Summary: Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends federal transportation law to authorize appropriations for FY2008-FY2013 for: (1) railroad safety, including the safe transportation of hazardous materials; (2) research and development (R&D); (3) the purchase of Gage Restraint Measurement System vehicles and track geometry vehicles or other comparable technology to assess track safety; and (4) rail security personnel in Department of Transportation (DOT) regional offices and in Washington, DC.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 for construction of the Facility for Underground Rail Station and Tunnel Testing and Training at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., in Pueblo, Colorado.Title I: Railroad Safety Risk Reduction and Strategy - (Sec. 101) Requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to have an Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety, who shall be the FRA's Chief Safety Officer.(Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to develop: (1) a long-term railroad safety strategy that includes an annual plan for meeting specific goals; and (2) a railroad safety risk reduction pilot program (with appropriations authorized for FY2009-FY2010).(Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to require each railroad carrier that is a Class I railroad, a railroad carrier that has inadequate safety performance, or a railroad that provides intercity passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation to develop, and submit for FRA approval, a railroad safety risk reduction program, including technology implementation and fatigue management plans, to reduce the rate of railroad accidents and injuries. Grants the Secretary authority to assess civil penalties for violations of such requirements. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2010.(Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to ensure that railroad carriers required to submit a railroad safety risk reduction program that includes in its technology implementation plan a schedule for implementation of a positive train control system complies with such schedule by December 31, 2018, unless the railroad implements its system by an earlier date.(Sec. 106) Revises hours of service requirements for a train employee to provide that such employee may not be required to be on duty: (1) where the employee has spent in any calendar month a total of 276 hours on duty, or waiting for transportation, or in deadhead transportation (limbo time), to a place of final release; (2) for more than 12 consecutive hours; and (3) unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive (currently, eight consecutive) hours off duty during the previous 24 hours. Prohibits requiring or allowing such an employee to remain or go on duty after that employee has initiated an on-duty period each day for: (1) six consecutive days, unless the employee has had at least 48 consecutive hours off duty at the employee's home terminal; or (2) each day for seven consecutive days, if permitted by a collective bargaining agreement, unless the employee has had at least 72 consecutive hours of duty at a home terminal. Caps the total number of hours that a train employee may spend on-duty and waiting for deadhead transportation on a train at 15 hours, unless the train is delayed by an accident, a major equipment failure, or a delay resulting from a cause unknown and unforeseeable to a railroad carrier.Revises hours of service requirements for signal employees, including signal employees of contractors or subcontractors. Repeals the requirement that a signal employee have at least eight consecutive hours off duty during any 24 hour period. Makes 12 consecutive hours the maximum time on duty, unless the employee has had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty during the previous 24 hours.Prohibits a signal employee from being allowed to go on duty under certain emergency authority to conduct routine repairs, routine maintenance, or routine inspection of signal systems.Prohibits a railroad from communicating with a train or signal employee during time off duty, except to notify the employee of an emergency situation.Authorizes a railroad and its directly affected employees to develop jointly, and submit for the Secretary's approval, an alternate hours of service regime that would increase the maximum hours an employee may be allowed to remain on duty or decrease the minimum hours an employee may be required to rest.Authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations that make certain additional changes to hours of service requirements in order to improve safety and reduce employee fatigue.Directs the Secretary to conduct at least two pilot projects to analyze specific practices which may be used to reduce fatigue for train, engine, and other railroad employees.(Sec. 107) Prohibits the Secretary from disclosing to the public any information obtained as part of a railroad's risk reduction program or pilot program, except to enforce or carry out federal law. Title II: Highway-Rail Grade Crossing and Pedestrian Safety and Trespasser Prevention - (Sec. 201) Requires the Secretary to issue guidance to passenger railroads on methods and strategies to prevent pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities at or near passenger stations.(Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary annually to: (1) identify the 10 states receiving federal funds for highway-rail grade crossing safety projects that have had the most highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the preceding year; and (2) require them, as a condition for receiving future federal funds, to develop a state grade crossing action plan approved by the Secretary that identifies specific solutions for improving the safety at highway-rail grade crossings.(Sec. 203) Amends federal transportation law to direct the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require each railroad carrier to remove from its active rights-of-way at all public highway-rail grade crossings, including at all private highway-rail grade crossings open to unrestricted public access, any vegetation which may obstruct the view of a pedestrian or a vehicle operator of a train's approach.(Sec. 204) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for establishment of a national crossing inventory that requires each railroad carrier and state to report to the Secretary current information about previously unreported highway-rail grade crossings, with annual updates on all grade crossings in the state concerned. Establishes civil penalties for violation of such requirements by a railroad carrier.(Sec. 205) Replaces the expired pilot demonstration program for emergency notification of grade crossing problems with a permanent system.Directs the Secretary to require each railroad carrier to: (1) establish a telephone service (which the Secretary may also require to be a dedicated toll-free telephone) to receive directly calls reporting malfunctions of signals, disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks at grade crossings, obstructions to the view of a train's approach, or other related safety information; (2) warn any trains operating near the grade crossing immediately upon receiving such a report, and contact appropriate public safety officials to direct traffic and remove any disabled vehicle; (3) timely investigate any report of a view obstruction and remove it if possible, or correct any other reported unsafe circumstance; and (4) ensure placement of the telephone number and certain other explanatory information on signs at each grade crossing.(Sec. 206) Directs the FRA to make grants to Operation Lifesaver to: (1) carry out a public information and education program to help prevent and reduce railroad incidents, injuries, and fatalities, and to improve awareness along railroad rights-of-way and at highway-rail grade crossings; and (2) implement a pilot Railroad Safety Public Awareness Program addressing the need for targeted and sustained community outreach on rail and grade crossing safety. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2013.(Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to: (1) review current local, state, and federal laws regarding trespassing and vandalism on railroad property and violations of highway-rail grade crossing warning signs; and (2) develop and make available to state and local governments model state legislation providing for civil or criminal penalties, or both, for violations of highway-rail grade crossing warning signs.Authorizes the Secretary to purchase items of nominal value and distribute them to the public without charge as part of an educational or awareness program to improve the safety of highway-rail crossings and prevent trespass on railroad rights-of-way. (Sec. 208) Authorizes railroad carriers to submit for the Secretary's approval new technology providing warning to highway users at highway-rail grade crossings. Preempts state law concerning the adequacy of technology approved by the Secretary. Provides that a carrier shall not be liable for damages to persons or property as a result of an accident at a grade crossing that is protected by approved technology.Title III: Federal Railroad Administration - (Sec. 301) Requires the Secretary to increase gradually the number of rail safety-related employees at the FRA by 200 between FY2008-FY2013.