Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015

(Sec. 1) Directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2016 by amounts apportioned or allocated pursuant to the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 for the period from October 1, 2015, through October 29, 2015.

TITLE I--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM EXTENSION

Subtitle A--Federal-Aid Highways

(Sec. 1001) Amends the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 to continue from October 1, 2015, through November 20, 2015, and authorizes appropriations through that period for, specified federal-aid highway programs under:

 the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Technical Corrections Act of 2008, SAFETEA-LU, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and other specified law. Subjects funding for such programs generally to the same manner of distribution, administration, limitation, and availability for obligation, but at a specified pro rata of the total amount, as funds authorized for appropriation out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for such programs and activities for FY2014.

Amends the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) to authorize appropriations out of the general fund of the Treasury for the Tribal High Priority Projects program for the same period.

Prescribes an obligation ceiling of $5,595,839,851 for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs for the same period.

 (Sec. 1002) Authorizes appropriations from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program for the same period.

Subtitle B--Extension of Highway Safety Programs

 (Sec. 1101) Extends for the same period the authorization of appropriations for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs, including:

 highway safety research and development, national priority safety programs, the National Driver Register, the High Visibility Enforcement Program, and NHTSA administrative expenses. Amends SAFETEA-LU to extend for the same period high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns under the High Visibility Enforcement Program.

Sets aside a specified amount of the total apportionment to states for highway safety programs for a cooperative program to research and evaluate priority highway safety countermeasures for the same period.

 (Sec. 1102) Extends for the same period the authorization of appropriations for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs, including:

 motor carrier safety grants, FMCSA administrative expenses, commercial driver's license program improvement grants, border enforcement grants, performance and registration information system management grants, commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment grants, safety data improvement grants, a set-aside for high priority activities that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, a set-aside for new entrant motor carrier audit grants, FMCSA outreach and education, and the commercial motor vehicle operators grant program. (Sec. 1103) Amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to continue, for the same period, the authorized distribution of funds for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program.

Subtitle C--Public Transportation Programs

 (Sec. 1201) Extends for the same period the apportionment of nonurbanized (rural) area formula grants for competitive grants and formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations.

 (Sec. 1202) Extends the apportionment of urbanized area formula grants for passenger ferry projects for the same period.

 (Sec. 1203) Extends for the same period the authorization of appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account for:

 formula grants for public transportation, including allocations for specified projects; research, development demonstration, and deployment projects; the transit cooperative research program; technical assistance and standards development grants; human resources and training grants; capital investment grants; and administrative expenses. (Sec. 1204) Allocates, for the same period, certain amounts to states and territories for formula bus and bus facilities grants.

Subtitle D--Hazardous Materials

 (Sec. 1301) Authorizes appropriations for the same period for hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety projects.

Authorizes DOT to make certain expenditures, including an amount for hazmat training grants, from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund for the same period.

(Sec. 1302) Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015

Revises positive train control systems requirements.

Extends from December 31, 2015, to December 31, 2018, the deadline for submission to DOT by each Class I railroad carrier and each entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation of a revised plan for implementing a positive train control (PTC) system on certain of its tracks. Permits such carrier or other entity to provide for an alternative schedule and sequence for implementing a PTC system, subject to DOT review.

Requires each railroad carrier or other entity to report annually to DOT on the progress toward implementing PTC systems.

Authorizes DOT to assess civil penalties for violations of this section.

Exempts Class I railroad carriers with PTC systems that have been certified and implemented on its tracks from certain federal rail operating restrictions that would otherwise apply where a PTC-equipped track segment fails or cuts out en route, provided the carrier operates at an equivalent or greater level of safety than that acheived before use or implementation of its PTC system.

Requires DOT to amend federal regulations relating to equipping locomotives for Class II and Class III railroads operating in PTC territory to extend each deadline under the regulations by three years.

TITLE II--REVENUE PROVISIONS

 (Sec. 2001) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through November 20, 2015, the authority for expenditures from:

 the HTF Highway and Mass Transit Accounts, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated surface_transportation extension act sec directs department_of_transportation dot reduce apportioned surface_transportation program project activity fy2016 amounts apportioned allocated pursuant surface_transportation veterans health_care choice improvement act period october october title surface_transportation program extension subtitle federal aid highways sec amends highway transportation funding act continue october november authorizes appropriations period specified federal aid highway programs moving ahead progress 21st century act safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea technical corrections act safetea transportation equity act 21st century national highway system designation act intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act specified law subjects funding programs generally manner distribution administration limitation availability obligation specified pro rata total funds authorized appropriation highway_trust_fund htf programs activities fy2014 amends moving ahead progress 21st century act authorize appropriations general_fund_of_the_treasury tribal high priority projects program period prescribes obligation ceiling federal aid highway highway safety construction programs period sec authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account administrative expenses federal aid highway program period subtitle extension highway safety programs sec extends period authorization appropriations national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa safety programs including highway safety research development national priority safety programs national_driver_register high visibility enforcement program nhtsa administrative expenses amends safetea extend period high visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns high visibility enforcement program sets aside specified total apportionment states highway safety programs cooperative program research evaluate priority highway safety countermeasures period sec extends period authorization appropriations federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa programs including motor carrier safety grants fmcsa administrative expenses commercial driver license program improvement grants border enforcement grants performance registration information system management grants commercial vehicle information systems networks deployment grants safety data improvement grants set aside high priority activities improve commercial motor vehicle safety compliance commercial motor vehicle safety regulations set aside new entrant motor carrier audit grants fmcsa outreach education commercial motor vehicle operators grant program sec amends dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act continue period authorized distribution funds coastal wetlands recreational boating safety projects clean vessel act boating infrastructure projects national outreach communications program subtitle public transportation programs sec extends period apportionment nonurbanized rural area formula_grants competitive grants formula_grants public transportation indian reservations sec extends apportionment urbanized area formula_grants passenger ferry projects period sec extends period authorization appropriations htf mass transit account formula_grants public transportation including allocations specified projects research development demonstration deployment projects transit cooperative research program technical assistance standards development grants human resources training grants capital investment grants administrative expenses sec allocates period certain amounts states territories formula bus bus facilities grants subtitle hazardous materials sec authorizes appropriations period hazardous materials hazmat transportation safety projects authorizes dot certain expenditures including hazmat training grants hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund period sec positive train control enforcement implementation act revises positive train control systems requirements extends december december deadline submission dot class railroad carrier entity providing regularly scheduled intercity commuter rail passenger transportation revised plan implementing positive train control ptc system certain tracks permits carrier entity provide alternative schedule implementing ptc system subject dot review requires railroad carrier entity report annually dot progress implementing ptc systems authorizes dot assess civil penalties violations section exempts class railroad carriers ptc systems certified implemented tracks certain federal rail operating restrictions apply ptc equipped track segment fails cuts route provided carrier operates equivalent greater level safety use implementation ptc system requires dot amend federal regulations relating equipping locomotives class class iii railroads operating ptc territory extend deadline regulations years title revenue provisions sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend november authority expenditures htf highway mass transit accounts sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund leaking underground storage tank trust_fund


Summary:
Intelligent Technologies Initiative Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish an Intelligent Technology Initiative to provide grants to up to six state and local governments to establish deployment sites for large scale installation and operation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and return on investment.

DOT shall develop criteria for selecting grant recipients, including how the deployment of technology will enable the recipient to:

 reduce costs and improve return on investments; deliver environmental benefits and reduce energy consumption by alleviating congestion and streamlining traffic flow; measure and improve the operational performance of its transportation network; reduce the number and severity of traffic collisions and increase driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety; collect, disseminate, and utilize real-time traffic, transit, parking, and other transportation-related information to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide for more efficient and accessible transportation alternatives; monitor transportation assets to improve infrastructure management, reduce maintenance costs, prioritize investment decisions, and ensure a state of good repair; and deliver economic benefits by reducing delays, improving system performance, and providing for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and services. A grant application must include:

 a plan to deploy and provide for the long-term operation and maintenance of ITS to improve safety, efficiency, system performance, and return on investment; quantifiable system performance improvements; quantifiable safety, mobility, and environmental benefit projections; a plan for partnering with the private sector, public agencies, research institutions, organizations representing transportation and technology leaders, and other transportation stakeholders; a plan to leverage and optimize existing local and regional ITS investments; and a plan to ensure interoperability of deployed technologies with other tolling, traffic management, and ITS. Recipient may use grant funds to deploy, operate, and maintain specified ITS and ITS-enabled operational strategies.

