Summary:
Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act or the GROW AMERICA Act

 Prescribes requirements for environmental reviews with respect to state and federal agency engagement, obstruction of navigation, historic sites, categorical exclusion of multimodal projects from environmental review, and creation in the Department of Transportation (DOT) of an Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center.

Directs DOT to establish a multimodal freight incentive grant program and a National Freight Infrastructure Program.

Redesignates the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways as the National Highway System and the National Freight Network.

Requires the federal long-range transportation plan to include a transportation system resilience assessment.

Prescribes criteria for high performing metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) representing urbanized areas with populations of over 200,000.

Removes the congestion management process from the transportation planning process for MPOs.

Directs DOT to establish a pilot program for up to 10 MPOs to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for disadvantaged Americans and neighborhoods with limited transportation options.

Revises requirements with respect to congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, including electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-idling facilities in rest areas along the Interstate System.

Establishes in DOT:

 a discretionary TIGER Infrastructure Grant Program for various transportation projects; and a discretionary FAST Grant Program to reform the way surface transportation investments and decisions are made, implemented, and funded to achieve national transportation outcomes. Revises requirements for the funding of railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing, the state infrastructure bank program, toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries.

Establishes within DOT the position of Assistant Secretary for Innovative Finance.

Reauthorizes the federal-aid highway and related programs through FY2021, including revised obligation limitation and apportionment requirements.

Directs DOT to:

 establish a nationally significant federal lands and tribal projects program to fund construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of nationally significant federal lands and tribal transportation projects; carry out a broadband infrastructure deployment initiative; create a program to make critical and immediate improvements to infrastructure and highway safety; set-aside specified funds for states for highway safety data improvement activities on public roads; and create and maintain data sets and data analysis tools to assist MPOs, states, and the DOT in carrying out performance management analyses. Federal Public Transportation Act of 2015

Revises fixed guideway capital investment grants requirements. Authorizes grants to state and local governments for very small starts projects.

Revises requirements for formula grants for enhanced mobility and for rural areas, workforce development programs, and the public transportation safety program.

Requires recipients of transportation assistance to meet certain standards for hiring locally.

Reauthorizes specified public transportation assistance programs through FY2021.

Authorizes DOT to make competitive grants to state and local governmental entities for bus rapid transit projects.

Authorizes appropriations for specified highway safety programs through FY2021, and revises related requirements.

Revises criteria for state graduated driver licensing incentive grants.

Adds a 24-7 sobriety program to criteria for state repeat offender and open container laws.

Authorizes specified amounts of grant funds to states for distracted driving enforcement.

Authorizes appropriations for specified motor vehicle safety programs through FY2021, and increases penalties for safety violations.

Revises certain reporting requirements for tire manufacturers.

Requires DOT to conduct a pilot grant program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness for a state process for informing consumers of open motor vehicle recalls at the time of motor vehicle registration.

Revises specified requirements for commercial motor vehicle and commercial driver safety.

Requires disqualification to operate a commercial motor vehicle for anyone who fails to pay an assessed civil penalty for a motor vehicle safety violation.

Revises certain medical and registration requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators.

Revises requirements for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

Directs DOT to administer a High Priority Program, an innovative technology deployment grant program, and a Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators Grant Program.

Authorizes DOT to establish:

 a motor carrier safety facility working capital fund, and a financial assistance program for commercial driver's license program implementation. Directs DOT to maintain for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration a motor carrier safety advisory committee.

Revises requirements for the Unified Carrier Registration System plan.

Repeals the authorization for self-insurance by motor carriers.

Prescribes notice requirements relating to decisions that electronic logging devices fail to comply with standards.

Authorizes DOT to issue regulations:

 governing contractors that exercise control over motor carrier operations; and requiring motor vehicle employers to track and compensate employees for on-duty, not-driving time. Authorizes DOT, with respect to unsafe conditions or practices in the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat transportation), to order necessary:

 operational controls, restrictions, and prohibitions without prior notice or an opportunity for a hearing; and removal, remediation, or disposal of hazardous materials causing unreasonable risk of death, personal injury, or significant harm to the property or the environment. Authorizes DOT to collect reasonable fees for the administration of the special permits and approvals for deposit into a Hazardous Materials Approvals and Permits Fund.

Revises requirements for planning and training grants under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986.

Reauthorizes the program for regulating hazmat transportation through FY2021.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2023 specified highway-related taxes as well as requirements for expenditures from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.

Replaces the Highway Trust Fund with a Transportation Trust Fund, and authorizes appropriations to it through FY2021.

Directs DOT to establish and support a National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program and a Priority Multimodal Research Program.

Revises the competitive selection process for the university transportation centers consortia program.

Requires the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to create data sets and data analysis tools for intermodal transportation data.

Establishes in the BTS a National Transportation Library.

Authorizes the BTS Director to establish a Port Performance Statistics Program to provide nationally consistent measures of performance of the nation's maritime ports.

Revises requirements for the intelligent transportation system (ITS) program. Includes as an ITS program goal the development and deployment of automated vehicles in all modes of surface transportation.

Prescribes requirements for the use of funds to develop ITS infrastructure, equipment, and systems.

Rail for America Act

 Directs DOT to facilitate by financial assistance the establishment of a National High-Performance Rail System of integrated passenger and freight rail services, including a Current Passenger Rail Service Program and a Rail Service Improvement Program.

Authorizes appropriations through FY2021 for the System and for the planning, development, construction, and implementation of rail corridors and related infrastructure improvements.

Requires Amtrak to submit to the Secretary draft 5-year business line plans and draft 5-year capital asset plans.

Authorizes DOT to establish Regional Rail Development Authorities, including a Regional Committee, to facilitate the development of multi-state high-performance rail services, and to coordinate these investments with other rail, transit, highway, and aviation system services.

Prescribes requirements for the standardization of passenger equipment and level-entry boarding platforms.

Directs DOT to:

 evaluate the shared-use of right-of-way by passenger and freight rail systems and the operational, institutional, and legal structures that would best support improvements to both of these systems; and conduct a nationwide disparity and availability study to establish the availability and utilization of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in publicly funded railroad projects. Requires DOT to complete a National Rail Development Plan meeting certain criteria, and facilitate development of Regional Rail Development Plans.

