarantees.(Sec. 19) Authorizes a salary adjustment during FY2009 for justices and judges of the United States.Sets forth guidelines for application of the antitrust laws and antitrust agency participation in proceedings of the automakers.(Sec. 20) Makes inapplicable to ownership changes resulting from this Act certain Internal Revenue Code provisions limiting the carryover of net operating losses and certain built-in losses. (Sec. 21) Designates amounts provided under this Act as an emergency requirement under the FY2008 concurrent budget resolution. (Sec. XX [sic]) Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require each financial condition report from insured depository institutions that received an investment or other assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) established by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 or under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to contain information on any increase in new lending during the report period that is attributable to such investment or assistance. Allows an alternative report on the total amount of increased new lending if the institution cannot accurately quantify the effect that an investment or other assistance under TARP has had on any new lending.

auto industry financing restructuring act sec directs president designate executive branch officers designee carry purposes act requires designee appropriate expertise facilitate restructuring necessary achieve long term financial viability domestic automobile manufacturers sec requires designee authorize direct disbursement bridge loans enter commitments lines credit automobile manufacturer submitted congress plan december request loan commitment purposes act establishes assistance intended facilitate continued operations prevent directs designee determine measures assess progress transforming plan submitted restructuring plan evaluate progress developing restructuring plan day period beginning assessment measures established facilitate agreement restructuring plan achieve sustain long term viability international competitiveness energy efficiency requires submit restructuring plan designee later march directs designee approve plan meets specified requirements including result repayment government provided financing specified terms domestic manufacturing advanced technology vehicles described energy_independence_and_security_act efforts costs capitalization capacity proposals restructure existing authorizes designee plan approval provide financial assistance implement plan requires loan called restructuring plan directs designee prioritize loan assistance based necessity continued operations potential impacts failure economy ability use assistance satisfy operational long term restructuring makes appropriations provide loan funds act billion authorizes appropriations secretary energy funds available provides loan terms requires recipient loan period inform designee proposed transaction excess million material change financial condition authorizes designee review approve disapprove transaction outlines provisions concerning failure comply loan requires designee receive warrants common preferred stock loan condition subjects loan period specified executive compensation corporate governance standards limits owning leasing corporate passenger aircraft prohibits payment dividends period federal loan obligations prohibits title bankruptcy discharge discharging successor interest debt assistance received directs comptroller_general conduct ongoing oversight designee activities performance report days congress adds duties special inspector_general established emergency_economic_stabilization_act duty coordinate audits investigations requires loan recipient analyze potential uses excess production capacity vehicles sale public transit agencies review analyses report thereon congress designee sec requires reports designee congress bridge loans act restructuring progress assessment measures established section actions taken failure comply act requirements additional powers authorities necessary facilitate completion negotiated restructuring plan progress continue operations proceed restructuring processes restore financial viability promote environmental sustainability plan achieving long term viability international competitiveness energy efficiency directs designee serve guarantor leases qualified transportation property domestic property subject lease approved federal_transit_administration prior january requires designee recoupment payments claims excess collateral held respect authorizes salary adjustment fy2009 justices judges united_states sets forth guidelines application antitrust laws antitrust agency participation proceedings makes inapplicable ownership changes resulting act certain internal_revenue_code provisions limiting carryover net operating losses certain built losses sec designates amounts provided act emergency requirement fy2008 concurrent budget resolution sec sic amends federal_deposit_insurance_act require financial condition report insured depository institutions received investment assistance troubled_asset_relief_program tarp established emergency_economic_stabilization_act energy_independence_and_security_act contain information increase new lending report period attributable investment assistance allows alternative report total increased new lending institution accurately quantify effect investment assistance tarp new lending


Summary: 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.

amends tennessee_valley_authority act increase number members board_of_directors tennessee_valley_authority tva revises current requirement seven board members legal residents tva service area requires instead member legal resident state tva service area


Summary: 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.

amends intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act designate interstate_route corridor wilmington north_carolina el_paso texas high priority corridor national highway system


Summary: 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.

expresses sense congress senate disagrees plan augment forces iraq urges president consider options achieving strategic goals set forth senate believes united_states continue operations specifically purpose combating including al_qaeda associated elements denying terrorists safe haven senate believes failed state iraq present threat regional world peace long term security interests best served iraq govern defend serve ally war extremists congress action endanger military forces field including elimination reduction funds troops primary objective strategy iraq encourage iraqi leaders political compromises strengthen unity government lead security improvements military strategy focus maintaining iraq territorial integrity denying international terrorists safe haven conducting counterterrorism operations promoting regional stability supporting iraqi efforts bring greater security baghdad training equipping iraqi forces military operations possible confined goals charge iraqi military primary mission combating sectarian violence military rules engagement plan reflect delineation responsibilities secretary defense chairman joint_chiefs_of_staff clarify command control arrangements baghdad government transfer necessary military equipment iraqi military government engage selected nations middle_east develop regional internationally sponsored peace reconciliation process iraq administration provide regular updates congress overall military diplomatic economic strategy regarded open ended new strategy conditioned iraqi government meeting delineated benchmarks agreed iraqi prime minister amends united_states policy iraq act require president report monthly congress respecting specified aspects policy military operations iraq combat troops redeployed iraq