(Sec. 302) Increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Secretary, including violations related to rail accident reporting and hours-of-service.(Sec. 303) Requires the Secretary annually to make publicly available, and publish on the FRA public website, a report of all railroad enforcement actions taken by the Secretary or the FRA during the prior fiscal year.(Sec. 304) Expands the Secretary's authority to issue an order, after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing, prohibiting an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions in the railroad industry due to violating hazardous materials transportation laws.(Sec. 305) Allows the Secretary to authorize officers, employees, or agents to intercept and record a radio communication, with or without the consent of the sender or other receivers of the communication, where such communication is broadcast or transmitted over a radio frequency which is authorized for use by one or more railroad carriers by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and primarily used by such railroad carriers for communications in connection with railroad operations. Allows such activities for purposes of accident prevention and accident investigation. Sets forth uses of information obtained through such activities.(Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures with respect to requests for waivers of regulations or orders issued in emergency situations. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe temporary emergency waiver procedures without first providing an opportunity for public comment. Requires the Secretary to provide notice and an opportunity for a hearing after issuing an emergency waiver.(Sec. 307) Authorizes the FRA Administrator and designated employees to have access to federal and state criminal history and other law enforcement records to protect the safety and security of railroad operations.(Sec. 308) Requires the Secretary to update the FRA website to: (1) help the public find current information regarding FRA activities; and (2) provide a mechanism for the public to report to the FRA potential violations of federal railroad safety and hazardous materials transportation laws and orders.Title IV: Railroad Safety Enhancements - (Sec. 401) Directs the Secretary to issue regulations to require railroad carriers and railroad contractors and subcontractors to develop for the Secretary's approval plans for training certain crafts or classes of employees on relevant federal railroad safety laws and regulations.(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees about whether the certification of certain crafts or classes of railroad carrier or railroad carrier contractor or subcontractor employees is necessary to reduce the number and rate of railroad accidents or to improve railroad safety.(Sec. 403) Requires the Secretary to: (1) study whether the required intervals of track inspections for each class of track and track remedial action requirements should be amended, and whether different track inspection and repair priorities or methods should be required; and (2) issue and implement recommendations for changes to federal track safety standards based on the results of the study.(Sec. 404) Requires the Secretary to study methods to improve the safety of rail passenger station platform gaps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to minimize the associated safety risks of such gaps for railroad passengers and employees.(Sec. 405) Directs the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on the safety impact of the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, video games, and other distracting devices, by safety-related railroad employees during work. Authorizes the Secretary to study other elements of the locomotive cab environment and their effect on an employee's health and safety. Authorizes the Secretary, based on the conclusions of the studies, to: (1) prohibit the use of such devices during work, unless they are being used in accordance with railroad operating rules; and (2) issue regulations to improve elements of the cab environment to protect an employee's health and safety.(Sec. 406) Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a railroad safety technology grants program; and (2) a railroad safety infrastructure improvement grants program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2013.(Sec. 408) Authorizes the Secretary to impose additional conditions for the movement of a defective or insecure locomotive or car to make repairs while on a railroad line.(Sec. 409) Requires the Secretary to issue standards governing the development and use of rail safety technology in dark territory (any territory in a railroad system that does not have a signal or train control system installed or operational).(Sec. 410) Revises rail employee sleeping quarters requirements to require a railroad carrier that provides sleeping quarters for its employees to provide indoor toilet facilities, potable water, and other features to protect their health.Requires the Secretary to issue regulations that: (1) govern the use of camp cars for employees and any individuals employed to maintain a railroad carrier's right of way; and (2) may prohibit the use of such cars, if necessary, to protect the health and safety of employees.(Sec. 411) Adds as an act of a railroad employee protected from employer retaliation the employee's: (1) request that a railroad carrier provide first aid, medical treatment, or transportation to a medical facility or hospital after being injured during the course of employment; or (2) compliance with treatment prescribed by a physician or licensed health care professional consistent with the carrier's medical standards for fitness for duty.(Sec. 412) Authorizes the Secretary, upon petition by a group of commonly controlled railroad carriers operating within the United States as a single, integrated rail system, to treat such group as a single railroad carrier for railroad safety purposes.(Sec. 413) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the impacts of repealing a provision of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 which preempts state laws from requiring certain crew requirements in the former region of the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail).(Sec. 414) Requires any nonfederal alcohol and drug testing program of a railroad carrier to provide that all post-employment tests of the specimens of employees performed under the program be conducted using a scientifically recognized method of testing capable of determining the presence of the specific analyte at a level above the cutoff level established by the carrier.Requires each railroad carrier that has such a testing program to provide a redress process for its employees who were determined to be in violation of the program.(Sec. 415) Directs the Secretary to require each Class I railroad, and any other railroad that the Secretary determines appropriate, to: (1) develop, and submit for the Secretary's approval, a critical incident stress plan that provides for debriefing, counseling, guidance, and other appropriate support services to be offered to an employee affected by a critical incident; (2) allow for the immediate relief from duty of any employee involved in a critical incident; (3) relieve a requesting employee who witnessed a critical incident of his or her duties as soon as feasible.Title V: Rail Passenger Disaster Family Assistance - (Sec. 501) Directs the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as soon as practicable after being notified of a rail passenger accident resulting in major loss of life, to provide certain assistance to families of passengers involved in the accident.(Sec. 502) Requires a rail passenger carrier to submit to the NTSB, the Secretary, and the Secretary of Homeland Security a plan for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in an accident of a rail passenger carrier intercity train resulting in major loss of life. Provides for funding for FY2008.(Sec. 503) Requires the Secretary to establish a task force to develop a model plan and recommendations on how passenger rail carriers can provide assistance and notification to families of passengers involved in rail accidents.Title VI: Clarification of Federal Jurisdiction Over Solid Waste Facilities - Clean Railroads Act of 2007 - (Sec. 602) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit a state to enforce state solid waste environmental laws at a solid waste rail transfer facility.Requires a solid waste rail transfer facility, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to comply with all state solid waste environmental laws (except those requiring permits). Provides that such facilities shall not be required to possess a permit from a solid waste facility permitting agency as complying with state solid waste environmental laws: (1) if within one year after enactment of this Act the railroad carrier that operates such facility has applied, in good faith, for all required permits; and (2) until the permitting agency has either approved or denied the permit application.(Sec. 603) Amends federal transportation law to exempt solid waste rail transfer facilities from the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (effectively allowing state and local authorities to regulate such facilities).