Authorizes DOT to prescribe regulations or issue orders to require host railroads for joint operations that occur within a small geographic area to develop unified rules governing all operations within that area.

Revises or prescribes requirements relating to positive train control, hours of service, maximum employee duty hours, safety appliances, locomotive inspections, noise emission standards, and damaged track inspection equipment.

Authorizes federal agency heads to construct, install, operate, and maintain electric charging infrastructure for official agency vehicles.

generating renewal opportunity work accelerated mobility efficiency rebuilding infrastructure communities america act grow america act prescribes requirements environmental reviews respect state federal agency engagement obstruction navigation historic sites categorical exclusion multimodal projects environmental review creation department_of_transportation dot interagency infrastructure permitting improvement center directs dot establish multimodal freight incentive grant program national freight infrastructure program redesignates system interstate defense highways national highway system national freight network requires federal long range transportation plan include transportation system resilience assessment prescribes criteria high performing metropolitan planning organizations mpos representing urbanized areas populations removes congestion management process transportation planning process mpos directs dot establish pilot program mpos improve multimodal connectivity increase connections disadvantaged americans neighborhoods limited transportation options revises requirements respect congestion mitigation air quality improvement including electric vehicle charging stations commercial motor vehicle anti idling facilities rest areas interstate system establishes dot discretionary tiger infrastructure grant program transportation projects discretionary fast grant program reform way surface_transportation investments decisions implemented funded achieve national transportation outcomes revises requirements funding railroad rehabilitation improvement financing state infrastructure bank program toll roads bridges tunnels ferries establishes dot position assistant secretary innovative finance reauthorizes federal aid highway related programs fy2021 including revised obligation limitation apportionment requirements directs dot establish nationally significant federal lands tribal projects program fund construction reconstruction rehabilitation nationally significant federal lands tribal transportation projects carry broadband infrastructure deployment initiative create program critical immediate improvements infrastructure highway safety set aside specified funds states highway safety data improvement activities public roads create maintain data sets data analysis tools assist mpos states dot carrying performance management analyses federal public transportation act revises fixed guideway capital investment grants requirements authorizes grants state local governments small starts projects revises requirements formula_grants enhanced mobility rural areas workforce development programs public transportation safety program requires recipients transportation assistance meet certain standards hiring locally reauthorizes specified public transportation assistance programs fy2021 authorizes dot competitive grants state local governmental entities bus rapid transit projects authorizes appropriations specified highway safety programs fy2021 revises related requirements revises criteria state graduated driver licensing incentive grants adds program criteria state repeat offender open container laws authorizes specified amounts grant funds states driving enforcement authorizes appropriations specified motor vehicle safety programs fy2021 increases penalties safety violations revises certain reporting requirements tire manufacturers requires dot conduct pilot grant program evaluate feasibility effectiveness state process informing consumers open motor vehicle recalls time motor vehicle registration revises specified requirements commercial motor vehicle commercial driver safety requires disqualification operate commercial motor vehicle fails pay assessed civil penalty motor vehicle safety violation revises certain medical registration requirements commercial motor vehicle operators revises requirements motor carrier safety assistance program directs dot administer high priority program innovative technology deployment grant program commercial motor vehicle operators grant program authorizes dot establish motor carrier safety facility working capital_fund financial assistance program commercial driver license program implementation directs dot maintain federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration motor carrier safety advisory_committee revises requirements unified carrier registration system plan repeals authorization self insurance motor carriers prescribes notice requirements relating decisions electronic logging devices fail comply standards authorizes dot issue regulations governing contractors exercise control motor carrier operations requiring motor vehicle employers track compensate employees duty driving time authorizes dot respect unsafe conditions practices transportation hazardous materials hazmat transportation order necessary operational controls restrictions prohibitions prior notice opportunity hearing removal remediation disposal hazardous materials causing unreasonable risk death personal injury significant harm property environment authorizes dot collect reasonable fees administration special permits approvals deposit hazardous materials approvals permits fund revises requirements planning training grants emergency planning community right know act reauthorizes program regulating hazmat transportation fy2021 amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend fy2023 specified highway related taxes requirements expenditures sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund replaces highway_trust_fund transportation trust_fund authorizes appropriations fy2021 directs dot establish support national cooperative freight transportation research program priority multimodal research program revises competitive selection process university transportation centers consortia program requires director bureau transportation statistics create data sets data analysis tools intermodal transportation data establishes national transportation library authorizes director establish port performance statistics program provide nationally consistent measures performance nation maritime ports revises requirements transportation system program includes program goal development deployment automated vehicles modes surface_transportation prescribes requirements use funds develop infrastructure equipment systems rail america act directs dot facilitate financial assistance establishment national high performance rail system integrated passenger freight rail services including current passenger rail service program rail service improvement program authorizes appropriations fy2021 system planning development construction implementation rail corridors related infrastructure improvements requires_amtrak submit secretary draft year business line plans draft year capital asset plans authorizes dot establish regional rail development authorities including regional committee facilitate development multi state high performance rail services coordinate investments rail transit highway aviation system services prescribes requirements standardization passenger equipment level entry boarding platforms directs dot evaluate shared use right way passenger freight rail systems operational institutional legal structures best support improvements systems conduct nationwide disparity availability study establish availability utilization small business concerns owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals publicly funded railroad projects requires dot complete national rail development plan meeting certain criteria facilitate development regional rail development plans authorizes dot prescribe regulations issue orders require host railroads joint operations occur small geographic area develop unified rules governing operations area revises prescribes requirements relating positive train control hours service maximum employee duty hours safety appliances locomotive inspections noise emission standards damaged track inspection equipment authorizes federal agency heads construct install operate maintain electric charging infrastructure official agency vehicles


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:
Improved Security Vetting for Aviation Workers Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 todirect the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), by December 31, 2015, in coordination with the DHS Assistant Secretary for Policy, to request from the Director of National Intelligence access to additional data from the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment data and any or other terrorism-related information to improve the effectiveness of TSA's credential vetting program for individuals with unescorted access to sensitive areas of airports.