Summary: 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.

intellectual property rights enforcement act_-_amends treasury general government appropriations act repeal provisions establishing national intellectual property law enforcement coordination council establishes intellectual property enforcement network consisting specified representatives government agencies establish policies objectives priorities concerning international intellectual property protection law enforcement coordinate facilitate implementation policies objectives priorities protect intellectual property rights overseas including creating international task_force requires agencies share information collect coordinate civil criminal actions related intellectual property rights establish formal processes consulting working state local government agencies consulting companies writers artists labor unions interested persons groups consult register copyrights law enforcement matters urges president relevant agency officers meeting certain foreign countries stress importance establishing participating international task_force requires director office budget coordinator submit president relevant congressional committees strategic plan includes goals objectives priorities government intellectual property initiatives consolidated work prevent duplication


Summary: 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.

commercial truck highway safety demonstration program act directs secretary transportation secretary carry program demonstrate effects safety highway network maine permitting operation interstate system highways state vehicle pounds consists unit hauling single trailer exceed vehicle weight limitation applicable maine law waives highway funding reduction relating weight vehicles interstate system highways respect vehicles allowed pursuant program provides program termination responsibilities state maine including submitting plan secretary establishing highway safety committee collecting data net effects operation vehicles safety


Summary: 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.

safety accountability construction act_-_requires state transportation departments submit project management plans federal aid highway projects secretary transportation approval authorizes secretary contract qualified independent engineer provide independent safety reviews federally financed highway projects certain determinations requires secretary establish national tunnel inspection program including national standards inspection tunnels authorizes states obligate apportioned surface_transportation program funds construction repair tunnels tunnel safety inspections


Summary: 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.

terrain vehicle standards compliance act requires consumer_product_safety_commission cpsc issue consumer product safety standard terrain vehicles subject exception identical specified publication american_national_standards_institute specialty vehicle institute america makes specified provisions consumer product safety act federal law inapplicable issuance applies standard manufactured imported standard published allows comply standard incorporate characteristics components covered standard requires manufacturer importer submit action plan cpsc approval comply approved plan prohibits importation distribution wheeled mandatory consumer product safety standard applicable vehicles effect requires standard applies bear label certifying compliance


Summary: 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%.

authorizes secretary transportation carry project repair reconstruction interstate bridge located minnesota august makes federal share project cost authorizes appropriations waives project million state single failure single disaster highway related total obligation limitation amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users authorize secretary use single failure single disaster highway related funds reimburse minnesota state department_of_transportation actual necessary costs maintenance operation fares earned additional public transportation services traveler information services provides temporary substitute highway traffic service following bridge collapse highway traffic service restored bridge sets federal share cost reimbursed activities


Summary: 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%.

authorizes secretary transportation carry project repair reconstruction interstate bridge located minnesota august makes federal share project cost authorizes appropriations waives project million state single failure single disaster highway related total obligation limitation amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users authorize secretary use single failure single disaster highway related funds repair reconstruction interstate bridge minnesota august use million funds reimburse minnesota state department_of_transportation actual necessary costs maintenance operation fares earned providing additional public transportation services traveler information services substitute highway traffic service following collapse interstate bridge minnesota august highway traffic service restored bridge makes federal share project cost


Summary: 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.

prohibits specified exception imposition collection toll portion federal highway facility existence enactment act toll imposed collected tolling provision enactment


Summary: 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.

enhanced safety act directs secretary transportation secretary prescribe regulations requiring installed safety seat belts seating position advanced portal prevent passenger improved firefighting equipment enhanced safety countermeasures certain motor vehicle safety features requires secretary complete report congress study improving bus bus crash avoidance bus fire protection passenger evacuation amends federal transportation law direct secretary prescribe regulations requiring providers services registered federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa undergo periodic safety reviews establishing training curriculum providing certification driver seeking commercial driver license cdl passenger endorsement improving cdl testing requiring driver commercial motor vehicle transports compensation fewer passengers cdl requiring federal medical qualification certificate requiring annual review state licensing authorities assess accuracy physical examination reports medical certificates cdl applicants submitted medical examiners authorities requiring commercial motor vehicles equipped electronic board recorders record driver hours service sets forth deadline secretary establish national_registry medical examiners requires state carry annual commercial motor vehicle inspection program order receive grant development implementation programs improving motor carrier safety


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highways funds in any fiscal year after FY2009 if such state does not require verifiable evidence of lawful presence in the United States or its territories from each applicant for a driver's license or personal identification card issued by the state. Grandfathers states that have such a requirement in effect before the later of: (1) October 1, 2009; or (2) 10 days after the end of the first session the state's legislature convenes after enactment of this Act. Redistributes withheld funds to states that satisfy the requirements of this Act.

requires secretary transportation withhold state apportionment certain federal aid highways funds fiscal year fy2009 state require verifiable evidence lawful presence united_states territories applicant driver license personal identification card issued state states requirement effect later october days end session state legislature enactment act withheld funds states satisfy requirements act