The bill requires DOT to report on the effectiveness of grant recipients in meeting their projected deployment plans.

technologies initiative act bill directs department_of_transportation dot establish technology initiative provide grants state local governments establish deployment sites large scale installation operation transportation systems improve safety efficiency system performance return investment dot shall develop criteria selecting grant recipients including deployment technology enable recipient reduce costs improve return investments deliver environmental benefits reduce energy consumption alleviating congestion streamlining traffic flow measure improve operational performance transportation network reduce number severity traffic collisions increase driver passenger pedestrian safety collect disseminate utilize real time traffic transit parking transportation related information improve mobility reduce congestion provide efficient accessible transportation alternatives monitor transportation assets improve infrastructure management reduce maintenance costs prioritize investment decisions ensure state good repair deliver economic benefits reducing delays improving system performance providing efficient reliable movement goods services grant application include plan deploy provide long term operation maintenance improve safety efficiency system performance return investment quantifiable system performance improvements quantifiable safety mobility environmental benefit projections plan partnering private sector public agencies research institutions organizations representing transportation technology leaders transportation stakeholders plan leverage optimize existing local regional investments plan ensure interoperability deployed technologies tolling traffic management recipient use grant funds deploy operate maintain specified enabled operational strategies bill requires dot report effectiveness grant recipients meeting projected deployment plans


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015, Part II

(Sec. 1) This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2016 by amounts apportioned or allocated pursuant to the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015 for the period from October 1, 2015, through November 20, 2015.

TITLE I--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM EXTENSION

Subtitle A--Federal-Aid Highways

(Sec. 1001) The Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 is amended to continue from October 1, 2015, through December 4, 2015, and appropriations are authorized through that period for, specified federal-aid highway programs under:

 the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Technical Corrections Act of 2008, SAFETEA-LU, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), and other specified law. Funding for such programs shall be subject generally to the same manner of distribution, administration, limitation, and availability for obligation, but at a specified pro rata of the total amount, as funds authorized for appropriation out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for such programs and activities for FY2014.

MAP-21 is amended to authorize appropriations out of the general fund of the Treasury for the Tribal High Priority Projects program for the same period.

The obligation ceiling for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs shall be $7,134,218,915 for the same period.

(Sec. 1002) Appropriations are authorized from the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) for administrative expenses of the federal-aid highway program for the same period.

Subtitle B--Extension of Highway Safety Programs

(Sec. 1101) Authorization of appropriations shall be extended for the same period for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs, including:

 highway safety research and development, national priority safety programs, the National Driver Register, the High Visibility Enforcement Program, and NHTSA administrative expenses. SAFETEA-LU is amended to extend for the same period high-visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns under the High Visibility Enforcement Program.

There shall be set aside a specified amount of the total apportionment to states for highway safety programs for a cooperative program to research and evaluate priority highway safety countermeasures for the same period.

(Sec. 1102) Authorization of appropriations shall be extended for the same period for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs, including:

 motor carrier safety grants, FMCSA administrative expenses, commercial driver's license program improvement grants, border enforcement grants, performance and registration information system management grants, commercial vehicle information systems and networks deployment grants, safety data improvement grants, a set-aside for high priority activities that improve commercial motor vehicle safety and compliance with commercial motor vehicle safety regulations, a set-aside for new entrant motor carrier audit grants, FMCSA outreach and education, and the commercial motor vehicle operators grant program. (Sec. 1103) The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act is amended to continue, for the same period, the authorized distribution of funds for coastal wetlands, recreational boating safety, projects under the Clean Vessel Act of 19921, boating infrastructure projects, and the National Outreach and Communications Program.

Subtitle C--Public Transportation Programs

(Sec. 1201) The apportionment of nonurbanized (rural) area formula grants shall be extended for the same period for competitive grants and formula grants for public transportation on Indian reservations.

(Sec. 1202) The apportionment of urbanized area formula grants shall be extended for the same period for passenger ferry projects.

(Sec. 1203) Authorization of appropriations shall be extended for the same period from the HTF Mass Transit Account for:

 formula grants for public transportation, including allocations for specified projects; research, development demonstration, and deployment projects; the transit cooperative research program; technical assistance and standards development grants; human resources and training grants; capital investment grants; and administrative expenses. (Sec. 1204) Allocations of certain amounts shall be made for the same period to states and territories for formula bus and bus facilities grants.

Subtitle D--Hazardous Materials

(Sec. 1301) Authorization of appropriations shall be made for the same period for hazardous materials (hazmat) transportation safety projects.

 DOT is authorized to make certain expenditures, including an amount for hazmat training grants, from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund for the same period.

TITLE II--REVENUE PROVISIONS

(Sec. 2001) The Internal Revenue Code is amended to extend through December 4, 2015, the authority for expenditures from: (1) the HTF Highway and Mass Transit Accounts, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated surface_transportation extension act sec bill directs department_of_transportation dot reduce apportioned surface_transportation program project activity fy2016 amounts apportioned allocated pursuant surface_transportation extension act period october november title surface_transportation program extension subtitle federal aid highways sec highway transportation funding act amended continue october december appropriations authorized period specified federal aid highway programs moving ahead progress 21st century act safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea technical corrections act safetea transportation equity act 21st century national highway system designation act intermodal surface_transportation efficiency_act specified law funding programs shall subject generally manner distribution administration limitation availability obligation specified pro rata total funds authorized appropriation highway_trust_fund htf programs activities fy2014 amended authorize appropriations general_fund_of_the_treasury tribal high priority projects program period obligation ceiling federal aid highway highway safety construction programs shall period sec appropriations authorized htf mass transit account administrative expenses federal aid highway program period subtitle extension highway safety programs sec authorization appropriations shall extended period national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa safety programs including highway safety research development national priority safety programs national_driver_register high visibility enforcement program nhtsa administrative expenses safetea amended extend period high visibility traffic safety law enforcement campaigns high visibility enforcement program shall set aside specified total apportionment states highway safety programs cooperative program research evaluate priority highway safety countermeasures period sec authorization appropriations shall extended period federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa programs including motor carrier safety grants fmcsa administrative expenses commercial driver license program improvement grants border enforcement grants performance registration information system management grants commercial vehicle information systems networks deployment grants safety data improvement grants set aside high priority activities improve commercial motor vehicle safety compliance commercial motor vehicle safety regulations set aside new entrant motor carrier audit grants fmcsa outreach education commercial motor vehicle operators grant program sec dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act amended continue period authorized distribution funds coastal wetlands recreational boating safety projects clean vessel act boating infrastructure projects national outreach communications program subtitle public transportation programs sec apportionment nonurbanized rural area formula_grants shall extended period competitive grants formula_grants public transportation indian reservations sec apportionment urbanized area formula_grants shall extended period passenger ferry projects sec authorization appropriations shall extended period htf mass transit account formula_grants public transportation including allocations specified projects research development demonstration deployment projects transit cooperative research program technical assistance standards development grants human resources training grants capital investment grants administrative expenses sec allocations certain amounts shall period states territories formula bus bus facilities grants subtitle hazardous materials sec authorization appropriations shall period hazardous materials hazmat transportation safety projects dot authorized certain expenditures including hazmat training grants hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund period title revenue provisions sec internal_revenue_code amended extend december authority expenditures htf highway mass transit accounts sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund leaking underground storage tank trust_fund


Summary:
TIFIA 2.0 Act

 This bill amends the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) to revise the Department of Transportation (DOT) TIFIA program of direct loans, loan guarantees, and credit for surface transportation projects.

A TIFIA Revolving Fund is established in the Treasury.

A set-aside of up to 10% of Fund amounts is required for rural infrastructure projects (as similarly required in current funding law).

The DOT is directed to transfer from the Fund to the general fund of the Treasury amounts equal to moneys deposited in the Fund as a result of the repayment of principal and interest on direct loans for transportation infrastructure projects before enactment of this Act.