The TSA, by the same deadline, shall:

 issue guidance for Transportation Security Inspectors to review annually airport badging office procedures for applicants seeking access to sensitive airport areas, including a comprehensive review of applicants' Criminal History Records Check and work authorization documentation during the course of an inspection; issue guidance to airports requiring that all federalized airport badging authorities place an expiration date on airport credentials commensurate with the period of time during which an individual is lawfully authorized to work in the United States; and review the denial of credentials owing to an applicants's lawful status in order to identify airports with specific weaknesses and coordinate with them to address such weaknesses. The TSA may conduct a Rap Back Service pilot program, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to determine the feasibility of full implementation of a service through which the TSA would be notified of a change in status of an individual holding a valid credential granting unescorted access to sensitive airport areas across eligible TSA-regulated populations. (The FBI Rap Back Service notifies authorized agencies of criminal, and, in limited cases, civil activity of individuals that occurs after the initial processing and retention of criminal or civil transactions.)

Certain pilot program procedures are prescribed regarding notification only of a change with respect to a disqualifying offense under the credential vetting program.

(Sec. 3) The TSA, within 60 days after enactment of this Act, shall report to Congress on the status of plans to conduct the Rap Back Service pilot program.

improved security vetting aviation workers act sec bill amends homeland_security act transportation_security_administration tsa department_of_homeland_security dhs december coordination dhs assistant secretary policy request director national_intelligence access additional data terrorist identities environment data terrorism related information improve effectiveness tsa credential vetting program individuals unescorted access sensitive areas airports tsa deadline shall issue guidance transportation security inspectors review annually airport office procedures applicants seeking access sensitive airport areas including comprehensive review applicants criminal history records check work authorization documentation course inspection issue guidance airports requiring airport authorities place expiration date airport credentials commensurate period time individual lawfully authorized work united_states review denial credentials owing applicants lawful status order identify airports specific weaknesses coordinate address weaknesses tsa conduct service pilot program coordination federal_bureau_of_investigation fbi determine feasibility implementation service tsa notified change status individual holding valid credential granting unescorted access sensitive airport areas eligible tsa regulated populations fbi service notifies authorized agencies criminal limited cases civil activity individuals occurs initial processing retention criminal civil transactions certain pilot program procedures prescribed notification change respect disqualifying offense credential vetting program sec tsa days enactment act shall report congress status plans conduct service pilot program


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015, Part II

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2015 by amounts apportioned or allocated under the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 and the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015 for the period from October 1, 2014, through July 31, 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, 2014, through December 18, 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 FY2015, and for the period October 1, 2015, through December 18, 2015, for such programs to certain funding level restrictions.

Amends 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 $40.256 billion for FY2015, including $8,689,136,612 for the period October 1, 2015, through December 18, 2015, for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs.

 (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 the Secretary 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) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 19, 2015, the authority for expenditures from: (1) the Highway and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway Trust Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

(Sec. 2002) Appropriates additional funds to the Highway and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway Trust Fund.

(Sec. 2003) Requires tax information returns reporting mortgage interest received in a trade or business to include: (1) the outstanding principal on the mortgage, (2) the date of the origination of the mortgage, and (3) the address of the property which secures the mortgage.

(Sec. 2004) Requires that: (1) the value of the basis in any property acquired from a decedent be consistent with the basis as determined for estate tax purposes; and (2) executors of estates disclose to the Internal Revenue Service and to persons acquiring any interest in the decedent's estate information identifying the value of each interest received.

(Sec. 2005) Makes the six-year limitation on assessments of additional tax applicable to understatements of gross income due to an overstatement of unrecovered costs or other basis.

 (Sec. 2006) Changes tax return due dates for partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. Extends the automatic extension for corporate income tax returns from three to six months.

(Sec. 2007) Extends through 2025 the authority for transfers of excess pension assets of a defined benefit plan to a retiree health benefits account.

(Sec. 2008) Equalizes excise tax rates for liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural gas.

TITLE III--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

(Sec. 3001) Revises aviation security service passenger fee requirements.

Requires the deposit into the Treasury as offsetting receipts the following sums collected to pay the costs of providing civil aviation security services to airline passengers:

 $1.560 billion for FY2024, and $1.6 billion for FY2025.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure highway transportation funding act directs secretary transportation reduce apportioned surface_transportation program project activity fy2015 amounts apportioned allocated highway transportation funding act highway transportation funding act period october july title surface_transportation program extension subtitle federal aid highways amends highway transportation funding act continue october december 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 fy2015 period october december programs certain funding level restrictions amends authorize appropriations general_fund_of_the_treasury tribal high priority projects program period prescribes obligation ceiling billion fy2015 including period october december federal aid highway highway safety construction programs 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 secretary certain expenditures including hazmat training grants hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund period title revenue provisions sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend december authority expenditures highway mass transit accounts highway_trust_fund sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund leaking underground storage tank trust_fund sec appropriates additional funds highway mass transit accounts highway_trust_fund sec requires tax information returns reporting mortgage interest received trade business include outstanding principal mortgage date origination mortgage address property secures mortgage sec requires value basis property acquired decedent consistent basis determined estate tax purposes executors estates disclose internal_revenue_service persons acquiring interest decedent estate information identifying value interest received sec makes year limitation assessments additional tax applicable understatements gross income costs basis sec changes tax return dates partnerships corporations corporations extends automatic extension corporate income tax returns months sec extends authority transfers excess pension assets defined benefit plan retiree health benefits account sec excise tax rates liquefied petroleum gas liquefied natural gas compressed natural gas title iii additional provisions sec revises aviation security service passenger fee requirements requires deposit treasury offsetting receipts following sums collected pay costs providing civil aviation security services airline passengers billion fy2024 billion fy2025


Summary:
Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act or the GROW AMERICA Act

 Prescribes requirements for environmental reviews with respect to state and federal agency engagement, obstruction of navigation, historic sites, categorical exclusion of multimodal projects from environmental review, and creation in the Department of Transportation (DOT) of an Interagency Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Center.

Directs DOT to establish a multimodal freight incentive grant program and a National Freight Infrastructure Program.

Redesignates the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways as the National Highway System and the National Freight Network.

Requires the federal long-range transportation plan to include a transportation system resilience assessment.