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a gasoline excise tax refund for certain mobile machinery vehicles which use more than 50% of their fuel in non-propulsive operations.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow gasoline excise tax refund certain mobile machinery vehicles use fuel non operations


Summary: Border Wait Times Study Act - Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation to study, and report the results to Congress on, the traffic patterns of commercial and passenger vehicles that enter and exit U.S. international land ports along the northern and southern borders; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce to study, and report the results to Congress on, the negative economic impact, if any, on U.S. wait times at such ports.

border wait times study act_-_directs secretary transportation study report results congress traffic patterns commercial passenger vehicles enter exit international land ports northern southern borders secretary commerce study report results congress negative economic impact wait times ports


Summary: Recapture Excess Profits and Invest in Road (REPAIR) Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose in 2008 or 2009 an excise tax of 25% on the windfall profits of integrated oil companies and other producers and refiners of crude oil (crude oil condensates and natural gasoline) with gross receipts over $1 billion. Allows a tax deduction for the payment of the windfall profit tax imposed by this Act. Requires the transfer of windfall profit tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund.

recapture excess profits invest road repair act amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose excise tax windfall profits integrated oil companies producers refiners crude oil crude oil natural gasoline gross receipts billion allows tax deduction payment windfall profit tax imposed act requires transfer windfall profit tax revenues highway_trust_fund


Summary: Recapture Excess Profits and Invest in Roads and Rail (REPAIR) Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose in 2008 or 2009 an excise tax of 25% on the windfall profits of integrated oil companies and other producers and refiners of crude oil (crude oil condensates and natural gasoline) with gross receipts over $1 billion. Allows a tax deduction for the payment of the windfall profit tax imposed by this Act. Requires the transfer of windfall profit tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund.

recapture excess profits invest roads rail repair act amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose excise tax windfall profits integrated oil companies producers refiners crude oil crude oil natural gasoline gross receipts billion allows tax deduction payment windfall profit tax imposed act requires transfer windfall profit tax revenues highway_trust_fund


Summary: Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs Act, or the TRUCC Act - Amends federal transportation law to require certain fuel costs disclosures and fuel costs 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: (1) reimburse persons (truckers) that do bear fuel costs for any such costs they have paid; and (2) give such persons a written list that identifies any freight charge, brokerage fee or commission, fuel surcharge or adjustment, and any other charges. 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.

trust reliable understanding consumer costs act act_-_amends federal transportation law require certain fuel costs disclosures fuel costs reimbursements motor carrier broker freight providing arranging transportation service fuel bear cost requires motor carrier broker freight reimburse persons truckers bear fuel costs costs paid persons written list identifies freight charge brokerage fee commission fuel surcharge adjustment charges prohibits person causing motor carrier broker freight present false misleading information document oral representation actual rate charge allowance party transaction transportation


Summary: Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to redescribe the high priority highway project to widen Lapalco Boulevard from Barataria Boulevard to Destrehan Avenue in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, as one for Lapalco Boulevard improvements in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

amends transportation equity act 21st century high priority highway project boulevard boulevard avenue jefferson parish louisiana boulevard improvements jefferson parish louisiana


Summary: Safe Truck Operations and Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (including a trailer or semi-trailer, except one used exclusively for fire-fighting) to operate on the National Highway System (NHS) (including the Interstate System), unless its operation is authorized by the state on June 1, 2003, 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 with a special state permit that cannot be dismantled or divided easily) with more than one property-carrying unit (excluding 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, 2003; 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, 2003. Prohibits 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 more than one year after enactment of this Act, 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. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to waive or limit vehicle weight limits during periods of national emergency. Declares that Interstate weight limitations on vehicles and combinations (other than longer combination vehicles) that operate on the Interstate System shall also apply to those operating 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, 2003.

safe truck operations preservation act prohibits state prescribing enforcing regulation allows restricted property carrying unit including trailer semi trailer exclusively fire fighting operate national highway system including interstate system operation authorized state june actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including seasonal operations date prohibits state allowing operation commercial motor vehicle combination vehicle load special state permit dismantled divided easily property carrying unit excluding truck property carrying units maximum combination trailer semi trailer type length limitation allowed state law june length property carrying units commercial motor vehicle combinations specific configuration actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including continual seasonal operation state june prohibits state allowing operation vehicle combination longer combination vehicle exceeding interstate weight limits interstate system year enactment act operation lawful july case overall gross weight group consecutive date enactment federal aid highway amendments special permit pursuant state grandfather law authorizes secretary transportation waive limit vehicle weight limits periods national emergency declares interstate weight limitations vehicles combinations longer combination vehicles operate interstate system shall apply operating non interstate segments segments subject lower state weight limits state allows operation vehicle combination existing non interstate segment operated lawfully june


Summary: Military Family Separation Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008 - Entitles a member of the Armed Forces without dependents, in addition to certain other allowances or per diems, to a monthly allowance if the member is, for over 30 days, on: (1) duty on board a ship away from home port; or (2) temporary duty away from the member's permanent station. Sets the allowance amount at one-half the amount of the monthly allowance under existing family separation allowance provisions. Requires an annual increase in the family separation allowance based on the Consumer Price Index.