Project eligibility requirements are revised.

tifia act bill amends transportation infrastructure finance innovation_act tifia revise department_of_transportation dot tifia program direct_loans loan guarantees credit surface_transportation projects tifia revolving fund established treasury set aside fund amounts required rural infrastructure projects similarly required current funding law dot directed transfer fund general_fund_of_the_treasury amounts equal moneys deposited fund result repayment principal interest direct_loans transportation infrastructure projects enactment act project eligibility requirements revised


Summary:
Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act of 2015

This bill requires a recipient of federal financial assistance under National Highway System provisions for a megaproject (a project that has an estimated total cost of $2.5 billion or more and such other projects as may be identified by the Department of Transportation [DOT]), in order to be authorized for construction, to submit to DOT a comprehensive risk management plan that contains:

 a description of the process by which the recipient will identify, quantify, and monitor the risks that might result in cost overruns, project delays, reduced construction quality, or reductions in benefits; examples of mechanisms the recipient will use to track such risks; a plan to control such risks; and assurances that the recipient will regularly submit updated cost estimates and maintain and regularly reassess financial reserves for addressing risks. A recipient also must establish a peer review group to give expert advice on the scientific, technical, and project management aspects of the project. Each peer review group must:

 meet annually until the project is completed; review the project within 90 days after any significant change in its scope, schedule, or budget; and report on the findings of each review to DOT, Congress, and the recipient. Each recipient must publish such report on its website, along with the name, license number, and license type of each engineer supervising an aspect of the project.

transportation accountability oversight act bill requires recipient federal financial assistance national highway system provisions project estimated total cost billion projects identified department_of_transportation dot order authorized construction submit dot comprehensive risk management plan contains description process recipient identify quantify monitor risks result cost overruns project delays reduced construction quality reductions benefits examples mechanisms recipient use track risks plan control risks assurances recipient regularly submit updated cost estimates maintain regularly reassess financial reserves addressing risks recipient establish peer_review group expert advice scientific technical project management aspects project peer_review group meet annually project completed review project days significant change scope schedule budget report findings review dot congress recipient recipient publish report website license number license type engineer supervising aspect project


Summary:
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require all railroad carriers to establish and implement a fatigue management plan that identifies and evaluates any fatigue-related railroad safety hazards on its system and determine the degree of risk associated with each hazard.

DOT shall ensure that railroad carriers provide their employees with predictable work and rest schedules that have either a defined start time or a minimum of 10 hours prior notification before being required to report to duty.

A compromise of a civil penalty for violations of railroad safety regulations or orders may not reduce the minimum federal penalties set for such violations.

DOT shall impose a penalty for a violation at least 30 days after its occurrence without regard to any correction of the violation by the liable party.

The bill revises standards for the installation of inward- and outward-facing imaging recording devices in all controlling locomotive cabs and cab car operating compartments of intercity rail passenger and commuter rail passenger trains.

An in-cab audio or image recording obtained by a railroad carrier may not be used to discipline or be used in an Federal Railroad Administration enforcement proceeding against a railroad employee.

Each freight rail service carrier may voluntarily install DOT-approved inward- or outward-facing image recording devices in their trains.

bill directs department_of_transportation dot require railroad carriers establish implement fatigue management plan identifies evaluates fatigue related railroad safety hazards system determine degree risk associated hazard dot shall ensure railroad carriers provide employees work rest schedules defined start time minimum hours prior notification required report duty compromise civil penalty violations railroad safety regulations orders reduce minimum federal penalties set violations dot shall impose penalty violation days occurrence regard correction violation liable party bill revises standards installation outward facing imaging recording devices controlling locomotive cab car operating compartments intercity rail passenger commuter rail passenger trains cab audio image recording obtained railroad carrier discipline federal_railroad_administration enforcement proceeding railroad employee freight rail service carrier voluntarily install dot approved outward facing image recording devices trains


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

(Sec. 1) This bill declares that an airport owner or operator who renews a covered lease shall not be treated as violating that owner's or operator's written airport improvement project grant assurance requirement to maintain a schedule of airport passenger user charges that will make the airport as self-sustaining as possible under existing circumstances.

The bill defines "covered lease" to mean a lease:

 already existing before enactment of this bill, in which a nominal lease rate is provided, under which the lessee is a federal or state government entity, and that supports the operation of Air Force or Air National Guard aircraft at the airport or remotely from the airport.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated sec bill declares airport owner operator renews covered lease shall treated violating owner operator written airport improvement project grant assurance requirement maintain schedule airport passenger user charges airport self sustaining possible existing circumstances bill defines covered lease mean lease existing enactment bill nominal lease rate provided lessee federal state government entity supports operation air_force air_national_guard aircraft airport remotely airport


Summary:
Freight Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a 1% tax on certain ground transportation of property within the United States.

In addition, the bill establishes: (1) a National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund, consisting of amounts equivalent to taxes received under the bill; and (2) a National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Improvement Program, through which the Department of Transportation is authorized to make competitive grants for eligible costs associated with projects to improve freight mobility.

freight infrastructure reinvestment act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code impose tax certain ground transportation property united_states addition bill establishes national freight mobility infrastructure fund consisting amounts equivalent taxes received bill national freight mobility infrastructure improvement program department_of_transportation authorized competitive grants eligible costs associated projects improve freight mobility


Summary:
This bill revises the term "urbanized area" with respect to public transportation improvement projects to also treat areas as an urbanized area if the Department of Commerce determines that:

 the area was designated in a previous decennial census as an urbanized area, the area was not designated in the most recent decennial census as an urbanized area as the result of a natural disaster that caused the area's population to fall below 50,000 people, and the most recent annual estimate of the Bureau of the Census estimates the area's population to be restored to 50,000 or more people.

bill revises term urbanized area respect public transportation improvement projects treat areas urbanized area department_of_commerce determines area designated previous decennial census urbanized area area designated recent decennial census urbanized area result natural disaster caused area population fall people recent annual estimate bureau_of_the_census estimates area population restored people


Summary:
Local Transportation Infrastructure Act

Revises and reauthorizes the state infrastructure bank program for FY2015 and FY2016.

local transportation infrastructure act revises reauthorizes state infrastructure bank program fy2015 fy2016


Summary:
Rebuild America Act of 2015

Reduces the non-federal share of the cost of any activity funded by this Act by 50% of what it was before enactment of this Act.

Appropriates funds for FY2015-FY2022 to the Highway Trust Fund to improve roads, bridges, and other U.S. transportation infrastructure.

Appropriates funds for FY2015-FY2019: (1) for intercity high-speed rail service, (2) to provide credit assistance for surface transportation projects of national and regional significance, (3) to implement airport improvement and noise compatibility projects at public-use airports, (4) to the Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate deployment of satellite technology to improve airport safety and capacity, and (5) for the TIGER Discretionary Grant Program.

Appropriates funds for FY2015-FY2019 for water infrastructure, including to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for capitalization grants to states to establish water pollution control revolving funds and drinking water treatment revolving loan funds and for loans for large water infrastructure projects that are ineligible for funding from a state revolving loan fund; (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to carry out the predisaster hazard mitigation program for minor localized flood reduction projects and major flood risk reduction projects; and (3) the Army Corps of Engineers for inland waterways projects, coastal harbors and channels, inland harbors, and dams and levees.

Appropriates funds for FY2015-FY2019 for the National Park Service.

Appropriates funds for FY2015-FY2019 for the Broadband Initiatives Program, the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, and the Department of Energy to modernize the electric grid.

Establishes the National Infrastructure Development Bank as a wholly owned government corporation.

Makes the Bank's Board of Directors responsible for monitoring and overseeing energy, environmental, telecommunications, data, or transportation infrastructure projects. Authorizes the Board to:

 make senior and subordinated loans and purchase senior and subordinated debt securities; issue and sell debt securities of the Bank; issue public benefit bonds and provide direct subsidies to infrastructure projects from the proceeds; make loan guarantees; borrow on the global capital market and lend to regional, state, and local entities, and commercial banks, to fund infrastructure projects; and purchase, pool, and sell infrastructure-related loans and securities on the global capital market. Requires the Board to establish: (1) an Executive Committee, a Risk Management Committee, and an Audit Committee; and (2) criteria for determining eligibility for financial assistance from the Bank and disclosure and application procedures for entities to nominate projects for such assistance. Requires the Bank to conduct an analysis that considers the economic, environmental, and social benefits and costs of each project under consideration, prioritizing projects that contribute to economic growth, lead to job creation, and are of regional or national significance. Sets forth criteria to be considered by the Board in determining the eligibility of transportation, environmental, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure projects for assistance.