Prescribes criteria for high performing metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) representing urbanized areas with populations of over 200,000.

Removes the congestion management process from the transportation planning process for MPOs.

Directs DOT to establish a pilot program for up to 10 MPOs to improve multimodal connectivity and increase connections for disadvantaged Americans and neighborhoods with limited transportation options.

Revises requirements with respect to congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, including electric vehicle charging stations and commercial motor vehicle anti-idling facilities in rest areas along the Interstate System.

Establishes in DOT:

 a discretionary TIGER Infrastructure Grant Program for various transportation projects; and a discretionary FAST Grant Program to reform the way surface transportation investments and decisions are made, implemented, and funded to achieve national transportation outcomes. Revises requirements for the funding of railroad rehabilitation and improvement financing, the state infrastructure bank program, toll roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferries.

Establishes within DOT the position of Assistant Secretary for Innovative Finance.

Reauthorizes the federal-aid highway and related programs through FY2021, including revised obligation limitation and apportionment requirements.

Directs DOT to:

 establish a nationally significant federal lands and tribal projects program to fund construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of nationally significant federal lands and tribal transportation projects; carry out a broadband infrastructure deployment initiative; create a program to make critical and immediate improvements to infrastructure and highway safety; set-aside specified funds for states for highway safety data improvement activities on public roads; and create and maintain data sets and data analysis tools to assist MPOs, states, and the DOT in carrying out performance management analyses. Federal Public Transportation Act of 2015

Revises fixed guideway capital investment grants requirements. Authorizes grants to state and local governments for very small starts projects.

Revises requirements for formula grants for enhanced mobility and for rural areas, workforce development programs, and the public transportation safety program.

Requires recipients of transportation assistance to meet certain standards for hiring locally.

Reauthorizes specified public transportation assistance programs through FY2021.

Authorizes DOT to make competitive grants to state and local governmental entities for bus rapid transit projects.

Authorizes appropriations for specified highway safety programs through FY2021, and revises related requirements.

Revises criteria for state graduated driver licensing incentive grants.

Adds a 24-7 sobriety program to criteria for state repeat offender and open container laws.

Authorizes specified amounts of grant funds to states for distracted driving enforcement.

Authorizes appropriations for specified motor vehicle safety programs through FY2021, and increases penalties for safety violations.

Revises certain reporting requirements for tire manufacturers.

Requires DOT to conduct a pilot grant program to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness for a state process for informing consumers of open motor vehicle recalls at the time of motor vehicle registration.

Revises specified requirements for commercial motor vehicle and commercial driver safety.

Requires disqualification to operate a commercial motor vehicle for anyone who fails to pay an assessed civil penalty for a motor vehicle safety violation.

Revises certain medical and registration requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators.

Revises requirements for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

Directs DOT to administer a High Priority Program, an innovative technology deployment grant program, and a Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators Grant Program.

Authorizes DOT to establish:

 a motor carrier safety facility working capital fund, and a financial assistance program for commercial driver's license program implementation. Directs DOT to maintain for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration a motor carrier safety advisory committee.

Revises requirements for the Unified Carrier Registration System plan.

Repeals the authorization for self-insurance by motor carriers.

Prescribes notice requirements relating to decisions that electronic logging devices fail to comply with standards.

Authorizes DOT to issue regulations:

 governing contractors that exercise control over motor carrier operations; and requiring motor vehicle employers to track and compensate employees for on-duty, not-driving time. Authorizes DOT, with respect to unsafe conditions or practices in the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat transportation), to order necessary:

 operational controls, restrictions, and prohibitions without prior notice or an opportunity for a hearing; and removal, remediation, or disposal of hazardous materials causing unreasonable risk of death, personal injury, or significant harm to the property or the environment. Authorizes DOT to collect reasonable fees for the administration of the special permits and approvals for deposit into a Hazardous Materials Approvals and Permits Fund.

Revises requirements for planning and training grants under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986.

Reauthorizes the program for regulating hazmat transportation through FY2021.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through FY2023 specified highway-related taxes as well as requirements for expenditures from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund.

Replaces the Highway Trust Fund with a Transportation Trust Fund, and authorizes appropriations to it through FY2021.

Directs DOT to establish and support a National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program and a Priority Multimodal Research Program.

Revises the competitive selection process for the university transportation centers consortia program.

Requires the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to create data sets and data analysis tools for intermodal transportation data.

Establishes in the BTS a National Transportation Library.

Authorizes the BTS Director to establish a Port Performance Statistics Program to provide nationally consistent measures of performance of the nation's maritime ports.

Revises requirements for the intelligent transportation system (ITS) program. Includes as an ITS program goal the development and deployment of automated vehicles in all modes of surface transportation.

Prescribes requirements for the use of funds to develop ITS infrastructure, equipment, and systems.

Rail for America Act

 Directs DOT to facilitate by financial assistance the establishment of a National High-Performance Rail System of integrated passenger and freight rail services, including a Current Passenger Rail Service Program and a Rail Service Improvement Program.

Authorizes appropriations through FY2021 for the System and for the planning, development, construction, and implementation of rail corridors and related infrastructure improvements.

Requires Amtrak to submit to the Secretary draft 5-year business line plans and draft 5-year capital asset plans.

Authorizes DOT to establish Regional Rail Development Authorities, including a Regional Committee, to facilitate the development of multi-state high-performance rail services, and to coordinate these investments with other rail, transit, highway, and aviation system services.

Prescribes requirements for the standardization of passenger equipment and level-entry boarding platforms.

Directs DOT to:

 evaluate the shared-use of right-of-way by passenger and freight rail systems and the operational, institutional, and legal structures that would best support improvements to both of these systems; and conduct a nationwide disparity and availability study to establish the availability and utilization of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in publicly funded railroad projects. Requires DOT to complete a National Rail Development Plan meeting certain criteria, and facilitate development of Regional Rail Development Plans.

Authorizes DOT to prescribe regulations or issue orders to require host railroads for joint operations that occur within a small geographic area to develop unified rules governing all operations within that area.

Revises or prescribes requirements relating to positive train control, hours of service, maximum employee duty hours, safety appliances, locomotive inspections, noise emission standards, and damaged track inspection equipment.