sec amends federal transportation law authorize appropriations fy2008 fy2013 railroad safety including safe transportation hazardous materials research development purchase vehicles track geometry vehicles comparable technology assess track safety rail security personnel department_of_transportation dot regional offices washington appropriations fy2008 fy2011 construction pueblo colorado title railroad safety risk reduction strategy sec requires federal_railroad_administration fra associate administrator shall fra chief safety directs secretary transportation secretary develop long term railroad safety strategy includes annual plan meeting specific goals railroad safety risk reduction pilot program appropriations authorized fy2009 directs secretary require railroad carrier class railroad railroad carrier inadequate safety performance railroad provides intercity passenger commuter rail passenger transportation develop submit fra approval railroad safety risk reduction program including technology implementation fatigue management plans reduce rate railroad accidents injuries grants secretary authority assess civil penalties violations requirements authorizes appropriations directs secretary ensure railroad carriers required submit railroad safety risk reduction program includes technology implementation plan schedule implementation positive train control system complies schedule december railroad implements system earlier revises hours service requirements train employee provide employee required duty employee spent calendar month total hours duty waiting transportation transportation time place final release consecutive hours employee consecutive currently consecutive hours duty previous hours prohibits requiring allowing employee remain duty employee initiated duty period day consecutive days employee consecutive hours duty employee home terminal day seven consecutive days permitted collective bargaining agreement employee consecutive hours duty home terminal caps total number hours train employee spend duty waiting transportation train hours train delayed accident major equipment failure delay resulting cause unknown railroad carrier revises hours service requirements signal employees including signal employees contractors subcontractors repeals requirement signal employee consecutive hours duty hour period makes consecutive hours maximum time duty employee consecutive hours duty previous hours prohibits signal employee allowed duty certain emergency authority conduct routine repairs routine maintenance routine inspection signal systems prohibits railroad communicating train signal employee time duty notify employee emergency situation authorizes railroad directly affected employees develop jointly submit secretary approval alternate hours service regime increase maximum hours employee allowed remain duty decrease minimum hours employee required rest authorizes secretary issue regulations certain additional changes hours service requirements order improve safety reduce employee fatigue directs secretary conduct pilot projects analyze specific practices reduce fatigue train engine railroad prohibits secretary disclosing public information obtained railroad risk reduction program pilot program enforce carry federal law title requires secretary issue guidance passenger railroads methods strategies prevent pedestrian accidents injuries fatalities near passenger directs secretary annually identify states receiving federal funds highway rail grade crossing safety projects highway rail grade crossing collisions preceding year require condition receiving future federal funds develop state grade crossing action plan approved secretary identifies specific solutions improving safety highway rail grade amends federal transportation law direct secretary prescribe regulations require railroad carrier remove active rights way public highway rail grade crossings including private highway rail grade crossings open unrestricted public access vegetation obstruct view pedestrian vehicle operator train directs secretary issue regulations establishment national crossing inventory requires railroad carrier state report secretary current information previously unreported highway rail grade crossings annual updates grade crossings state concerned establishes civil penalties violation requirements railroad replaces expired pilot demonstration program emergency notification grade crossing problems permanent system directs secretary require railroad carrier establish telephone service secretary require dedicated toll free telephone receive directly calls reporting malfunctions signals disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks grade crossings obstructions view train approach related safety information warn trains operating near grade crossing immediately receiving report contact appropriate public safety officials direct traffic remove disabled vehicle timely investigate report view obstruction remove possible correct reported unsafe circumstance ensure placement telephone number certain explanatory information signs grade directs fra grants operation carry public information education program help prevent reduce railroad incidents injuries fatalities improve awareness railroad rights way highway rail grade crossings implement pilot addressing need targeted sustained community outreach rail grade crossing safety authorizes appropriations fy2008 directs secretary review current local state federal laws trespassing railroad property violations highway rail grade crossing warning signs develop available state local governments model state legislation providing civil criminal penalties violations highway rail grade crossing warning signs authorizes secretary purchase items nominal value distribute public charge educational awareness program improve safety highway rail crossings prevent trespass railroad rights way sec authorizes railroad carriers submit secretary approval new technology providing warning highway users highway rail grade crossings preempts state law concerning adequacy technology approved secretary provides carrier shall liable damages persons property result accident grade crossing protected approved technology title iii federal_railroad_administration sec requires secretary increase gradually number rail safety related employees fra fy2008 increases penalties violations rail safety regulations prescribed orders issued secretary including violations related rail accident reporting hours requires secretary annually publicly available publish fra public website report railroad enforcement actions taken secretary fra prior fiscal expands secretary authority issue order providing notice opportunity hearing prohibiting individual performing safety sensitive functions railroad industry violating hazardous materials transportation allows secretary authorize officers employees agents intercept record radio communication consent sender receivers communication communication broadcast transmitted radio frequency authorized use railroad carriers federal_communications_commission fcc primarily railroad carriers communications connection railroad operations allows activities purposes accident prevention accident investigation sets forth uses information obtained requires secretary prescribe procedures respect requests waivers regulations orders issued emergency situations authorizes secretary prescribe temporary emergency waiver procedures providing opportunity public comment requires secretary provide notice opportunity hearing issuing emergency authorizes fra administrator designated employees access federal state criminal history law enforcement records protect safety security railroad requires secretary update fra website help public find current information fra activities provide mechanism public report fra potential violations federal railroad safety hazardous materials transportation laws orders title railroad safety enhancements sec directs secretary issue regulations require railroad carriers railroad contractors subcontractors develop secretary approval plans training certain crafts classes employees relevant federal railroad safety laws directs secretary report specified congressional committees certification certain crafts classes railroad carrier railroad carrier contractor subcontractor employees necessary reduce number rate railroad accidents improve railroad requires secretary study required intervals track inspections class track track remedial action requirements amended different track inspection repair priorities methods required issue implement recommendations changes federal track safety standards based results requires secretary study methods improve safety rail passenger station platform gaps comply americans disabilities act minimize associated safety risks gaps railroad passengers directs secretary study report specified congressional committees safety impact use personal electronic devices including cell phones video games devices safety related railroad employees work authorizes secretary study elements locomotive cab environment effect employee health safety authorizes secretary based conclusions studies prohibit use devices work accordance railroad operating rules issue regulations improve elements cab environment protect employee health requires secretary establish railroad safety technology grants program railroad safety infrastructure improvement grants program authorizes appropriations fy2008 authorizes secretary impose additional conditions movement defective locomotive car repairs railroad requires secretary issue standards governing development use rail safety technology territory territory railroad system signal train control system installed revises rail employee sleeping quarters requirements require railroad carrier provides sleeping quarters employees provide indoor toilet facilities potable water features protect health requires secretary issue regulations govern use camp cars employees individuals employed maintain railroad carrier right way prohibit use cars necessary protect health safety adds act railroad employee protected employer retaliation employee request railroad carrier provide aid medical treatment transportation medical facility hospital injured course employment compliance treatment prescribed physician licensed health care professional consistent carrier medical standards fitness authorizes secretary petition group commonly controlled railroad carriers operating united_states single integrated rail system treat group single railroad carrier railroad safety requires secretary study report congress impacts repealing provision preempts state laws requiring certain crew requirements region requires nonfederal alcohol drug testing program railroad carrier provide post employment tests specimens employees performed program conducted scientifically recognized method testing capable determining presence specific level level established carrier requires railroad carrier testing program provide redress process employees determined violation directs secretary require class railroad railroad secretary determines appropriate develop submit secretary approval critical incident stress plan provides counseling guidance appropriate support services offered employee affected critical incident allow immediate relief duty employee involved critical incident relieve requesting employee witnessed critical incident duties soon feasible title rail passenger disaster family assistance sec directs national_transportation_safety_board ntsb soon practicable notified rail passenger accident resulting major loss life provide certain assistance families passengers involved requires rail passenger carrier submit ntsb secretary secretary homeland_security plan addressing needs families passengers involved accident rail passenger carrier intercity train resulting major loss life provides funding requires secretary establish task force develop model plan recommendations passenger rail carriers provide assistance notification families passengers involved rail accidents title solid waste facilities clean railroads act sec amends solid waste disposal act permit state enforce state solid waste environmental laws solid waste rail transfer facility requires solid waste rail transfer facility days enactment act comply state solid waste environmental laws requiring permits provides facilities shall required possess permit solid waste facility permitting agency complying state solid waste environmental laws year enactment act railroad carrier operates facility applied good faith required permits permitting agency approved denied permit amends federal transportation law exempt solid waste rail transfer facilities jurisdiction surface_transportation_board effectively allowing state local authorities regulate facilities