Exempts all bonds issued by the Bank from state or local government taxation. Deems all debt securities and other obligations issued by the Bank to be exempt securities within the meaning of laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sets forth requirements regarding compliance of financed infrastructure projects with prevailing wage rate, domestic content, and buy American statutes. Authorizes appropriations for the capitalization of the Bank.

rebuild america act reduces non federal share cost activity funded act enactment act appropriates funds fy2015 fy2022 highway_trust_fund improve roads bridges transportation infrastructure appropriates funds fy2015-fy2019 intercity high speed rail service provide credit assistance surface_transportation projects national regional significance implement airport improvement noise compatibility projects public use airports federal_aviation_administration accelerate deployment satellite technology improve airport safety capacity tiger discretionary grant program appropriates funds fy2015-fy2019 water infrastructure including environmental_protection_agency capitalization grants states establish water pollution control revolving funds drinking water treatment revolving loan funds loans large water infrastructure projects ineligible funding state revolving loan fund federal_emergency_management_agency fema carry hazard mitigation program minor flood reduction projects major flood risk reduction projects army_corps_of_engineers inland waterways projects coastal harbors channels inland harbors dams levees appropriates funds fy2015-fy2019 national_park_service appropriates funds fy2015-fy2019 broadband initiatives program broadband technology opportunities program department_of_energy modernize electric grid establishes national infrastructure development bank wholly owned government corporation makes bank board_of_directors responsible monitoring overseeing energy environmental telecommunications data transportation infrastructure projects authorizes board senior subordinated loans purchase senior subordinated debt securities issue sell debt securities bank issue public benefit bonds provide direct subsidies infrastructure projects proceeds loan guarantees borrow global capital market lend regional state local entities commercial banks fund infrastructure projects purchase pool sell infrastructure related loans securities global capital market requires board establish executive committee risk management committee audit committee criteria determining eligibility financial assistance bank disclosure application procedures entities nominate projects assistance requires bank conduct analysis considers economic environmental social benefits costs project consideration prioritizing projects contribute economic growth lead job creation regional national significance sets forth criteria considered board determining eligibility transportation environmental energy telecommunications infrastructure projects assistance exempts bonds issued bank state local government taxation deems debt securities obligations issued bank exempt securities meaning laws administered securities_and_exchange_commission sets forth requirements compliance financed infrastructure projects prevailing wage rate domestic content buy american statutes authorizes appropriations capitalization bank


Summary:
Pay Our Coast Guard Act

This bill provides FY2015 appropriations to the Coast Guard for any period during which FY2015 appropriations are not in effect. The appropriations are provided to the Coast Guard for:

 pay and allowances for members of the Coast Guard, civilian employees, and contractors; and the payment of a death gratuity, funeral travel, and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The appropriations are provided until the enactment of specified appropriations legislation or January 1, 2016.

pay coast_guard act bill provides fy2015 appropriations coast_guard period fy2015 appropriations effect appropriations provided coast_guard pay allowances members coast_guard civilian employees contractors payment death gratuity funeral travel temporary continuation basic allowance housing dependents members coast_guard dying active duty appropriations provided enactment specified appropriations legislation january


Summary:
Innovation in Surface Transportation Act of 2015

 Directs the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with state transportation departments, to establish an innovation in surface transportation program.

Requires states to make competitive grants for innovative surface transportation projects to eligible entities, including local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, tribal governments, private providers of public transportation, nonprofit transportation organizations, port authorities, joint power authorities, freight rail providers, and local rail authorities.

Requires each state (including the governor and state department of transportation) to establish an innovation in surface transportation selection panel to formulate criteria for selecting projects.

Requires a state to reserve certain percentages of federal funds apportioned for the national highway performance, the highway safety improvement, the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, surface transportation, and transportation alternatives programs in order to fund related projects under state innovative surface transportation grants.

Authorizes states to reserve a certain percentage of such funds for a fiscal year to meet specific requests for project application support from eligible rural local governments.

innovation surface_transportation act directs secretary transportation coordination state transportation departments establish innovation surface_transportation program requires states competitive grants innovative surface_transportation projects eligible entities including local governments metropolitan planning organizations regional transportation authorities transit agencies tribal governments private providers public transportation nonprofit transportation organizations port authorities joint power authorities freight rail providers local rail authorities requires state including governor state department_of_transportation establish innovation surface_transportation selection panel formulate criteria selecting projects requires state reserve certain percentages federal funds apportioned national highway performance highway safety improvement congestion mitigation air quality improvement surface_transportation transportation alternatives programs order fund related projects state innovative surface_transportation grants authorizes states reserve certain percentage funds fiscal year meet specific requests project application support eligible rural local governments


Summary:
Track, Railroad, and Infrastructure Network Act

This bill exempts improvements to, maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of railroad or rail transit lines (but not stations) that are in use or were historically used for the transportation of goods or passengers from federal policies and requirements for the preservation of public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. This permits such activities without the necessity to: (1) demonstrate there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of such land, and (2) plan to minimize harm to a historic site.

The Secretary of Transportation (DOT) may make a finding of de minimis impact on such preservation as a result of mitigation undertaken pursuant to a review of a transportation program or project pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act.

Any rail project that requires DOT approval shall be subject to specified environmental project development procedures.

Any environmental impact statement, categorical exclusion, or other decision relating to a transportation project that is issued by a DOT agency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 shall be available to any rail project to which that statement, exclusion, or decision reasonably applies.

track railroad infrastructure network act bill exempts improvements maintenance rehabilitation operation railroad rail transit lines stations use historically transportation goods passengers federal policies requirements preservation public park recreation lands wildlife waterfowl refuges historic sites permits activities necessity demonstrate feasible prudent alternative use land plan minimize harm historic site secretary transportation dot finding minimis impact preservation result mitigation undertaken pursuant review transportation program project pursuant national_historic_preservation_act rail project requires dot approval shall subject specified environmental project development procedures environmental impact statement categorical exclusion decision relating transportation project issued dot agency national_environmental_policy_act shall available rail project statement exclusion decision reasonably applies


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015

 (Sec. 3) Removes the Surface Transportation Board from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish it as an independent U.S. agency.

Repeals the requirement that DOT provide administrative support for the Board.

(Sec. 4) Increases Board membership from three to five members.

Increases from two to three the minimum number of Board members who must have professional standing and demonstrated knowledge in the fields of transportation, transportation regulation, or economic regulation.

Increases from one to two the minimum number of Board members who must have professional or business experience (including agriculture) in the private sector.

(Sec. 5) Authorizes a majority of Board members to hold a meeting not open to the public to discuss official business if:

 no formal or informal vote or other official agency action is taken, each individual present is a Board member or employee, and the Board's General Counsel is present. Requires the Board to disclose topics and participants within two business days after any non-public meeting, unless the discussion relates to an ongoing proceeding, in which case the required disclosure is postponed till the date of the final Board decision.

(Sec. 6) Requires the Board to:

 establish a database of rail service complaints it has received, and post quarterly reports of rail rate reasonableness cases as well as rail service complaints it has received on its website. (Sec. 7) Reauthorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2020 for the Board.

(Sec. 8) Allows a rail carrier's agent to be located outside of Washington, DC.

(Sec. 9) Grants the DOT Inspector General authority to review only the financial management, property management, and business operations of the Board to determine its compliance with federal laws, rules, and regulations. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 11) Requires the Board to:

 maintain one or more simplified and expedited methods for determining the reasonableness of challenged rail rates in cases where a full stand-alone cost presentation is too costly, given the value of the case; and maintain procedures to ensure expeditious handling of challenges to the reasonableness of rail rates. Prescribes time limits for Board review of rail rate reasonableness cases, including:

 150 days for discovery, 155 days for development of the evidentiary record, 60 days for submission of a closing brief, and 180 days for a final Board decision. Authorizes the Board to extend a timeline after a request from any party or in the interest of due process.