military family separation benefits enhancement_act entitles member armed_forces dependents addition certain allowances monthly allowance member days duty board ship away home port temporary duty away member permanent station sets allowance half monthly allowance existing family separation allowance provisions requires annual increase family separation allowance based consumer price index


Summary: Justice Integrity Act of 2008 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish a pilot program in 10 U.S. districts to promote fairness and the perception of fairness in the federal criminal justice system and to determine whether legislation is required; and (2) designate a U.S. attorney in each of the districts to implement a plan for carrying out such pilot program.Requires each U.S. attorney designated to implement a pilot program to appoint an advisory group consisting of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other individuals and entities who play an important role in the criminal justice system. Requires each advisory group to: (1) collect and analyze data on the race and ethnicity of defendants at each stage of a criminal proceeding; (2) seek to determine causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice process; and (3) submit to the U.S. attorney a report and proposed plan for addressing such disparities. Requires each U.S. attorney to annually evaluate the efficacy of a plan submitted by an advisory group. Requires the Attorney General to: (1) prepare a comprehensive report on all advisory group plans and submit such report and plans to Congress; and (2) exercise continuing oversight of the criminal justice system to reduce unwarranted racial and ethnic disparities and improve such system.

justice integrity act requires attorney general establish pilot program districts promote fairness perception fairness federal criminal justice system determine legislation required designate attorney districts implement plan carrying pilot program requires attorney designated implement pilot program appoint advisory group consisting judges prosecutors defense attorneys individuals entities play important role criminal justice system requires advisory group collect analyze data race ethnicity defendants stage criminal proceeding seek determine causes racial ethnic disparities criminal justice process submit attorney report proposed plan addressing disparities requires attorney annually evaluate efficacy plan submitted advisory group requires attorney general prepare comprehensive report advisory group plans submit report plans congress exercise continuing oversight criminal justice system reduce unwarranted racial ethnic disparities improve system


Summary: American Affordable Fuels Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator), upon request, to enter into a domestic fuels facility permitting agreement with the requesting state or Indian tribe under which the process for obtaining all permits necessary for the construction and operation of a domestic fuels facility shall be improved using a systematic interdisciplinary multimedia approach. Directs the Secretary of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration, in making community assistance grants to communities whose economies are injured by military base closures or realignments, to give priority to projects to support commercial-scale cellulosic biomass ethanol projects and coal-to-liquids facilities. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to appoint a task force to report to Congress on: (1) modernization of the SEC hydrocarbon reserves disclosures classification system; and (2) creation of a renewable reserves classification system for cellulosic biofuels feedstocks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend: (1) the taxpayer election to expense certain refineries; and (2) the special allowance for cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property to all cellulosic biofuel plant property. Amends the Submerged Lands Act (SLA) to: (1) modify the seaward boundaries of states to 12 miles offshore; and (2) exclude from the rights of states, and declare federal, oil and gas mineral rights for land beneath navigable waters located within specified expanded offshore state seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to: (1) modify the determination of Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas in the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) subsoil and seabed; (2) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to grant natural gas leases; (3) modify the OCS leasing program; and (4) require the concurrence of the adjacent state for any construction of a petroleum pipeline within the part of its Adjacent Zone withdrawn from oil and gas or natural gas leasing. Establishes the Federal Energy Natural Resources Enhancement Program to manage wildlife and natural resources related to energy and minerals development on federal lands. Declares without force or effect all existing federal prohibitions against spending appropriated funds for leasing and preleasing OCS oil and natural gas. Requires the Secretary to repurchase and cancel certain federal oil and gas, geothermal, coal, oil shale, tar sands, or other mineral leases, whether onshore or offshore.Redesignates the Minerals Management Service as the National Ocean Resources and Royalty Service.Rigs to Reefs Act of 2008 - Amends the OCSLA to prescribe requirements for the use of decommissioned offshore oil and gas platforms for an artificial reef, scientific research, or other authorized uses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement to conduct a comprehensive inventory of OCS oil and natural gas resources. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide funds to certain institutions of higher education that maintain engineering programs for petroleum, mining, or mineral engineering.Establishes in the Department of the Interior the Office of Petroleum and Mining Schools. Instructs the Secretary to establish a Committee on Petroleum, Mining, and Mineral Engineering and Energy and Mineral Resource Education. Establishes a Physical Science, Engineering, and Technology Scholarship Program.National Geo Fund Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary to establish a program for production of: (1) fuels from strategic unconventional resources; and (2) oil and gas resources using CO2 enhanced recovery. Directs the Secretary to establish grant programs for production of: (1) geothermal and geopressure oil and gas energy; (2) liquid fuels; and (3) renewable energy from ocean waves, currents, and thermal resources. Amends OCSLA to repeal the coastal impact assistance program. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement for payments for oil shale and tar sands leases. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to prescribe requirements for treatment of oil shale or tar sands lease revenues and royalty rates for commercial leases. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.Sets forth a leasing program for exploration, leasing, development, production, and transportation of oil and gas in and from the Coastal Plain (Alaska). Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund within the Alaska state treasury. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under a lease issued under this Act. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the limitation placed upon a federal contract for procurement of an alternative or synthetic fuel (including fuel produced from nonconventional petroleum sources) for any mobility-related use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the taxable income limit on percentage depletion for oil and natural gas produced from marginal wells; and (2) allow a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit for dual fueled automobiles. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) redefine renewable fuel to include renewable and nonrenewable natural gas (NG), including compressed natural (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG); and (2) require fuel credit program regulations to provide for generation of credits for renewable and nonrenewable natural gas. Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to conduct a program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, with a particular emphasis on streamlining the certification of NG conversion systems. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) establish a demonstration program to assist states in facilitating the development of alternative-fueled vehicles; and (2) waive requirements for recertification of certain kits for the conversion of vehicles to NG.