Authorizes federal agency heads to construct, install, operate, and maintain electric charging infrastructure for official agency vehicles.

Stop Corporate Expatriation and Invest in America's Infrastructure Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise rules for the taxation of inverted corporations (i.e., U.S. corporations that acquire foreign companies to reincorporate in a foreign jurisdiction with income tax rates lower than the United States) to provide that a foreign corporation that acquires the properties of a U.S. corporation or partnership after May 8, 2014, shall be treated as an inverted corporation and thus subject to U.S. taxation if, after such acquisition:

 it holds more than 50% of the stock of the new entity (expanded affiliated group), or the management or control of the new entity occurs primarily within the United States and the new entity has significant domestic business activities.

generating renewal opportunity work accelerated mobility efficiency rebuilding infrastructure communities america act grow america act prescribes requirements environmental reviews respect state federal agency engagement obstruction navigation historic sites categorical exclusion multimodal projects environmental review creation department_of_transportation dot interagency infrastructure permitting improvement center directs dot establish multimodal freight incentive grant program national freight infrastructure program redesignates system interstate defense highways national highway system national freight network requires federal long range transportation plan include transportation system resilience assessment prescribes criteria high performing metropolitan planning organizations mpos representing urbanized areas populations removes congestion management process transportation planning process mpos directs dot establish pilot program mpos improve multimodal connectivity increase connections disadvantaged americans neighborhoods limited transportation options revises requirements respect congestion mitigation air quality improvement including electric vehicle charging stations commercial motor vehicle anti idling facilities rest areas interstate system establishes dot discretionary tiger infrastructure grant program transportation projects discretionary fast grant program reform way surface_transportation investments decisions implemented funded achieve national transportation outcomes revises requirements funding railroad rehabilitation improvement financing state infrastructure bank program toll roads bridges tunnels ferries establishes dot position assistant secretary innovative finance reauthorizes federal aid highway related programs fy2021 including revised obligation limitation apportionment requirements directs dot establish nationally significant federal lands tribal projects program fund construction reconstruction rehabilitation nationally significant federal lands tribal transportation projects carry broadband infrastructure deployment initiative create program critical immediate improvements infrastructure highway safety set aside specified funds states highway safety data improvement activities public roads create maintain data sets data analysis tools assist mpos states dot carrying performance management analyses federal public transportation act revises fixed guideway capital investment grants requirements authorizes grants state local governments small starts projects revises requirements formula_grants enhanced mobility rural areas workforce development programs public transportation safety program requires recipients transportation assistance meet certain standards hiring locally reauthorizes specified public transportation assistance programs fy2021 authorizes dot competitive grants state local governmental entities bus rapid transit projects authorizes appropriations specified highway safety programs fy2021 revises related requirements revises criteria state graduated driver licensing incentive grants adds program criteria state repeat offender open container laws authorizes specified amounts grant funds states driving enforcement authorizes appropriations specified motor vehicle safety programs fy2021 increases penalties safety violations revises certain reporting requirements tire manufacturers requires dot conduct pilot grant program evaluate feasibility effectiveness state process informing consumers open motor vehicle recalls time motor vehicle registration revises specified requirements commercial motor vehicle commercial driver safety requires disqualification operate commercial motor vehicle fails pay assessed civil penalty motor vehicle safety violation revises certain medical registration requirements commercial motor vehicle operators revises requirements motor carrier safety assistance program directs dot administer high priority program innovative technology deployment grant program commercial motor vehicle operators grant program authorizes dot establish motor carrier safety facility working capital_fund financial assistance program commercial driver license program implementation directs dot maintain federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration motor carrier safety advisory_committee revises requirements unified carrier registration system plan repeals authorization self insurance motor carriers prescribes notice requirements relating decisions electronic logging devices fail comply standards authorizes dot issue regulations governing contractors exercise control motor carrier operations requiring motor vehicle employers track compensate employees duty driving time authorizes dot respect unsafe conditions practices transportation hazardous materials hazmat transportation order necessary operational controls restrictions prohibitions prior notice opportunity hearing removal remediation disposal hazardous materials causing unreasonable risk death personal injury significant harm property environment authorizes dot collect reasonable fees administration special permits approvals deposit hazardous materials approvals permits fund revises requirements planning training grants emergency planning community right know act reauthorizes program regulating hazmat transportation fy2021 amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend fy2023 specified highway related taxes requirements expenditures sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund replaces highway_trust_fund transportation trust_fund authorizes appropriations fy2021 directs dot establish support national cooperative freight transportation research program priority multimodal research program revises competitive selection process university transportation centers consortia program requires director bureau transportation statistics create data sets data analysis tools intermodal transportation data establishes national transportation library authorizes director establish port performance statistics program provide nationally consistent measures performance nation maritime ports revises requirements transportation system program includes program goal development deployment automated vehicles modes surface_transportation prescribes requirements use funds develop infrastructure equipment systems rail america act directs dot facilitate financial assistance establishment national high performance rail system integrated passenger freight rail services including current passenger rail service program rail service improvement program authorizes appropriations fy2021 system planning development construction implementation rail corridors related infrastructure improvements requires_amtrak submit secretary draft year business line plans draft year capital asset plans authorizes dot establish regional rail development authorities including regional committee facilitate development multi state high performance rail services coordinate investments rail transit highway aviation system services prescribes requirements standardization passenger equipment level entry boarding platforms directs dot evaluate shared use right way passenger freight rail systems operational institutional legal structures best support improvements systems conduct nationwide disparity availability study establish availability utilization small business concerns owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals publicly funded railroad projects requires dot complete national rail development plan meeting certain criteria facilitate development regional rail development plans authorizes dot prescribe regulations issue orders require host railroads joint operations occur small geographic area develop unified rules governing operations area revises prescribes requirements relating positive train control hours service maximum employee duty hours safety appliances locomotive inspections noise emission standards damaged track inspection equipment authorizes federal agency heads construct install operate maintain electric charging infrastructure official agency vehicles stop corporate expatriation invest america infrastructure act amends_the_internal_revenue_code revise rules taxation inverted corporations corporations acquire foreign companies reincorporate foreign jurisdiction income tax rates lower united_states provide foreign corporation acquires properties corporation partnership shall treated inverted corporation subject taxation acquisition holds stock new entity expanded affiliated group management control new entity occurs primarily united_states new entity significant domestic business activities


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

Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to reduce the amount apportioned for a surface transportation program, project, or activity for FY2015 by amounts apportioned or allocated under the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 and the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015 for the period from October 1, 2014, through July 31, 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, 2014, through October 29, 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 FY2015, and for the period October 1, 2015, through October 29, 2015, for such programs to certain funding level restrictions.