Repeals certain rail service contract limitations involving the transportation of agricultural commodities.

(Sec. 12) Authorizes the Board to investigate rail carrier and pipeline carrier violations on its own initiative as well as on complaint (as under existing law). Prescribes requirements for investigations commenced on the Board's own initiative.

(Sec. 13) Requires the Board to establish a voluntary binding arbitration process to resolve rail rate and practice disputes.

(Sec. 14) Directs the Government Accountability Office to study rail rate contract proposals containing multiple origin-to-destination movements.

(Sec. 15) Directs the Board to report to Congress on whether:

 current large rate case methodologies are sufficient, not unduly complex, and cost effective; and sound economic alternative methodologies exist, or could be developed, to streamline and expedite large rate cases. Requires the Board to make quarterly reports to Congress on its progress toward addressing the issues raised in each unfinished regulatory proceeding, regardless of whether the proceeding is subject to a statutory or regulatory deadline.

(Sec. 16) Requires Board standards and procedures for establishing revenue levels for rail carriers to be adequate for the infrastructure and investment needed to meet the present and future demand for rail services.

(Sec. 17) Declares that nothing in this Act may be construed to affect any suit commenced by or against the Board, or any proceeding or challenge pending before it, before the enactment of this Act.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate reported version repeated surface_transportation_board reauthorization act sec removes surface_transportation_board department_of_transportation dot establish independent agency repeals requirement dot provide administrative support board sec increases board membership members increases minimum number board members professional standing demonstrated knowledge fields transportation transportation regulation economic regulation increases minimum number board members professional business experience including agriculture private sector sec authorizes majority board members hold meeting open public discuss official business formal informal vote official agency action taken individual present board member employee board general counsel present requires board disclose topics participants business days non public meeting discussion relates ongoing proceeding case required disclosure till date final board decision sec requires board establish database rail service complaints received post quarterly reports rail rate reasonableness cases rail service complaints received website sec reauthorizes appropriations fy2016-fy2020 board sec allows rail carrier agent located outside washington sec grants dot_inspector general authority review financial management property management business operations board determine compliance federal laws rules regulations authorizes appropriations sec requires board maintain simplified expedited methods determining reasonableness challenged rail rates cases stand cost presentation costly given value case maintain procedures ensure expeditious handling challenges reasonableness rail rates prescribes time limits board review rail rate reasonableness cases including days discovery days development evidentiary record days submission closing brief days final board decision authorizes board extend timeline request party interest process repeals certain rail service contract limitations involving transportation agricultural commodities sec authorizes board investigate rail carrier pipeline carrier violations initiative complaint existing law prescribes requirements investigations commenced board initiative sec requires board establish voluntary binding arbitration process resolve rail rate practice disputes sec directs government_accountability_office study rail rate contract proposals containing multiple origin destination movements sec directs board report congress current large rate case methodologies sufficient unduly complex cost effective sound economic alternative methodologies exist developed streamline expedite large rate cases requires board quarterly reports congress progress addressing issues raised unfinished regulatory proceeding regardless proceeding subject statutory regulatory deadline sec requires board standards procedures establishing revenue levels rail carriers adequate infrastructure investment needed meet present future demand rail services sec declares act construed affect suit commenced board proceeding challenge pending enactment act


Summary:
Transportation Empowerment Act

This bill prescribes a limitation on funding of transportation programs and projects for FY2016-FY2020.

Appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) are authorized for FY2016-FY2020, subject to a certain limitation, for specified core programs under the federal-aid highway program, including:

 emergency relief for highways and roads, the federal lands transportation program, and Federal Highway Administration administrative expenses. A state may transfer and use excess federal-aid highway funds for any surface transportation project (including mass transit and rail).

Certain limits are placed on federal assistance to states for highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation to bridges on the federal-aid highway system.

Beginning with FY2015, a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered a federal project:

 unless and until a state expends federal funds for the construction portion of the project, solely by reason of the state expenditure of federal funds before the construction phase of the project (including for any environmental document or design work), or upon state reimbursement to the federal government of the federal costs of such projects. The Internal Revenue Code is amended to make amounts in the HTF available for expenditure for core highway programs through FY2022.

The Department of the Treasury shall pay from the HTF into the Treasury general fund amounts equivalent to the floor stocks refunds made before July 1, 2022, as well as into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund amounts equivalent to certain aviation fuel taxes received before October 1, 2022.

A motor fuel tax rate schedule is prescribed for the financing of core highway programs.

Treasury authority to make certain transfers to the Mass Transit Account shall be terminated at the end of FY2016, at which time Treasury shall transfer all amounts from the Mass Transit Account to the Highway Account.

The national highway performance program is revised to repeal program requirements for specified National Highway System transportation improvement projects, including environmental mitigation projects.

The surface transportation program is revised to eliminate from eligibility for program assistance:

 carpool projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities and programs, including electric vehicle and natural gas vehicle infrastructure, and bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways projects; transportation alternatives; and environmental mitigation projects, including environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects. Also repealed are:

 the obligation of a state to use a portion of program funds for replacement or rehabilitation of off-system bridges, metropolitan transportation planning requirements for federal-aid highways, and the authorization of federal assistance to states for historic bridges. Certain requirements of the highway safety improvement program are revised or repealed, eliminating eligibility for projects for pedestrian or bicyclist safety or safety of persons with disabilities.

The congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and the transportation alternatives program are repealed.

Appropriations out of the HTF (other than the Mass Transit Account) are authorized for FY2016-FY2020 for the highway research and development program.

Treasury shall allocate to the states for surface transportation projects (including mass transit and rail) any excess highway tax receipts appropriated to the HTF in FY2016-FY2019.

Excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene, and diesel-water fuel emulsion are reduced.

Credits or refunds are required for certain floor stocks taxes on liquids imposed before October 1, 2020.

This Act shall become effective only if the Office of Management and Budget certifies that it is deficit neutral.

transportation empowerment act bill prescribes limitation funding transportation programs projects fy2016-fy2020 appropriations highway_trust_fund htf mass transit account authorized fy2016-fy2020 subject certain limitation specified core programs federal aid highway program including emergency relief highways roads federal lands transportation program federal_highway_administration administrative expenses state transfer use excess federal aid highway funds surface_transportation project including mass transit rail certain limits placed federal assistance states highway bridge replacement rehabilitation bridges federal aid highway system beginning fy2015 highway construction improvement project shall considered federal project state expends federal funds construction portion project solely reason state expenditure federal funds construction phase project including environmental document design work state reimbursement federal_government federal costs projects internal_revenue_code amended amounts htf available expenditure core highway programs fy2022 department_of_the_treasury shall pay htf treasury general_fund amounts equivalent floor stocks refunds july airport airway_trust_fund amounts equivalent certain aviation fuel taxes received october motor fuel tax rate schedule prescribed financing core highway programs treasury authority certain transfers mass transit account shall terminated end fy2016 time treasury shall transfer amounts mass transit account highway account national highway performance program revised repeal program requirements specified national highway system transportation improvement projects including environmental mitigation projects surface_transportation program revised eliminate eligibility program assistance projects fringe corridor parking facilities programs including electric vehicle natural gas vehicle infrastructure bicycle transportation pedestrian projects transportation alternatives environmental mitigation projects including environmental restoration pollution abatement projects repealed obligation state use portion program funds replacement rehabilitation system bridges metropolitan transportation planning requirements federal aid highways authorization federal assistance states historic bridges certain requirements highway safety improvement program revised repealed eliminating eligibility projects pedestrian safety safety persons disabilities congestion mitigation air quality improvement program transportation alternatives program repealed appropriations htf mass transit account authorized fy2016-fy2020 highway research development program treasury shall allocate states surface_transportation projects including mass transit rail excess highway tax receipts appropriated htf fy2016 fy2019 excise taxes gasoline diesel fuel kerosene diesel water fuel emulsion reduced credits refunds required certain floor stocks taxes liquids imposed october act shall effective office_of_management_and_budget certifies deficit neutral


Summary:
Jurassic Pork Act

This bill rescinds unused earmarks previously appropriated to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and transfers the balances to the Highway Trust Fund.