american affordable fuels act directs administrator environmental_protection_agency administrator request enter domestic fuels facility permitting agreement requesting state indian tribe process obtaining permits necessary construction operation domestic fuels facility shall improved systematic interdisciplinary multimedia approach directs secretary commerce economic_development_administration making community assistance grants communities economies injured military base closures realignments priority projects support commercial scale cellulosic biomass ethanol projects coal liquids facilities directs securities_and_exchange_commission sec appoint task_force report congress modernization sec hydrocarbon reserves disclosures classification system creation renewable reserves classification system cellulosic biofuels feedstocks amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend taxpayer election expense certain refineries special allowance cellulosic biomass ethanol plant property cellulosic biofuel plant property amends submerged lands act modify seaward boundaries states miles offshore exclude rights states declare federal oil gas mineral rights land beneath navigable waters located specified expanded offshore state seaward boundaries amends outer_continental_shelf_lands_act ocsla modify determination adjacent zones planning areas outer_continental_shelf ocs subsoil seabed authorize secretary interior grant natural gas leases modify ocs leasing program require concurrence adjacent state construction petroleum pipeline adjacent zone withdrawn oil gas natural gas leasing establishes federal energy natural resources enhancement program manage wildlife natural resources related energy minerals development federal lands declares force effect existing federal prohibitions spending appropriated funds leasing preleasing ocs oil natural gas requires secretary repurchase cancel certain federal oil gas geothermal coal oil_shale tar_sands mineral leases onshore offshore redesignates minerals_management_service national ocean resources royalty service rigs reefs act amends ocsla prescribe requirements use decommissioned offshore oil gas platforms artificial reef scientific research authorized uses amends energy policy act repeal requirement conduct comprehensive inventory ocs oil natural gas resources directs secretary interior provide funds certain institutions higher education maintain engineering programs petroleum mining mineral engineering establishes department_of_the_interior office petroleum mining schools instructs secretary establish committee petroleum mining mineral engineering energy mineral resource education establishes physical science engineering technology scholarship program national fund act directs secretary establish program production fuels strategic unconventional resources oil gas resources co2 enhanced recovery directs secretary establish grant programs production geothermal oil gas energy liquid fuels renewable energy ocean waves currents thermal resources amends ocsla repeal coastal impact assistance program amends energy policy act repeal requirement payments oil_shale tar_sands leases amends mineral_leasing_act prescribe requirements treatment oil_shale tar_sands lease revenues royalty rates commercial leases repeals gulf_of_mexico_energy_security_act forth leasing program exploration leasing development production transportation oil gas coastal_plain alaska amends alaska_national_interest_lands_conservation_act repeal prohibition production oil gas arctic_national_wildlife_refuge anwr establishes coastal_plain_local_government_impact_aid_assistance_fund alaska state treasury prohibits exportation oil gas produced lease issued act amends department_of_the_interior environment related agencies appropriations act repeal prohibition final regulations commercial leasing program oil_shale resources public land amends energy_independence_and_security_act repeal limitation placed federal contract procurement alternative synthetic fuel including fuel produced nonconventional petroleum sources mobility related use amends_the_internal_revenue_code eliminate taxable income limit percentage depletion oil natural gas produced marginal wells allow new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit dual fueled automobiles amends clean_air act redefine renewable fuel include renewable nonrenewable natural gas including compressed natural liquefied natural gas lng require fuel credit program regulations provide generation credits renewable nonrenewable natural gas directs secretary energy coordination administrator environmental_protection_agency epa conduct program natural gas vehicle research development demonstration particular emphasis streamlining certification conversion systems directs epa administrator establish demonstration program assist states facilitating development alternative fueled vehicles waive requirements recertification certain kits conversion vehicles


Summary: 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.

bridge life extension act allows secretary transportation approve federal aid highway funding states bridge reconstruction replacement rehabilitation projects state submits secretary approves corrosion mitigation prevention plan