Amends 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 $40.256 billion for FY2015, including $3,189,683,060 for the period October 1, 2015, through October 29, 2015, for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs.

 (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 the Secretary 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) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through October 30, 2015, the authority for expenditures from: (1) the Highway and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway Trust Fund, (2) the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, and (3) the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

(Sec. 2002) Appropriates additional funds to the Highway and Mass Transit Accounts of the Highway Trust Fund.

(Sec. 2003) Requires tax information returns reporting mortgage interest received in a trade or business to include: (1) the outstanding principal on the mortgage, (2) the date of the origination of the mortgage, and (3) the address of the property which secures the mortgage.

(Sec. 2004) Requires that: (1) the value of the basis in any property acquired from a decedent be consistent with the basis as determined for estate tax purposes; and (2) executors of estates disclose to the Internal Revenue Service and to persons acquiring any interest in the decedent's estate information identifying the value of each interest received.

(Sec. 2005) Makes the six-year limitation on assessments of additional tax applicable to understatements of gross income due to an overstatement of unrecovered costs or other basis.

 (Sec. 2006) Changes tax return due dates for partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations. Extends the automatic extension for corporate income tax returns from three to six months.

(Sec. 2007) Extends through 2025 the authority for transfers of excess pension assets of a defined benefit plan to a retiree health benefits account.

(Sec. 2008) Equalizes excise tax rates for liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural gas.

TITLE III--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Revises aviation security service passenger fee requirements.

Requires the deposit into the Treasury as offsetting receipts the following sums collected to pay the costs of providing civil aviation security services to airline passengers:

 $1.560 billion for FY2024, and $1.6 billion for FY2025. TITLE IV--VETERANS PROVISIONS

VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act

(Sec. 4002) Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a plan to consolidate all non-VA provider programs into a new, single Veterans Choice Program to furnish hospital care and medical services at non-VA facilities for veterans in the patient enrollment system.

(Sec. 4003) Requires the presidential budget for FY2017 and every ensuing fiscal year to include an appropriations account for non-VA provider programs.

(Sec. 4004) Grants the VA temporary authority, until the end of FY2015, to use certain transfers from the Veterans Choice Fund to pay for health care for eligible veterans at non-VA facilities, including pharmaceuticals for treatment of Hepatitis C.

(Sec. 4005) Modifies requirements of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to:

 repeal the 60-day limit on follow-up care; repeal the August 1, 2012, enrollment limitation on the eligibility of veterans in the patient enrollment system; extend provider eligibility to any health care provider meeting VA criteria; and base the 40-mile distance requirement as on distance traveled from a VA medical facility, including one offering primary care for a veteran seeking primary care. (Sec. 4006) Prohibits the use of funds by the VA to expand the dialysis pilot program, or to create any new dialysis capability provided by the VA in a facility that is not an initial facility under the dialysis pilot program, until an independent analysis of the dialysis pilot program is conducted for each such initial facility and 180 days have elapsed since the VA reports on the results.

(Sec. 4007) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to:

 exclude individuals covered for medical care under TRICARE or the VA from the determination of whether an employer is an applicable large employer with respect to employee enrollment in minimum essential health care coverage under an eligible employer-sponsored plan, treat a veteran receiving hospital care or medical services for a service-connected disability as not disqualified from participating in or contributing to a tax-preferred health savings account. (Sec. 4008) Designates this title, except for section 4007, an emergency requirement, thereby exempting it from the pay-as-you-go requirement of budget neutrality.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated surface_transportation veterans health_care choice improvement act directs secretary transportation reduce apportioned surface_transportation program project activity fy2015 amounts apportioned allocated highway transportation funding act highway transportation funding act period october july title surface_transportation program extension subtitle federal aid highways sec amends highway transportation funding act continue october october 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 fy2015 period october october programs certain funding level restrictions amends authorize appropriations general_fund_of_the_treasury tribal high priority projects program period prescribes obligation ceiling billion fy2015 including period october october federal aid highway highway safety construction programs 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 secretary certain expenditures including hazmat training grants hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund period title revenue provisions sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend october authority expenditures highway mass transit accounts highway_trust_fund sport_fish_restoration boating_trust_fund leaking underground storage tank trust_fund sec appropriates additional funds highway mass transit accounts highway_trust_fund sec requires tax information returns reporting mortgage interest received trade business include outstanding principal mortgage date origination mortgage address property secures mortgage sec requires value basis property acquired decedent consistent basis determined estate tax purposes executors estates disclose internal_revenue_service persons acquiring interest decedent estate information identifying value interest received sec makes year limitation assessments additional tax applicable understatements gross income costs basis sec changes tax return dates partnerships corporations corporations extends automatic extension corporate income tax returns months sec extends authority transfers excess pension assets defined benefit plan retiree health benefits account sec excise tax rates liquefied petroleum gas liquefied natural gas compressed natural gas title iii additional provisions revises aviation security service passenger fee requirements requires deposit treasury offsetting receipts following sums collected pay costs providing civil aviation security services airline passengers billion fy2024 billion fy2025 title veterans provisions budget choice improvement act sec directs department_of_veterans_affairs develop plan consolidate non-va provider programs new single veterans_choice_program furnish hospital care medical services non-va facilities veterans patient enrollment system sec requires presidential budget fy2017 ensuing fiscal year include appropriations account non-va provider programs sec grants temporary authority end fy2015 use certain transfers veterans choice fund pay health_care eligible veterans non-va facilities including pharmaceuticals treatment hepatitis sec modifies requirements veterans access choice accountability_act repeal day limit follow care repeal august enrollment limitation eligibility veterans patient enrollment system extend provider eligibility health_care provider meeting criteria base mile distance requirement distance traveled medical facility including offering primary care veteran seeking primary care sec prohibits use funds expand dialysis pilot program create new dialysis capability provided facility initial facility dialysis pilot program independent analysis dialysis pilot program conducted initial facility days elapsed reports results sec amends_the_internal_revenue_code exclude individuals covered medical care tricare determination employer applicable large employer respect employee enrollment minimum essential health_care coverage eligible employer sponsored plan treat veteran receiving hospital care medical services service connected disability disqualified participating contributing tax preferred health savings account sec designates title section emergency requirement exempting pay requirement budget neutrality


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:
Connected Transportation Research and Innovation Act of 2015

This bill reauthorizes through FY2021 highway research and development, including highway safety, technology and innovation deployment, training and education, and intelligent transportation systems.