Under the House and Senate rules, an earmark is a provision or report language included primarily at the request of a Member of Congress providing, authorizing, or recommending a specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific state, locality or congressional district, other than through a statutory or administrative formula-driven or competitive award process.

Under this bill, earmarks provided to DOT are unused and rescinded if more than 90% of the funding remains available for obligation at the end of the 9th fiscal year following the year the earmark was made available. DOT may delay the rescission if it determines that an additional obligation is likely to occur during the 10th year after funds were made available.

The bill requires each federal agency to submit an annual report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) identifying: (1) each earmark for a project that is ineligible for funding, (2) projects for which funding has been made available under an earmark, and (3) projects with unobligated balances.

OMB must submit to Congress and post on its website an annual report including an accounting of unobligated earmarks, rescissions resulting from this bill, and DOT earmarks scheduled to be rescinded.

pork act bill rescinds unused earmarks previously appropriated department_of_transportation dot transfers balances highway_trust_fund house senate rules earmark provision report language included primarily request member congress providing authorizing recommending specific discretionary budget authority credit authority spending authority contract loan loan guarantee grant loan authority expenditure entity targeted specific state locality congressional district statutory administrative formula driven competitive award process bill earmarks provided dot unused rescinded funding remains available obligation end 9th fiscal year following year earmark available dot delay rescission determines additional obligation likely occur 10th year funds available bill requires federal agency submit annual report office_of_management_and_budget omb identifying earmark project ineligible funding projects funding available earmark projects unobligated balances omb submit congress post website annual report including accounting unobligated earmarks rescissions resulting bill dot earmarks scheduled rescinded


Summary:
National Multimodal Freight Policy and Investment Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to:

 establish a national multimodal freight network, a national multimodal freight advisory committee, and a freight investment grant program; and develop a national multimodal freight strategic plan. Each state receiving a freight investment grant shall also develop a freight investment plan and establish a state freight advisory committee.

The bill establishes in DOT an Office of Freight Planning, Permitting, and Development.

DOT shall establish a competitive capital grant program to provide financial assistance to states, metropolitan planning organizations, regional or local transportation authorities, tribal governments, and other entities for:

 shortline or regional railroad infrastructure improvement projects, and highway-rail vertical grade separation projects.

national multimodal freight policy investment act bill directs department_of_transportation dot establish national multimodal freight network national multimodal freight advisory_committee freight investment grant program develop national multimodal freight strategic plan state receiving freight investment grant shall develop freight investment plan establish state freight advisory_committee bill establishes dot office freight planning permitting development dot shall establish competitive capital grant program provide financial assistance states metropolitan planning organizations regional local transportation authorities tribal governments entities regional railroad infrastructure improvement projects highway rail grade separation projects


Summary:
Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015

This bill establishes in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Secretary an Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center to support modernization efforts at federal agencies and interagency pilots for innovative approaches to the permitting and review of infrastructure projects.

DOT shall establish standards that ensure the safety of the surface transportation network for motorized and nonmotorized users.

The bill revises and reauthorizes the state infrastructure bank program for FY2016-FY2021.

 DOT shall establish a national multimodal freight network and develop a national freight strategic plan.

The bill allows states to develop freight investment plans.

 DOT shall develop a five-year transportation research and development (R&D) strategic plan.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration is eliminated, and DOT shall be responsible generally for coordination and review of DOT R&D programs and activities.

The bill also eliminates the DOT Office of Intermodalism of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration.

Port Performance Act

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shall establish a port performance statistics program to provide nationally consistent measures of performance of at least the nation's top 25 ports by tonnage, its top 25 ports by 20-foot equivalent unit, and its top 25 ports by dry bulk.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shall commission the National Research Council of the National Academies to study the Safety Measurement System (SMS) and the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program.

The bill establishes a national hiring standard for motor carriers.

The FMCSA shall establish:

 procedures for exemption from federal hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers, and a six-year pilot program to study the feasibility of allowing licensed drivers between ages 18 and 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles. DOT shall administer a financial assistance program for discretionary grants to and cooperative agreements with states, local governments, federally-recognized Indian tribes, and other persons to carry out high priority motor carrier safety activities and projects.

The bill reauthorizes for:

 FY2017-FY2021, FMCSA Financial Assistance Programs, FY2016-FY2021, FMCSA expenses, and FY2016, FMCSA programs. Drug Free Commercial Driver Act of 2015

Motor carriers may use hair testing as an acceptable alternative to mandatory urinalysis for detecting use of controlled substances by an operator, but only for preemployment testing and random testing.

The bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2021:

 hazmat transportation safety projects, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety programs. DOT shall award separate grants to each state that:

 adopts and is enforcing a law that requires all individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or driving while intoxicated to receive a restriction on driving privileges; and either adopts and is enforcing a mandatory alcohol-ignition interlock law for all individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or of driving while intoxicated, or provides a 24-7 sobriety program. NHTSA shall identify additional actions that it should take to assist states in their efforts to increase public awareness of the dangers of drug-impaired driving, including the dangers of driving while under the influence of heroin or prescription opioids.

Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act

 DOT may not award grants or funds to any state or local government for any program to check helmet usage or create checkpoints for motorcycle drivers or passengers.

Improving Driver Safety Act of 2015

States may use distracted driving incentive program grants for enforcement of distracted driving laws as well as highway safety program projects.

The bill revises minimum requirements for state graduated driver licensing incentive grant programs.

 DOT shall award incentive grants to states with graduated driving licensing laws that require novice drivers under age 18 (currently, under age 21) to comply with a two-stage licensing process before receiving an unrestricted driver's license.

Such laws shall, at a minimum, include a learner's permit stage that:

 makes a violation of the prohibition against using a personal wireless communications device while driving (with specified emergency exceptions) a primary offense; requires applicants to pass a vision and knowledge assessment before receiving a learner's permit; requires the driver to be accompanied and supervised at all times while operating the motor vehicle by a licensed driver at least age 21 or by a state-certified driving instructor; requires the driver to complete a state-certified driver education or training course or obtain at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (with at least 10 hours at night), with a licensed driver; and remains in effect until the driver attains age 16 and enters the intermediate stage, or attains 18. Such laws shall also include an intermediate permit stage that:

 begins immediately after successful completion of a driving skills assessment, makes a violation of the prohibition against using a personal wireless communications device while driving (with specified emergency exceptions) a primary offense, restricts driving at night between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. when not supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older (with specified exceptions) for the first six months of the intermediate stage, and remains in effect until the driver attains age 17. The bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2021 the administration of DOT motor vehicle safety requirements and requirements for consumer information, bumper standards, odometers, automobile fuel economy, and theft prevention.

 DOT shall implement current information technology, web design trends, and best practices to ensure that motor vehicle safety recall information is readily accessible to the public on its website.

Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015

The bill authorizes a rental company that receives a notification (approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) from the manufacturer of a covered rental vehicle about any equipment defect, or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, to rent or sell the vehicle or equipment only if the defect or noncompliance is remedied.

Covered rental vehicle means one: (1) rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less, (2) rented without a driver for an initial term of under 4 months, and (3) that is part of a motor vehicle fleet of 5 or more motor vehicles used for rental purposes by a rental company.

A rental company may rent (but not sell or lease) a motor vehicle subject to recall if the defect or noncompliance remedy is not immediately available and the company takes any actions specified in the notice to alter the vehicle temporarily to eliminate the safety risk posed.

Rental companies are prohibited from knowingly making inoperable any safety devices or elements of design installed on or in a compliant motor vehicle or vehicle equipment unless the company reasonably believes the vehicle or equipment will not be used when the devices or elements are inoperable.

The bill increases from $5,000 to $14,000 maximum civil penalties for certain violations of motor vehicle safety, and from $35 million to $70 million the maximum civil penalty for a series of violations.

Driver Privacy Act of 2015

Any data in an event data recorder required to be installed in a passenger motor vehicle shall be the property of the vehicle owner or lessee, regardless of when the vehicle was manufactured.

Safety Through Informed Consumers Act of 2015

 DOT shall promulgate a rule to ensure that passenger motor vehicle crash avoidance information is indicated next to crashworthiness information on stickers placed on motor vehicles by their manufacturers.