Summary: Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act - Sets forth provisions regarding procedures and standards applicable to aliens detained in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody and the conditions of such custody, which shall address: (1) fair and humane treatment; (2) solitary confinement limitations; (3) investigation of grievances; (4) access to telephones and legal assistance; (5) detainee transfers; (6) translation capabilities; (7) medical care; (8) vulnerable populations; (9) standards for non-criminal detainees; (10) personnel training; and (11) reporting of detainee deaths.Establishes in DHS: (1) an Office of Detention Oversight; and (2) a detention alternatives program under which detainees may be released under enhanced supervision.Provides for: (1) legal orientation for immigration and asylum detainees; (2) construction or use of less restrictive detention facilities, including facilities for families with children; and (3) quality assurance procedures regarding expedited removal interviews.

secure safe detention asylum act sets forth provisions procedures standards applicable aliens detained department_of_homeland_security dhs custody conditions custody shall address fair humane treatment solitary confinement limitations investigation grievances access telephones legal assistance detainee transfers translation capabilities medical care vulnerable populations standards non criminal detainees personnel training reporting detainee deaths establishes dhs office detention oversight detention alternatives program detainees released enhanced supervision provides legal orientation immigration asylum detainees construction use restrictive detention facilities including facilities families children quality assurance procedures expedited removal interviews


Summary: Creating American Rolling Stock Act of 2008 or the Train CARS Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to award grants to eligible applicants to purchase or rehabilitate domestically manufactured rolling stock for intercity passenger rail transportation. Prohibits Secretary approval of a grant project without a state rail plan. Sets forth certain Buy American requirements. Directs Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create an Intercity Passenger Rail Rolling Stock Account. Allows a tax credit to a holder of a qualified Amtrak bond issued for projects to purchase or rehabilitate domestically manufactured rolling stock for intercity passenger rail transportation (rail infrastructure investment). Requires the Comptroller General to study the potential costs, benefits, and economic impact of providing intercity passenger rail along a national railway electrification system. Directs the Secretary of Labor to report to Congress on existing federal programs that could assist in the training of automotive, aviation, and manufacturing workers to transition to the railcar manufacturing industry.

train cars act authorizes secretary transportation award grants eligible applicants purchase rehabilitate domestically manufactured rolling stock intercity passenger rail transportation prohibits secretary approval grant project state rail plan sets forth certain buy american requirements directs amtrak establish amends internal revenue code create intercity passenger rail rolling stock account allows tax credit holder qualified amtrak bond issued projects purchase rehabilitate domestically manufactured rolling stock intercity passenger rail transportation rail infrastructure investment requires comptroller general study potential costs benefits economic impact providing intercity passenger rail national railway electrification system directs secretary labor report congress existing federal programs assist training automotive aviation manufacturing workers transition manufacturing industry