After receiving a 5.9 GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure device, the Department of Transportation (DOT) shall test it to examine the possibility of interference with safety-related vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure applications.

DOT shall:

 research, develop, and test automated vehicle systems; promote the research, development, and demonstration of user-based alternative revenue mechanisms that preserve a user fee structure to maintain the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund; and establish and lead a Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Advisory Council to inform the selection and evaluation of such mechanisms. The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 the university transportation centers program, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the National Cooperative Rail Research Program, hazardous materials research and development, the advanced transportation research and innovation program, the National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research Program, and the rail cooperative research program.

The bill also increases the amount of grants for national, regional university, and tier 1 university transportation centers.

DOT shall:

 examine opportunities for federal and state participation and investment in international transportation research collaborations, and establish the Advanced Transportation Research and Innovation Program. The bill cites eligible public transportation workforce development programs.

DOT shall establish:

 a hazardous materials transport cooperative research program, and a multimodal national cooperative freight transportation research program. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology shall study digital technologies and information technologies (smart cities transportation planning), including shared mobility, data, transportation network companies, and on-demand transportation services.

connected transportation research innovation_act bill reauthorizes fy2021 highway research development including highway safety technology innovation deployment training education transportation systems receiving unlicensed national information infrastructure device department_of_transportation dot shall test examine possibility interference safety related vehicle vehicle vehicle infrastructure applications dot shall research develop test automated vehicle systems promote research development demonstration user based alternative revenue mechanisms preserve user fee structure maintain long term solvency highway_trust_fund establish lead surface_transportation revenue alternatives advisory_council inform selection evaluation mechanisms bill reauthorizes fy2021 university transportation centers program bureau transportation statistics national cooperative rail research program hazardous materials research development advanced transportation research innovation program national cooperative freight transportation research program rail cooperative research program bill increases grants national regional university tier university transportation centers dot shall examine opportunities federal state participation investment international transportation research collaborations establish advanced transportation research innovation program bill cites eligible public transportation workforce development programs dot shall establish hazardous materials transport cooperative research program multimodal national cooperative freight transportation research program office assistant secretary transportation research technology shall study digital technologies information technologies smart cities transportation planning including shared mobility data transportation network companies demand transportation services


Summary:
Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Investment Act

This bill requires the senior procurement executive of the Department of Transportation to enhance the services of the Office of Contracts and Procurement by: (1) working with modal agencies, states, and other grant recipients on implementing design-bid-build, design-build, and public-private partnerships (P3) procurement best practices, including model contracts; and (2) developing suggested best practices to encourage standardizing state P3 authorities and practices, including fair and balanced assumptions made in the calculations, consistency on unsolicited bids, non-compete clauses, and other major elements.

public private partnership infrastructure investment act bill requires senior procurement executive department_of_transportation enhance services office contracts procurement working modal agencies states grant recipients implementing design bid build design build public private partnerships procurement best practices including model contracts developing suggested best practices encourage state authorities practices including fair balanced assumptions calculations consistency unsolicited bids non compete clauses major elements


Summary:
Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015

This bill authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY2016-FY2021 for certain core federal-aid highway and related programs, prescribing obligation ceilings for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs.

The bill revises and prescribes requirements for:

 surface transportation programs; and minimum penalties for repeat offenders for driving while intoxicated or under the influence, including mandatory ignition interlock systems. The bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to designate national electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, and natural gas fueling corridors to improve the mobility of electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and natural gas fueling passenger and commercial vehicles.

The bill authorizes as an eligible cost for a federal-aid highway construction project the cost of improving habitat and forage for pollinators (i.e., bees, birds, bats, Monarch and other butterflies) on rights-of-way adjacent to such highways.

The bill exempts certain heavy-duty tow and recovery vehicles traveling on federal highways from federal vehicle weight limitations.

DOT shall appoint a Motorcyclist Advisory Council on infrastructure issues of concern to motorcyclists.

The bill amends the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 to extend through FY2021 the state infrastructure bank program.

Federal Public Transportation Act of 2015

The bill revises and prescribes requirements, as well as authorizes appropriations from the HTF Mass Transit Account, for certain public transportation grant programs, and reauthorizes:

 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety programs, for FY2016, the motor carrier safety assistance grant program, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Financial Assistance Programs. The bill amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to reauthorize FMCSA grant programs for FY2016.

The bill amends the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act to revise requirements exempting certain farm vehicles from federal commercial motor vehicle safety requirements.

The bill declares that the maximum hours of service for a commercial motor vehicle driver of an internal rail flaw detection vehicle equipped with flange hi-rails (hi-rail vehicle) shall not include time in transportation to or from a duty assignment provided it:

 does not exceed 2 hours per day or a total of 30 hours per month, and is fully accounted for in the motor carrier records and are made available upon request of the FMCSA or the Federal Railroad Administration. The bill revises electronic logging device requirements to permit a motor carrier to require its drivers to comply with federal hours of service requirements by using either a paper record of duty status form or an electronic logging device when transporting a motor home or recreation vehicle trailer in a driveaway-towaway operation in which an empty or unladen motor vehicle with one or more sets of wheels is being transported between specified business facilities.

The bill revises federal vehicle length limitations for trucks to prohibit states from prescribing or enforcing a regulation that imposes a vehicle length limitation of less than 80 feet on a stinger-steered automobile transporter with a front overhang of less than 4 feet and a rear overhang of less than 6 feet.