Summary: First Responders Support Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) increase death and disability benefits for public safety officers; and (2) expand educational benefits for dependents of public safety officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for up to $7,500 of the medical expenses paid or incurred by a public safety officer or a family member for injuries sustained while such officer was performing an official duty.Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to award grants for mental health services or counseling to public safety officers seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of such officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

responders support act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act increase death disability benefits public safety officers expand educational benefits dependents public safety officers killed disabled line duty amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit medical expenses paid incurred public safety officer family member injuries sustained officer performing official duty authorizes director bureau_of_justice_assistance award grants mental health services counseling public safety officers seriously injured line duty family members officers killed seriously injured line duty


Summary: Ensuring Defense Support to Catastrophic Incident Response Act of 2008 - Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake civil support operations in response to catastrophic incidents in the United States.Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop comprehensive plans for such operations, including strategies for the use of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) and civilian personnel and contractors of DOD; (2) the annual DOD budget to include a separate funding request for carrying out such operations; and (3) the first national security strategy and national defense strategy prepared after the enactment of this Act to include, among other things, DOD roles and responsibilities in responding to catastrophic incidents.

ensuring defense support catastrophic incident response_act directs department_of_defense dod undertake civil support operations response catastrophic incidents united_states requires secretary defense develop comprehensive plans operations including strategies use armed_forces including national_guard_and_reserve civilian personnel contractors dod annual dod budget include separate funding request carrying operations national security strategy national defense strategy prepared enactment act include things dod roles responsibilities responding catastrophic incidents


Summary: Rural Opportunity and Development Act or the ROAD Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a rural opportunity and development (ROAD) program to promote opportunity and economic development in rural states through projects for the preservation and improvement of highways.

rural opportunity development act road act_-_directs secretary transportation establish rural opportunity development road program promote opportunity economic development rural states projects preservation improvement highways


Summary: Nationwide Freight and Personal Mobility Act - Specifies a formula for the automatic authorization of additional appropriations for National Highway System (NHS) improvement projects, starting FY2010, if apportionments fall below a certain level. Revises the federal share of non-Interstate highway projects to make it: (1) 80% for non-NHS projects; and (2) 85% for NHS projects.

nationwide freight personal mobility act specifies formula automatic authorization additional appropriations national highway system improvement projects starting fy2010 apportionments fall certain level revises federal share non interstate highway projects non projects projects


Summary: Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to automobile manufacturers or component suppliers that have: (1) operations in the United States, the failure of which would have a systemic adverse effect on the overall U.S. economy or a significant loss of U.S. jobs, as determined by the Secretary; and (2) operated a manufacturing facility for the purpose of producing automobiles or automobile components in the U.S. throughout the 20-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act. Requires any automobile manufacturer or component supplier applying for such a loan to submit to the Secretary a detailed plan describing how the requested government funds would: (1) be utilized to ensure the the manufacturer's or supplier's financial viability; (2) stimulate U.S. automobile production; and (3) improve the manufacturer's or supplier's capacity to pursue the timely and aggressive production of energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to sell, exercise, or surrender any equity instrument received under this Act. Allows proceeds received from a sale, exercise, or surrender to be credited to the appropriate Government financing account made available to fulfill the advanced technology vehicle manufacturing incentive purpose under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 until the amount loaned under this Act has been repaid. Directs the Secretary to require any loan recipient to meet appropriate standards for executive compensation and corporate governance. Prohibits a loan recipient from using loan funds for any lobbying expenditures or political contributions. Prohibits the payment of common stock dividends by any loan recipient for the duration of the loan. Establishes the Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Oversight Board to review and provide advice concerning the exercise of the authority under this Act. Requires the Secretary, in allocating loan amounts under this Act, to consider the magnitude of the impact of the loan applicant's manufacturing operations in the United States on the overall U.S. economy and other segments of the automobile industry, including levels of employment, domestic manufacturing of automobiles and automobile components, and automobile dealerships. Rescinds the $7.5 billion appropriation for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program Account for the cost of direct loans as authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Appropriates the same amount for the cost of direct loans under this Act. Limits commitments for direct loans using such amount to $25 billion in total loan principal.

auto industry emergency bridge loan act_-_directs secretary commerce loans automobile manufacturers component suppliers operations united_states failure systemic adverse effect overall economy significant loss jobs determined secretary operated manufacturing facility purpose producing automobiles automobile components year period ending date enactment act requires automobile manufacturer component supplier applying loan submit secretary detailed plan describing requested government funds utilized ensure manufacturer supplier financial viability stimulate automobile production improve manufacturer supplier capacity pursue timely aggressive production energy efficient advanced technology vehicles authorizes secretary sell exercise surrender equity instrument received act allows proceeds received sale exercise surrender credited appropriate government financing account available fulfill advanced technology vehicle manufacturing incentive purpose energy_independence_and_security_act act repaid directs secretary require loan recipient meet appropriate standards executive compensation corporate governance prohibits loan recipient loan funds lobbying expenditures political contributions prohibits payment common stock dividends loan recipient duration loan establishes auto industry emergency bridge loan oversight board review provide advice concerning exercise authority act requires secretary allocating loan amounts act consider magnitude impact loan applicant manufacturing operations united_states overall economy segments automobile industry including levels employment domestic manufacturing automobiles automobile components automobile rescinds billion appropriation advanced_technology_vehicles_manufacturing_loan_program account cost direct_loans authorized energy_independence_and_security_act appropriates cost direct_loans act limits commitments direct_loans billion total loan principal