Summary: National Integrated Public Health Surveillance Systems and Reportable Conditions Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) establish the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant Program to assist public health agencies in improving surveillance for, and response to, infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance; and (2) issue guidelines for public health entities relating to information systems to receive, monitor, and report infectious diseases and other such conditions.Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director, to: (1) address documented workforce shortages in state and local health departments in applied public health epidemiology and public health laboratory science and informatics; and (2) provide for the expansion of applied epidemiology training programs.Requires the Director, upon request, to assist the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists in developing or improving a process for states to conduct surveillance and submit reports to the Director on nationally notifiable diseases and conditions.Requires the Secretary to adopt and use guidelines to develop improved standards and protocols for binational epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory analyses, and control of infectious diseases between the United States and Mexico.Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a committee to: (1) evaluate best practices in public health surveillance; and (2) assess systems needed for improving coordination among public health surveillance and monitoring systems.

reportable conditions act amends public_health_service_act require secretary health_and_human_services acting director centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention cdc establish epidemiology laboratory capacity grant program assist public health agencies improving surveillance response infectious diseases conditions public health importance issue guidelines public health entities relating information systems receive monitor report infectious diseases conditions authorizes secretary acting director address documented workforce shortages state local health departments applied public health epidemiology public health laboratory science informatics provide expansion applied epidemiology training programs requires director request assist developing improving process states conduct surveillance submit reports director nationally diseases conditions requires secretary adopt use guidelines develop improved standards protocols binational epidemiology surveillance laboratory analyses control infectious diseases united_states mexico requires secretary acting director establish committee evaluate best practices public health surveillance assess systems needed improving coordination public health surveillance monitoring systems


Summary: Requires each rail carrier that is a Class I railroad, that has inadequate safety performance, or that provides intercity passenger or commuter rail passenger transportation to develop and submit for Secretary of Transportation approval by December 31, 2014, a plan to implement a positive train control system that prevents rail collisions. Requires implementation of such systems by December 31, 2012, in areas that have the highest safety risk due to shared track between commuter and freight rail. Prohibits installation of a positive train control system or component unless the Secretary has certified that it has not experienced a safety-critical failure during prior testing and evaluation. Increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations or orders issued by the Secretary, including violations related to rail accident reporting and hours-of-service.

requires rail carrier class railroad inadequate safety performance provides intercity passenger commuter rail passenger transportation develop submit secretary transportation approval december plan implement positive train control system prevents rail collisions requires implementation systems december areas highest safety risk shared track commuter freight rail prohibits installation positive train control system component secretary certified experienced safety critical failure prior testing evaluation increases penalties violations rail safety regulations orders issued secretary including violations related rail accident reporting hours service


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and new qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2012.

freight_rail_infrastructure_capacity_expansion_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit cost new qualified freight rail infrastructure property new qualified locomotive property taxpayer election expense cost qualified freight rail infrastructure property deduct costs current taxable year terminates credit expensing election


Summary: Neighborhood Rail Accountability Act - Requires the Surface Transportation Board, in determining whether to issue a certificate authorizing the construction of an additional railroad line or of an extension to any railroad line, to: (1) give greater weight to local official statements and public comments in opposition to the proposed construction (especially construction in a residential area) if there is an unusually high level of public opposition; and (2) identify any disproportionate negative impacts on any socioeconomic population, including a discussion of alternatives that were considered that would have avoided such impacts. Prescribes procedural requirements for dealing with any false or incorrect information provided by an applicant for a certificate for construction.

accountability act requires surface_transportation_board determining issue certificate authorizing construction additional railroad line extension railroad line greater weight local official statements public comments opposition proposed construction especially construction residential area unusually high level public opposition identify disproportionate negative impacts socioeconomic population including discussion alternatives considered avoided impacts prescribes procedural requirements dealing false incorrect information provided applicant certificate construction


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2012.

freight_rail_infrastructure_capacity_expansion_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit cost new qualified freight rail infrastructure property qualified locomotive property taxpayer election expense cost qualified freight rail infrastructure property deduct costs current taxable year terminates credit expensing election


Summary: Northeast Corridor Rail Tunnel Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation for Amtrak use, after the Secretary has received and approved a project engineering and financial plan, to complete New York tunnel life safety projects and to rehabilitate tunnels in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.

safety act authorizes appropriations secretary use secretary received approved project engineering financial plan complete new_york tunnel life safety projects rehabilitate tunnels washington baltimore maryland


Summary: Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) designate a rail right-of-way as a corridor for inter-suburban commuter rail based on certain qualifying factors and after a 30-day congressional review period; (2) provide technical assistance to expedite completion of inter-suburban rail service; and (3) prohibit increased usage of such corridor except to increase the availability of inter-suburban commuter rail.

requires secretary transportation designate rail right way corridor inter suburban commuter rail based certain qualifying factors day congressional review period provide technical assistance expedite completion inter suburban rail service prohibit increased usage corridor increase availability inter suburban commuter rail


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the allowable amount of the railroad track maintenance tax credit; (2) revise the types of expenditures eligible for such credit; and (3) extend such credit through 2012.

amends internal revenue code increase allowable railroad track maintenance tax credit revise types expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary: Comprehensive Rail Infrastructure Investment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit through 2012 for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; (2) allow a taxpayer election through 2012 to expense the acquisition, construction, or erection costs of qualified freight rail infrastructure property; and (3) extend through 2012 the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures and modify requirements applicable to such expenditures.

comprehensive rail infrastructure investment act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit cost new qualified freight rail infrastructure property qualified locomotive property allow taxpayer election expense acquisition construction costs qualified freight rail infrastructure property extend tax credit qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures modify requirements applicable expenditures


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2015. Requires compliance with federal wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act as a condition of eligibility for the tax credit and expensing allowance provided by this Act.

freight_rail_infrastructure_capacity_expansion_act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit cost new qualified freight rail infrastructure property qualified locomotive property taxpayer election expense cost qualified freight rail infrastructure property deduct costs current taxable year terminates credit expensing election requires compliance federal wage rate requirements davis-bacon_act condition eligibility tax credit expensing allowance provided act