Tire Efficiency, Safety, and Registration Act of 2015 or the TESR Act

 DOT shall promulgate regulations for:

 tire fuel efficiency minimum performance standards, and tire wet traction minimum performance standards. DOT shall initiate a rulemaking to require independent distributors or dealers of tires to maintain records containing certain information on sales of tires.

 DOT shall establish a publicly available electronic tire recall database.

Rail Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency Act

The bill reauthorizes appropriations for FY2016-FY2019 to DOT for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) for:

 the Northeast Corridor investment account, including a state-supported account, a long-distance account, and an other national network activities account; national infrastructure and safety investments grants; National Transportation Safety Board rail investigations; and the Office of the Inspector General. Amtrak shall establish internal controls to ensure its costs, revenues, and other compensation are allocated to specified features of its national network activities.

Amtrak shall submit to Congress and DOT final five-year business line plans and five-year asset plans.

DOT shall develop a program for issuing three-year competitive operating assistance grants to states and other eligible entities to enhance intercity rail passenger service.

DOT may make grants to states and other eligible entities to assist in financing the cost of rail projects to improve the safety of passenger and freight rail transportation systems.

DOT shall require each Class I railroad carrier and entity providing regularly scheduled intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation to develop a plan for implementing a positive train control (PTC) system by December 31, 2015, (currently, 2018) on certain of its tracks.

Track, Railroad, and Infrastructure Network Act

The bill exempts improvements to, maintenance, rehabilitation, or operation of, railroad or rail transit lines (but not stations) that are in use or were historically used for the transportation of goods or passengers from federal policies and requirements for the preservation of public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites.

Railroad Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act

 The bill revises Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program requirements.

comprehensive transportation consumer protection act bill establishes department_of_transportation dot office_of_the_secretary interagency infrastructure permitting improvement center support modernization efforts federal agencies interagency pilots innovative approaches permitting review infrastructure projects dot shall establish standards ensure safety surface_transportation network motorized nonmotorized users bill revises reauthorizes state infrastructure bank program fy2016 fy2021 dot shall establish national multimodal freight network develop national freight strategic plan bill allows states develop freight investment plans dot shall develop year transportation research development strategic plan office assistant secretary research technology research innovative technology_administration eliminated dot shall responsible generally coordination review dot programs activities bill eliminates dot office research innovative technology_administration port performance act bureau transportation statistics shall establish port performance statistics program provide nationally consistent measures performance nation ports tonnage ports foot equivalent unit ports dry bulk federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa shall commission national_research_council national academies study safety measurement system compliance safety accountability csa program bill establishes national hiring standard motor carriers fmcsa shall establish procedures exemption federal hours service requirements commercial motor vehicle drivers year pilot program study feasibility allowing licensed drivers ages operate commercial motor vehicles dot shall administer financial assistance program discretionary grants cooperative agreements states local governments federally recognized indian tribes persons carry high priority motor carrier safety activities projects bill reauthorizes fy2017-fy2021 fmcsa financial assistance programs fy2016 fy2021 fmcsa expenses fy2016 fmcsa programs drug free commercial driver act motor carriers use hair testing acceptable alternative mandatory detecting use controlled substances operator testing random testing bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2021 hazmat transportation safety projects national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa safety programs dot shall award separate grants state adopts enforcing law requires individuals convicted driving influence alcohol driving intoxicated receive restriction driving privileges adopts enforcing mandatory alcohol ignition law individuals convicted driving influence alcohol driving intoxicated provides program nhtsa shall identify additional actions assist states efforts increase public awareness dangers drug impaired driving including dangers driving influence heroin prescription opioids stop checkpoint funding act dot award grants funds state local government program check helmet usage create checkpoints drivers passengers improving driver safety act states use driving incentive program grants enforcement driving laws highway safety program projects bill revises minimum requirements state graduated driver licensing incentive grant programs dot shall award incentive grants states graduated driving licensing laws require drivers age currently age comply stage licensing process receiving unrestricted driver license laws shall minimum include learner permit stage makes violation prohibition personal wireless communications device driving specified emergency exceptions primary offense requires applicants pass vision knowledge assessment receiving learner permit requires driver accompanied supervised times operating motor vehicle licensed driver age state certified driving instructor requires driver complete state certified driver education training course obtain hours wheel training hours night licensed driver remains effect driver attains age enters intermediate stage attains laws shall include intermediate permit stage begins immediately successful completion driving skills assessment makes violation prohibition personal wireless communications device driving specified emergency exceptions primary offense restricts driving night hours supervised licensed driver age older specified exceptions months intermediate stage remains effect driver attains age bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2021 administration dot motor vehicle safety requirements requirements consumer information standards automobile fuel economy theft prevention dot shall implement current information technology web design trends best practices ensure motor vehicle safety recall information readily accessible public website safe rental car act bill authorizes rental company receives notification approved national_highway_traffic_safety_administration manufacturer covered rental vehicle equipment defect noncompliance federal motor vehicle safety standards rent sell vehicle equipment defect noncompliance remedied covered rental vehicle means rated pounds gross vehicle weight rented driver initial term months motor vehicle fleet motor vehicles rental purposes rental company rental company rent sell lease motor vehicle subject recall defect noncompliance remedy immediately available company takes actions specified notice alter vehicle temporarily eliminate safety risk posed rental companies prohibited knowingly making inoperable safety devices elements design installed compliant motor vehicle vehicle equipment company reasonably believes vehicle equipment devices elements inoperable bill increases maximum civil penalties certain violations motor vehicle safety million million maximum civil penalty series violations driver privacy_act data event data recorder required installed passenger motor vehicle shall property vehicle owner lessee regardless vehicle manufactured safety informed consumers act dot shall promulgate rule ensure passenger motor vehicle crash avoidance information indicated information placed motor vehicles manufacturers tire efficiency safety registration act act dot shall promulgate regulations tire fuel efficiency minimum performance standards tire wet minimum performance standards dot shall initiate rulemaking require independent distributors dealers tires maintain records containing certain information sales tires dot shall establish publicly available electronic tire recall database rail reform enhancement efficiency_act bill reauthorizes appropriations fy2016 fy2019 dot national_railroad_passenger_corporation amtrak northeast corridor investment account including state supported account long distance account national network activities account national infrastructure safety investments grants national_transportation_safety_board rail investigations office_of_the_inspector_general amtrak shall establish internal controls ensure costs revenues compensation allocated specified features national network activities amtrak shall submit congress dot final year business line plans year asset plans dot shall develop program issuing year competitive operating assistance grants states eligible entities enhance intercity rail passenger service dot grants states eligible entities assist financing cost rail projects improve safety passenger freight rail transportation systems dot shall require class railroad carrier entity providing regularly scheduled intercity commuter rail passenger transportation develop plan implementing positive train control ptc system december currently certain tracks track railroad infrastructure network act bill exempts improvements maintenance rehabilitation operation railroad rail transit lines stations use historically transportation goods passengers federal policies requirements preservation public park recreation lands wildlife waterfowl refuges historic sites railroad infrastructure financing improvement act bill revises railroad rehabilitation improvement financing program requirements


Summary:
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to:

 promulgate regulations establishing categories of early warning motor vehicle safety information, especially about fatal incidents, that must be made available to the public; and take specified steps to improve public accessibility to information on vehicle safety databases of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The DOT Inspector General shall report biennially on the pre-investigation processes of the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation to collect and analyze vehicle safety data and determine potential safety issues.

DOT shall report on the operations of the Council for Vehicle Electronics, Vehicle Software, and Emerging Technologies.

The bill increases civil money penalties for motor vehicle safety violations, and establishes both civil and criminal penalties for knowing failure of a business entity or responsible corporate officer to inform an appropriate federal agency of a serious danger associated with covered products, services, or business practices.

In conducting motor vehicle safety research programs, DOT shall, in coordination with Department of State, enter into cooperative and collaborative research and development agreements with foreign governments.

DOT must immediately notify and order motor vehicle or replacement equipment manufacturers of defects or noncompliance presenting an imminent hazard.

No dealer may sell or lease a used passenger motor vehicle until any defect or noncompliance presenting an imminent hazard has been remedied.