Summary: Commonsense Auto Recovery Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals and small employers a tax credit for state and local sales taxes paid on the purchase of a passenger motor vehicle (not more than two axles) the purchase price of which does not exceed $50,000. Terminates such credit after 2010.

commonsense auto recovery_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individuals small employers tax credit state local sales taxes paid purchase passenger motor vehicle purchase price exceed terminates credit


Summary: Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold a graduated percentage of federal-aid highway funds of states for FY2012 and thereafter that do 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).

michael transportation safety enhancement_act directs secretary transportation withhold graduated percentage federal aid highway funds states fy2012 enact enforce law requires annual inspection registered motor vehicles meet exceed state motor vehicle standards including vehicle


Summary: Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2009 - 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.

horse transportation safety act prohibits person transporting horse interstate commerce motor vehicle containing levels sets forth civil penalties persons knowingly violate prohibition


Summary: Get America Moving Again Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the purchase of a new or used passenger vehicle before or during 2010. Requires that such vehicle have a purchase price not exceeding $50,000 and have a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds.

america moving act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit purchase new passenger vehicle requires vehicle purchase price exceeding gross vehicle weight rating pounds


Summary: Highway Trust Fund Reform Act of 2009 - Repeals the Davis-Bacon Act (which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to laborers and mechanics working on federal-aid highway construction projects and public transportation construction projects).

highway_trust_fund reform_act repeals davis-bacon_act requires locally prevailing wage rate paid laborers mechanics working federal aid highway construction projects public transportation construction projects


Summary: Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - 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.

pedestrian safety enhancement_act directs secretary transportation study report congress minimum level sound necessary emitted motor vehicle method alert blind pedestrians presence operating motor vehicles traveling


Summary: Idaho Efficient Vehicle Demonstration Act of 2009 - 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.)

idaho efficient vehicle demonstration act prohibits reduction apportionment federal aid highway funds idaho permits commercial combination vehicle weighing pounds operate specified routes interstate system state vehicle exceed state weight limits operation state highways vehicle limited travel certain portions interstate routes current law federal aid highway funds state shall reduced permits commercial combination vehicle weight excess federal weight limits operate interstate system highways state


Summary: Keeping America's Freeways Free Act - 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.

keeping america free act prohibits specified exception imposition collection toll portion federal highway facility existence enactment act toll imposed collected tolling provision enactment


Summary: Green Streets Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a demonstration program in which the Secretary shall award grants to up to four states to acquire and assess the feasibility on the use of asphalt produced with asphalt binder made from biomass in federal highway construction projects.

green streets act directs secretary transportation conduct demonstration program secretary shall award grants states acquire assess feasibility use produced binder biomass federal highway construction projects


Summary: 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 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).

amends commercial motor vehicle safety requirements exempt drivers intrastate commercial vehicles engaged agricultural related activities certain federal commercial motor vehicle operator regulations revises weight limits commercial motor vehicles respect federal commercial motor vehicle safety laws apply laws vehicles having gross vehicle weight rating gross vehicle weight pounds whichever greater currently applies vehicles having gross vehicle weight rating gross vehicle weight pounds whichever greater lesser gross vehicle weight rating gross vehicle weight event gross vehicle weight rating pounds


Summary: Damaged Vehicle Information Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a regulation to require persons who terminate a motor vehicle contract due to flood or water damage, collision, fire damage, theft and recovery, or any circumstance that adversely affects the fair market value of the vehicle to disclose information of such vehicle damage to the public.

damaged vehicle information act_-_directs secretary transportation issue regulation require persons terminate motor vehicle contract flood water damage collision fire damage theft recovery circumstance adversely affects fair market value vehicle disclose information vehicle damage public


Summary: Allows as an exception to federal weight limits the operation of a tow truck, weighing no more than 150,000 pounds, which removes a disabled vehicle from the Interstate System to a storage or repair facility 100 miles or less from the point where such vehicle becomes disabled.

allows exception federal weight limits operation tow truck weighing pounds removes disabled vehicle interstate system storage repair facility miles point vehicle disabled


Summary: Private Investment in Commuter Vanpooling Act of 2009 - Allows the local matching share provided by a public transportation capital project assistance recipient to include expenditures by a private commuter vanpooling service provider to acquire rolling stock (vans). Authorizes such a private provider to use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs to acquire such vans, if there is a binding agreement requiring the vans to be used in the state or local government's service area.

private investment commuter act allows local matching share provided public transportation capital project assistance recipient include expenditures private commuter service provider acquire rolling stock vans authorizes private provider use vanpool revenues exceeding operating costs acquire vans binding agreement requiring vans state local government service area