Summary: Freight Rail Economic Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make capital grants to a class I, class II, or class III railroad or a state or local government for freight rail economic development projects, particularly projects to construct freight rail switches and sidings. Prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements for such projects in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act.

directs secretary transportation dot capital grants class class class iii railroad state local government freight rail economic development projects particularly projects construct freight rail switches prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements projects accordance davis bacon act


Summary: National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to states and designated entities for projects to improve the efficiency of freight mobility in the United States. Establishes the National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund to carry out projects under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on taxable ground transportation of property equal to 1% of the fair market value of such transportation. Requires deposit into the Fund of amounts equivalent to the tax imposed on taxable ground transportation of property.

national freight mobility infrastructure act directs secretary transportation establish program award grants competitive basis states designated entities projects improve efficiency freight mobility united_states establishes national freight mobility infrastructure fund carry projects act amends internal revenue code impose tax taxable ground transportation property equal fair market value transportation requires deposit fund amounts equivalent tax imposed taxable ground transportation property


Summary: Taking Responsible Action for Community Safety Act - Revises requirements with respect to the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control (transaction) involving rail carriers to require public hearings in the affected communities if public hearings on a proposed transaction are held. Requires the Surface Transportation Board, in a proceeding with respect to a transaction that involves at least one Class I railroad (under current law, merger or control of at least two Class I railroads), to consider the effect on the public interest, including the safety and environmental effect of the proposed merger on local communities, intercity rail passenger transportation, commuter rail passenger transportation, and the public interest. Prohibits the Board from approving mergers if their adverse impacts on safety and on affected communities outweigh their transportation benefits. Authorizes the Board to impose conditions to mitigate the effect of mergers on local communities.

taking responsible action community safety act revises requirements respect consolidation merger acquisition control transaction involving rail carriers require public hearings affected communities public hearings proposed transaction held requires surface_transportation_board proceeding respect transaction involves class railroad current law merger control class railroads consider effect public interest including safety environmental effect proposed merger local communities intercity rail passenger transportation commuter rail passenger transportation public interest prohibits board approving mergers adverse impacts safety affected communities outweigh transportation benefits authorizes board impose conditions mitigate effect mergers local communities


Summary: Northeast Corridor High-Speed Rail Act - Designates the Northeast Corridor as a high-speed rail corridor eligible for grants for high-speed rail capital projects.

northeast corridor high speed rail act designates northeast corridor high speed rail corridor eligible grants high speed rail capital projects


Summary: Directs Amtrak to discontinue passenger rail service on any long distance route that operates at a loss (where the total direct service costs are more than twice as great as total revenues for the first full fiscal year after enactment of this Act).

directs amtrak discontinue passenger rail service long distance route operates loss total direct service costs twice great total revenues fiscal year enactment act


Summary: Directs Amtrak to ensure that fares charged for sleeper class service on all Amtrak long-distance routes are priced to equal all of the operating costs for providing such service. Requires Amtrak to discontinue such service in cases where total service costs exceed total revenues for the service for the first full fiscal year beginning after enactment of this Act. Prohibits Amtrak from using federal funds to subsidize sleeper class service.

directs amtrak ensure fares charged class service amtrak long distance routes priced equal operating costs providing service requires_amtrak discontinue service cases total service costs exceed total revenues service fiscal year beginning enactment act prohibits amtrak federal funds subsidize class service


Summary: Increases from $200 million to $500 million the aggregate allowable amount that can be awarded (liability cap) for a single passenger rail accident or incident that was proximately caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct of a defendant. (Current law limits to $200 million the aggregate allowable award to all rail passengers, against all defendants, for all claims, including claims for punitive damages, arising from a single accident or incident.) Increases from $200 million to $500 million per accident or incident the mandatory total minimum insurance or self-insurance liability coverage Amtrak must maintain.

increases million million aggregate allowable awarded liability cap single passenger rail accident incident proximately caused gross negligence willful misconduct defendant current law limits million aggregate allowable award rail passengers defendants claims including claims punitive damages arising single accident incident increases million million accident incident mandatory total minimum insurance self insurance liability coverage amtrak maintain


Summary: Freight is the Future Of Commerce in the United States Act of 2010 or Freight FOCUS Act of 2010 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development, which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit to Congress and publish on DOT's website a national freight plan for supporting freight movement for the next 20 years. Directs the Secretary to establish a Freight Advisory Committee. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish a freight corridors of national significance program, and (2) designate such corridors. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to designate one entity to serve as a freight corridor coalition. Requires the freight corridor coalition to submit annually to the Assistant Secretary a freight corridor plan that includes, among other things, a prioritized list of projects that will improve the freight movement performance of the freight corridors of national significance. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to states for such projects. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Assistant Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of at least $500 million; and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of less than $500 million. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Goods Movement Trust Fund. Increases by 12 cents the tax on the sale of diesel fuel used for the transportation of goods by highway. Transfers amounts equivalent to the increase in tax to the Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay an amount based on a certain formula to purchasers of diesel fuel that is not used for the transportation of goods by highway in which such tax was paid. Allows an income tax credit in lieu of payment to certain tax exempt entities.

freight united_states act freight focus act establishes office_of_the_secretary transportation dot shall headed assistant secretary directs assistant secretary submit congress publish dot website national freight plan supporting freight movement years directs secretary establish directs assistant secretary establish freight corridors national significance program designate corridors authorizes assistant secretary designate entity serve freight corridor coalition requires freight corridor coalition submit annually assistant secretary freight corridor plan includes things prioritized list projects improve freight movement performance freight corridors national significance authorizes assistant secretary grants states projects requires grant recipient submit assistant secretary project management plan annual financial plan project total cost million annual financial plan project total cost million amends internal revenue code establish treasury increases cents tax sale diesel fuel transportation goods highway transfers amounts equivalent increase tax fund requires secretary pay based certain formula purchasers diesel fuel transportation goods highway tax paid allows income tax credit lieu payment certain tax exempt entities