DOT shall:

 complete research into development of an unattended children warning system, initiate a rulemaking to require crash avoidance and mitigation systems for certain motor vehicles, and issue a final rule establishing hood and bumper standards for certain other motor vehicles to reduce the pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The bill reauthorizes motor vehicle safety regulation through FY2021.

A manufacturer's recall obligations shall be enforceable against the manufacturer or successors-in-interest whether accomplished by merger, acquisition of the manufacturer's stock, acquisition of its assets, or confirmation of a reorganization plan under federal bankruptcy law.

Dealers must check for and remedy defective or noncomplying motor vehicles.

DOT shall initiate a rulemaking, establish grants to states, and conduct a pilot program relating to safety recalls.

motor vehicle safety act bill directs department_of_transportation dot promulgate regulations establishing categories early warning motor vehicle safety information especially fatal incidents available public specified steps improve public accessibility information vehicle safety databases national_highway_traffic_safety_administration nhtsa dot_inspector general shall report biennially pre investigation processes nhtsa office defects investigation collect analyze vehicle safety data determine potential safety issues dot shall report operations council vehicle electronics vehicle software emerging technologies bill increases civil money penalties motor vehicle safety violations establishes civil criminal penalties knowing failure business entity responsible corporate officer inform appropriate federal agency danger associated covered products services business practices conducting motor vehicle safety research programs dot shall coordination department_of_state enter cooperative collaborative research development agreements foreign governments dot immediately notify order motor vehicle replacement equipment manufacturers defects noncompliance presenting imminent hazard dealer sell lease passenger motor vehicle defect noncompliance presenting imminent hazard remedied dot shall complete research development children warning system initiate rulemaking require crash avoidance mitigation systems certain motor vehicles issue final rule establishing hood standards certain motor vehicles reduce pedestrian injuries fatalities bill reauthorizes motor vehicle safety regulation fy2021 manufacturer recall obligations shall enforceable manufacturer successors interest accomplished merger acquisition manufacturer stock acquisition assets confirmation reorganization plan federal bankruptcy law dealers check remedy defective noncomplying motor vehicles dot shall initiate rulemaking establish grants states conduct pilot program relating safety recalls


Summary:
Transportation Infrastructure Grants and Economic Reinvestment Act

The bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program under which DOT shall provide competitive grants of between $10 million and $200 million to the District of Columbia, to a state, Indian tribe, U.S. territory, local government, port authority, metropolitan planning organization, transit agency, or another political subdivision of a state or local government, or to two or more of such entities working in collaboration, for eligible transportation projects (including highway or bridge, public transportation, passenger or freight rail transportation, and port infrastructure or intermodal projects) that would have a significant beneficial impact on a state, metropolitan area, or region or the United States.

DOT, in providing such grants, must: (1) ensure an equitable geographical distribution of funds, an appropriate balance in addressing the needs of urban and rural areas, and investment in a variety of transportation modes; and (2) give priority to eligible projects that require a contribution of federal funds to complete an overall financing package.

The bill sets forth primary and secondary criteria for selecting eligible projects.

The bill: (1) limits to 25% the amount of grant funds that may be provided to any state, (2) requires at least 20% of grant funds to be provided for eligible projects located in rural areas, and (3) allows up to 20% of the funds authorized to carry out this Act to be used to pay the subsidy and administrative costs of projects eligible for federal credit assistance under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act upon determining that such use of funds would advance the purposes of this Act.

transportation infrastructure grants economic reinvestment act bill directs department_of_transportation dot establish program dot shall provide competitive grants million million district_of_columbia state indian tribe territory local government port authority metropolitan planning organization transit agency political subdivision state local government entities working collaboration eligible transportation projects including highway bridge public transportation passenger freight rail transportation port infrastructure intermodal projects significant beneficial impact state metropolitan area region united_states dot providing grants ensure equitable geographical distribution funds appropriate balance addressing needs urban rural areas investment variety transportation modes priority eligible projects require contribution federal funds complete overall financing package bill sets forth primary secondary criteria selecting eligible projects bill limits grant funds provided state requires grant funds provided eligible projects located rural areas allows funds authorized carry act pay subsidy administrative costs projects eligible federal credit assistance transportation infrastructure finance innovation_act determining use funds advance purposes act


Summary:
(Sec.1)This bill revises the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard's alternate safety compliance program for certain fishing vessels.

Specifically, the bill delays the date when vessels must comply with the program. Vessels must comply by the later of January 1, 2021, or the end of the three-year period after the Coast Guard issues a final rule establishing the program.The bill also requires vessels that are built before July 1, 2012, to comply with the program. Currently, vessels built before July 1, 2013, must comply.Additionally, a vessel built before July 1, 2012 that undergoes a major conversion after such date must comply with the program.

If the requirements of the program change after establishment, the Coast Guard must provide at least a three-year grace period for vessels to be in compliance with such requirements.

(Sec. 2) The Coast Guard must: (1) publish and disseminate a policy to standardize coordination, outreach, and design of the alternate safety compliance program; and (2) publish a public memorandum for the fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime industry and the public including guidance, timelines, and opportunities for public engagement.

(Sec. 4) The Coast Guard must report to Congress by June 1, 2018, on the progress of the design and implementation of the alternate safety compliance program.

bill revises requirements coast_guard alternate safety compliance program certain fishing vessels specifically bill delays date vessels comply program vessels comply later january end year period coast_guard issues final rule establishing program bill requires vessels built july comply program currently vessels built july comply additionally vessel built july undergoes major conversion date comply program requirements program change establishment coast_guard provide year grace period vessels compliance requirements sec coast_guard publish disseminate policy standardize coordination outreach design alternate safety compliance program publish public memorandum fishing shipbuilding maritime industry public including guidance timelines opportunities public engagement sec coast_guard report congress june progress design implementation alternate safety compliance program


Summary:
Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act

This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to assess, and implement a risk-based strategy to address, threats posed to surface transportation and maritime systems. The TSA shall establish the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for improvements to surface transportation and maritime security.

In addition, the bill:

 allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the TSA's explosives-detection canine-team program; requires the Government Accountability Office to study specified matters related to surface transportation; expands the permissible uses of railroad security improvement grants; requires the TSA to issue a decision on the use of a passenger vetting system by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); requires the TSA to establish processes to improve background checks and terrorism vetting; requires DHS to commission an assessment of its transportation security card program and, if applicable, develop a corrective action plan; with respect to transportation security card applications, establishes priority for members of the Armed Forces; requires DHS to evaluate cargo-container scanning technologies; and revises other provisions related to transportation security.

surface_transportation maritime security act bill requires transportation_security_administration tsa assess implement risk based strategy address threats posed surface_transportation maritime systems tsa shall establish surface_transportation maritime security advisory_committee develop recommendations improvements surface_transportation maritime security addition bill allows department_of_homeland_security dhs expand tsa explosives detection canine team program requires government_accountability_office study specified matters related surface_transportation expands permissible uses railroad security improvement grants requires tsa issue decision use passenger vetting system national_railroad_passenger_corporation amtrak requires tsa establish processes improve background checks terrorism vetting requires dhs commission assessment transportation security card program applicable develop corrective action plan respect transportation security card applications establishes priority members armed_forces requires dhs evaluate cargo container scanning technologies revises provisions related transportation security


Summary: 9/11 Comprehensive Health Benefits Act of 2007 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare-based eligibility and benefits for individuals with a 9/11 disaster-connected health condition. Prohibits a workers' compensation law or plan from discriminating against an individual by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an individual regarding hiring, advancement, compensation, or other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment by virtue of the individual's entitlement to such benefits. Makes Medicare the primary payor for 9/11-related coverage. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a consortium to conduct and coordinate screening, monitoring, treatment, and diagnostic research on the 9/11 disaster-connected health conditions.

comprehensive health benefits act amends title xviii medicare social_security_act provide medicare based eligibility benefits individuals disaster connected health condition prohibits workers compensation law plan discriminating individual virtue individual entitlement benefits prohibits employer discriminating individual hiring advancement compensation terms conditions privileges employment virtue individual entitlement benefits makes medicare primary payor related coverage directs secretary health_and_human_services establish consortium conduct coordinate screening monitoring treatment diagnostic research disaster connected health conditions