Certain commercial motor vehicle safety reporting and recordkeeping requirements shall not apply to drivers of ready mixed concrete delivery vehicles provided certain requirements are met.

Transportation for Tomorrow Act of 2015

The bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2021 the highway research and development program and certain innovative programs, and abolishes the DOT Office of Intermodalism.

 DOT, as part of the hazardous material technical assessment, research and development, and analysis program, may carry out cooperative research on hazardous materials (hazmat) transport.

 DOT may convene a transportation technology policy interagency working group.

Neither an individual nor an entity shall be ineligible to receive a cash prize to stimulate innovation in basic and applied surface transportation research and technology development just for using a federal facility or consulting with a federal employee in relation to the prize competition unless the same facility or employee is made available equitably to all competition participants.

DOT may not require a prize competition participant to waive claims against DOT arising out of the unauthorized DOT use or disclosure of the participant's intellectual property, trade secrets, or confidential business information. But the federal government may not gain an interest in intellectual property developed by a prize competition participant without the participant's written consent.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2015

The bill reauthorizes for the period FY2016-FY2021 hazmat transportation safety projects.

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

Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015

The bill extends deadlines and modifies requirements for Class I, Class II, and Class III railroad carriers as well as providers of intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation to implement positive train control systems.

The bill requires the phase-out by specified deadlines of all railroad tank cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids not retrofitted to meet DOT-117 or DOT-117R design specifications established by the May 2015 final rule for the safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail.

The bill revises requirements for the National Multimodal Freight Network.

DOT shall establish:

 a National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau, and a Council on Credit and Finance. The bill amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to authorize appropriations for:

 fish restoration and management projects, boating infrastructure improvement projects, Coast Guard (CG) administration, and CG administrative expenses for state recreational boating safety and national recreational boating programs.

surface_transportation reauthorization reform_act bill authorizes appropriations highway_trust_fund htf mass transit account fy2016 fy2021 certain core federal aid highway related programs prescribing obligation ceilings federal aid highway highway safety construction programs bill revises prescribes requirements surface_transportation programs minimum penalties repeat offenders driving intoxicated influence including mandatory ignition systems bill directs department_of_transportation dot designate national electric vehicle charging hydrogen natural gas fueling corridors improve mobility electric hydrogen fuel cell natural gas fueling passenger commercial vehicles bill authorizes eligible cost federal aid highway construction project cost improving habitat forage pollinators bees birds rights way adjacent highways bill exempts certain heavy duty tow recovery vehicles traveling federal highways federal vehicle weight limitations dot shall appoint advisory_council infrastructure issues concern bill amends transportation infrastructure finance innovation_act extend fy2021 state infrastructure bank program federal public transportation act bill revises prescribes requirements authorizes appropriations htf mass transit account certain public transportation grant programs reauthorizes national_highway_traffic_safety_administration safety programs fy2016 motor carrier safety assistance grant program federal_motor_carrier_safety_administration fmcsa financial assistance programs bill amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users reauthorize fmcsa grant programs fy2016 bill amends moving ahead progress 21st century act revise requirements exempting certain farm vehicles federal commercial motor vehicle safety requirements bill declares maximum hours service commercial motor vehicle driver internal rail detection vehicle equipped rails rail vehicle shall include time transportation duty assignment provided exceed hours day total hours month fully accounted motor carrier records available request fmcsa federal_railroad_administration bill revises electronic logging device requirements permit motor carrier require drivers comply federal hours service requirements paper record duty status form electronic logging device transporting motor home recreation vehicle trailer operation motor vehicle sets wheels transported specified business facilities bill revises federal vehicle length limitations trucks prohibit states prescribing enforcing regulation imposes vehicle length limitation feet automobile feet rear feet certain commercial motor vehicle safety reporting recordkeeping requirements shall apply drivers ready mixed concrete delivery vehicles provided certain requirements met transportation tomorrow act bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2021 highway research development program certain innovative_programs abolishes dot office dot hazardous material technical assessment research development analysis program carry cooperative research hazardous materials hazmat transport dot convene transportation technology policy interagency_working_group individual entity shall ineligible receive cash prize stimulate innovation basic applied surface_transportation research technology development federal facility consulting federal employee relation prize competition facility employee available equitably competition participants dot require prize competition participant waive claims dot arising unauthorized dot use disclosure participant intellectual property trade secrets confidential business information federal_government gain interest intellectual property developed prize competition participant participant written consent hazardous materials transportation safety improvement act bill reauthorizes period fy2016 fy2021 hazmat transportation safety projects dot certain expenditures period including hazmat training grants hazardous materials emergency preparedness fund positive train control enforcement implementation act bill extends deadlines modifies requirements class class class iii railroad carriers providers intercity commuter rail passenger transportation implement positive train control systems bill requires phase specified deadlines railroad tank cars transporting class flammable liquids retrofitted meet design specifications established final rule safe transportation flammable liquids rail bill revises requirements national multimodal freight network dot shall establish national surface_transportation innovative finance bureau council credit finance bill amends dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act authorize appropriations fish restoration management projects boating infrastructure improvement projects coast_guard administration administrative expenses state recreational boating safety national recreational boating programs


Summary:
The Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act

This bill requires that projects, especially the highest performing projects, included in an adopted metropolitan area transportation plan be selected through a publicly available transparent process using criteria that directly support specified factors, national transportation goals, and applicable state transportation goals.

Projects included in the priority list for a metropolitan transportation improvement program (TIP) shall come from the highest performing category of projects identified in the transportation plan; and if a lower-categorized project is prioritized before a higher-categorized project, a public description explaining why must be included in the list.

These same requirements shall apply to a long-range statewide transportation plan as well as a statewide TIP.

metropolitan planning enhancement_act bill requires projects especially highest performing projects included adopted metropolitan area transportation plan selected publicly available transparent process criteria directly support specified factors national transportation goals applicable state transportation goals projects included priority list metropolitan transportation improvement program tip shall come highest performing category projects identified transportation plan lower categorized project prioritized higher categorized project public description explaining included list requirements shall apply long range statewide transportation plan statewide tip