Summary: Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009 - Amends the Clayton Act to grant the United States exclusive authority to bring suit for injunctive relief against a common carrier that is not a rail common carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions except for those approved by specified federal agencies acting under certain statutes to eliminate the exemption for certain STB approved transactions. Provides that, in any civil action against a rail common carrier, the U.S. district court shall not be required to defer to the primary jurisdiction of the STB.Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate, and engage in antitrust enforcement regarding, collective rate agreements and certain transactions, including railroad mergers and acquisitions. Permits treble damages against railroad common carriers in antitrust suits to parties injured by antitrust violations without regard to whether such railroads have filed rates or whether a complaint challenging rates has been filed. Amends federal transportation law to terminate the exemptions from antitrust laws for collective ratemaking agreements. Requires the STB, when reviewing a proposed agreement, to take into account its impact upon shippers, consumers, and affected communities. Revises STB authority to provide that a rail carrier, corporation, or a person participating in an approved transaction is not exempt from specified antitrust laws. Makes such provision inapplicable to any transaction relating to the pooling of railroad cars approved by the STB or its predecessor agency.

railroad_antitrust_enforcement_act amends clayton act grant united_states exclusive authority bring suit injunctive relief common carrier rail common carrier subject jurisdiction surface_transportation_board stb revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions approved specified federal agencies acting certain statutes eliminate exemption certain stb approved transactions provides civil action rail common carrier district court shall required defer primary jurisdiction ftc regulate engage antitrust enforcement collective rate agreements certain transactions including railroad mergers acquisitions permits treble damages railroad common carriers antitrust suits parties injured antitrust violations regard railroads filed rates complaint challenging rates filed amends federal transportation law terminate exemptions antitrust laws collective ratemaking agreements requires stb reviewing proposed agreement account impact shippers consumers affected communities revises stb authority provide rail carrier corporation person participating approved transaction exempt specified antitrust laws makes provision inapplicable transaction relating pooling railroad cars approved stb predecessor agency


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property; and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2015.


Summary: Increases from $200 million to $275 million the aggregate allowable amount that can be awarded (liability cap) for a single passenger rail accident or incident that was proximately caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct of a defendant (except a defendant that is governmental entity such as Amtrak). (Current law limits to $200 million the aggregate allowable award to all rail passengers, against all defendants, for all claims, including claims for punitive damages, arising from a single accident or incident.)

increases million million aggregate allowable awarded liability cap single passenger rail accident incident proximately caused gross negligence willful misconduct defendant defendant governmental entity amtrak current law limits million aggregate allowable award rail passengers defendants claims including claims punitive damages arising single accident incident


Summary: Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2017.

short line railroad rehabilitation investment act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit railroad track maintenance expand types maintenance expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary: Freight is the Future Of Commerce in the United States Act of 2011 or Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development, which shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Assistant Secretary to submit to Congress and publish on DOT's website a national freight plan for supporting freight movement for the next 20 years. Directs the Secretary to establish a Freight Advisory Committee. Directs the Assistant Secretary to: (1) establish a freight corridors of national significance program, and (2) designate such corridors. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to designate one entity to serve as a freight corridor coalition. Requires the freight corridor coalition to submit annually to the Assistant Secretary a freight corridor plan that includes, among other things, a prioritized list of projects that will improve the freight movement performance of the freight corridors of national significance. Authorizes the Assistant Secretary to make grants to states for such projects. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Assistant Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of at least $500 million, and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of less than $500 million. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Goods Movement Trust Fund. Increases by 12 cents the tax on the sale of diesel fuel used for the transportation of goods by highway. Transfers amounts equivalent to the increase in tax to the Fund. Requires the Secretary to pay an amount based on a certain formula to purchasers of diesel fuel that is not used for the transportation of goods by highway in which such tax was paid. Allows an income tax credit in lieu of payment to certain tax exempt entities.


Summary: Holocaust Rail Justice Act - Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity. Declares that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action; and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2002. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the extent to which the public has access to records, including archived information, with respect to the deportation of such persons to Nazi concentration camps on such trains.

holocaust rail justice district courts original jurisdiction civil action damages personal injury death arose deportation persons nazi concentration camps january december brought behalf person railroad owned operated trains persons deported organized separate legal entity declares law limiting jurisdiction courts shall preclude action action shall barred statute limitations expired makes act applicable action pending commenced january directs secretary state report congress extent public access records including information respect deportation persons nazi concentration camps trains


Summary: National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.

secretary transportation notwithstanding certain prohibitions develop implement enforce national safety standards transit agencies operating heavy rail fixed require standards include national_transportation_safety_board ntsb recommendations federal_transit_administration fta emergency access egress event recorders hours service


Summary: Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2011 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to freight transportation. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term National Freight Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide planning and investments in the national transportation system to move freight. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects; (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and (3) consider improvements to the Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of transportation demand. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for capital investment projects that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight, and (2) give priority to projects with the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis. Limits the federal share of project net capital costs at 80%. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $500 million or more, and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $100 million or more. Repeals specified prohibitions against the transfer of amounts from the Highway Trust Fund to the Port Infrastructure Development Fund.

guidance help transportation act declares policy respect freight transportation establishes office_of_the_secretary transportation dot directs secretary develop long term guide planning investments national transportation system freight directs secretary develop new improve existing tools support outcome oriented performance based approach evaluate proposed freight related transportation projects facilitate collection transportation related data support broad range evaluation methods techniques assist making transportation investment decisions consider improvements reduce identified freight data gaps deficiencies help evaluate forecasts transportation demand directs secretary establish competitive grant program capital investment projects improve efficiency national transportation system freight priority projects highest system performance improvement relative benefit cost analysis limits federal share project net capital costs requires grant recipient submit secretary project management plan annual financial plan project total cost million annual financial plan project total cost million repeals specified prohibitions transfer amounts highway_trust_fund


Summary: Altamont Corridor Rail Improvement Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Altamont Corridor Rail Project (California) for final design and construction of a new fixed guideway for FY2011-FY2021. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make allocations for capital investment grants for such fiscal years for any remaining preliminary engineering and final design and construction of the Project. Allows for the use of any alternative analysis or environmental impact report relating the Project to satisfy Federal Railroad Administration capital assistance requirements for new fixed guideway capital projects.

corridor rail improvement act authorizes corridor rail project california final design construction new fixed guideway fy2011 fy2021 authorizes secretary transportation dot allocations capital investment grants fiscal years remaining preliminary engineering final design construction project allows use alternative analysis environmental impact report relating project satisfy federal_railroad_administration capital assistance requirements new fixed guideway capital projects


Summary: Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax credit for 25% of the cost of new qualified freight rail infrastructure property and qualified locomotive property, and (2) a taxpayer election to expense the cost of qualified freight rail infrastructure property (i.e., deduct all costs in the current taxable year). Terminates such credit and expensing election after 2016. Requires compliance with federal wage rate requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act as a condition of eligibility for the tax credit and expensing allowance provided by this Act.