Summary: New Automobile Voucher Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the New Automobile Voucher Program. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) authorize the issuance of a redeemable voucher to a dealer for each person or eligible fleet operator who purchases an eligible new automobile; (2) allow a dealer to participate in the program if it agrees to apply such voucher toward the purchase of an eligible new automobile and complies with all applicable requirements; (3) establish a Web-based system to process vouchers; and (4) make payments to dealers who apply vouchers for such purchases. Defines "eligible new automobile" as a new automobile whose purchase price is less than $50,000. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

new automobile voucher act establishes department_of_the_treasury new automobile voucher program directs secretary treasury authorize issuance redeemable voucher dealer person eligible fleet operator purchases eligible new automobile allow dealer participate program agrees apply voucher purchase eligible new automobile complies applicable requirements establish web based system process vouchers payments dealers apply vouchers purchases defines eligible new automobile new automobile purchase price sets forth civil penalties violations act


Summary: Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act - Prohibits a state from prescribing or enforcing any regulation that allows a restricted property-carrying unit (any trailer, semitrailer, 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, 2008, 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, semitrailer, or other type of length limitation allowed by state law on June 1, 2008; 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, 2008. Prohibits 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, 2008.

safe highways infrastructure preservation act prohibits state prescribing enforcing regulation allows restricted property carrying unit trailer container property carrying unit longer feet fire fighting unit operate national highway system including interstate system operation unit authorized state june actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including seasonal operations date prohibits state allowing operation commercial motor vehicle combination vehicle load dismantled divided easily issued special permit state law property carrying unit excluding truck property carrying units maximum combination trailer type length limitation allowed state law june length property carrying units commercial motor vehicle combinations specific configuration actual lawful operation regular periodic basis including continual seasonal operation state june prohibits state allowing operation vehicle combination longer combination vehicle exceeding interstate weight limits interstate system operation lawful july case overall gross weight group consecutive date enactment federal aid highway amendments special permit pursuant state grandfather law declares interstate weight limitations vehicles combinations longer combination vehicles operate interstate system shall apply vehicles combinations operate non interstate segments segments subject lower state weight limits state allows operation vehicle combination existing non interstate segment operated lawfully june


Summary: Extends through July 1, 2012, the period a state may allow low emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane highways.

extends july period state allow low emission energy efficient vehicles use high occupancy vehicle hov lane highways


Summary: Bridge Life Extension Act of 2009 - Requires a state, as a condition of receiving federal-aid highway funding, to develop and implement a highway bridge management system that meets certain requirements. Requires a state, in developing and implementing such a system, to: (1) identify corrosion mitigation and prevention methods to preserve its highway bridges; (2) establish a project maintenance program to extend the life of such bridges; (3) ensure that all highway bridge designers, inspectors, and maintenance workers implementing the system are trained and certified in corrosion mitigation and prevention techniques; and (4) research current inspection technologies and techniques for highway bridges.

bridge life extension act requires state condition receiving federal aid highway funding develop implement highway bridge management system meets certain requirements requires state developing implementing system identify corrosion mitigation prevention methods preserve highway bridges establish project maintenance program extend life bridges ensure highway bridge inspectors maintenance workers implementing system trained certified corrosion mitigation prevention techniques research current inspection technologies techniques highway bridges


Summary: Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 - Allows a state to authorize the operation of a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) in excess of certain federal weight limitations on Interstate Highway System (IHS) routes in the state if: (1) the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles; (2) the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds; (3) the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds; (4) the weight of any group of three or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds; and (5) the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 97,000 pounds. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a safe and efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program. Requires the Secretary to apportion amounts from the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund to states for eligible bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an overweight vehicle tax on any vehicles that exceed federal weight limitations operating on the IHS; and (2) establish the Safe and Efficient Vehicle Trust Fund.

safe efficient transportation act allows state authorize operation vehicle maximum gross weight including enforcement tolerances excess certain federal weight limitations interstate highway system ihs routes state vehicle equipped weight single exceed pounds weight exceed pounds weight group exceed pounds gross weight vehicle exceed pounds directs secretary transportation establish safe efficient vehicle bridge infrastructure improvement program requires secretary apportion amounts safe efficient vehicle trust_fund states eligible bridge replacement rehabilitation projects amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose overweight vehicle tax vehicles exceed federal weight limitations operating ihs establish safe efficient vehicle trust_fund


Summary: Clean Car Rebate Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable tax credit for the purchase of new fuel-efficient passenger motor vehicles. Allows a $1,000 tax credit for vehicles purchased in 2009 that achieve a mile per gallon (mpg) rating of 28, and increases such credit amount to $2,500 for an mpg rating of more than 32. Increases required mpg ratings in 2010 and directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to prescribe mpg ratings for such credit for taxable years beginning after 2010 to achieve specified fuel economy goals by 2015. Terminates such credit after December 31, 2014. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for making advance payments of credit amounts to individuals who purchase vehicles that meet the mpg ratings established by this Act.

clean car rebate act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow refundable tax credit purchase new fuel efficient passenger motor vehicles allows tax credit vehicles purchased achieve mile gallon rating increases credit rating increases required ratings directs secretary treasury consultation administrator environmental_protection_agency epa prescribe ratings credit taxable years beginning achieve specified fuel economy goals terminates credit december directs secretary establish program making advance payments credit amounts individuals purchase vehicles meet ratings established act