Summary: Alaska Railroad Right of Way Extension Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and other appropriate federal officials, to convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation all rights, title, and interests of the United States to certain land located between North Pole, Alaska, and Delta Junction, Alaska, for the purpose of constructing a railroad corridor extension and related support areas and structures. Requires Surface Transportation Board approval for the phased construction of such extension.

alaska railroad right way extension act directs secretary interior appropriate federal officials convey rights title interests united_states certain land located alaska alaska purpose constructing railroad corridor extension related support areas structures requires surface_transportation_board approval phased construction extension


Summary: Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct an annual audit of the financial statements of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation.

directs inspector general department_of_transportation dot conduct annual audit financial statements


Summary: Rescinds all unobligated stimulus funds made available for capital assistance for high-speed rail corridors under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

rescinds unobligated stimulus funds available capital assistance high speed rail corridors american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act


Summary: Northeast Corridor Rail Tunnel Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for Amtrak use, after the Secretary has received and approved a project engineering and financial plan, to complete New York tunnel life safety projects and to rehabilitate tunnels in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.

safety act authorizes appropriations secretary transportation dot amtrak use secretary received approved project engineering financial plan complete new_york tunnel life safety projects rehabilitate tunnels washington baltimore maryland


Summary: Requires at least 25% of amounts appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for capital grants to states for rail line relocation and improvement projects to be used for high-speed rail or associated projects.

requires amounts appropriated secretary transportation dot capital grants states rail line relocation improvement projects high speed rail associated projects


Summary: Prohibits the obligation of federal funds for high-speed rail projects in California until after September 30, 2012. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress with respect to the California High Speed Rail project.

prohibits obligation federal funds high speed rail projects california september directs comptroller general report congress respect california high speed rail project


Summary: Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to make development phase activities (including planning, feasibility analysis, revenue forecasting, environmental review, permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities) eligible for railroad rehabilitation and improvement direct loans and loan guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to reduce the interest rates on direct loans, made for the sole purpose of installing positive train control systems, to state and local governments, interstate compacts, government sponsored authorities and corporations, and railroads.

amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act development phase activities including planning feasibility analysis revenue forecasting environmental review permitting preliminary engineering design work preconstruction activities eligible railroad rehabilitation improvement direct loans loan guarantees authorizes secretary transportation dot reduce interest rates direct loans sole purpose installing positive train control systems state local governments interstate compacts government sponsored authorities corporations railroads


Summary: Amtrak Food and Beverage Service Savings Act - Revises the authority of Amtrak to provide food and beverage services on its trains. Allows Amtrak to provide food and beverage service on its trains only if the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) selects a qualified bidder whose bid would result in the lowest cost, or the greatest source of revenue, to Amtrak. (Under current law, Amtrak may provide such services on its trains only if revenues from the services each year at least equal the cost of providing them.) Authorizes the FRA to exempt Amtrak from such requirement if no qualified bidder responds to FRA requests for proposals. Requires the FRA to pay directly to the entity providing food and beverage service on Amtrak trains any portion of Amtrak appropriations necessary to cover a net loss, but only to the extent that it was anticipated in the bid selected.

authority amtrak provide food beverage services trains allows amtrak provide food beverage service trains federal_railroad_administration fra selects qualified bidder bid result lowest cost greatest source revenue amtrak current law amtrak provide services trains revenues services year equal cost providing authorizes fra exempt amtrak requirement qualified bidder responds fra requests proposals requires fra pay directly entity providing food beverage service amtrak trains portion amtrak appropriations necessary cover net loss extent anticipated bid selected


Summary: Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials Act of 2011 - Requires railroad carriers engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmats) to submit to the Secretary of Transportation, and update annually, a plan for providing at least 48 hours notification to requesting local emergency responders before transporting hazmats through their jurisdictions. Directs the Secretary to require carriers to demonstrate periodically that the plan's procedures are adequate to give appropriate notice to such responders.

safe transportation hazardous materials act requires railroad carriers engaged transportation hazardous materials submit secretary transportation update annually plan providing hours notification requesting local emergency responders transporting jurisdictions directs secretary require carriers demonstrate periodically plan procedures adequate appropriate notice responders


Summary: National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to states and designated entities for projects to improve the efficiency of freight mobility in the United States. Establishes the National Freight Mobility Infrastructure Fund to carry out projects under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on taxable ground transportation of property equal to 1% of the fair market value of such transportation. Requires deposit into the Fund of amounts equivalent to the tax imposed on taxable ground transportation of property.

national freight mobility infrastructure act directs secretary transportation dot establish program award grants competitive basis states designated entities projects improve efficiency freight mobility united_states establishes national freight mobility infrastructure fund carry projects act amends internal revenue code impose tax taxable ground transportation property equal fair market value transportation requires deposit fund amounts equivalent tax imposed taxable ground transportation property


Summary: Freight Rail Economic Development Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to make capital grants to a class I, class II, or class III railroad or a state or local government for freight rail economic development projects, particularly projects to construct freight rail switches and sidings. Prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements for such projects in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act.

directs secretary transportation dot capital grants class class class iii railroad state local government freight rail economic development projects particularly projects construct freight rail switches prescribes prevailing wage rate requirements projects accordance davis bacon act


Summary: National High Performance Passenger Rail Transportation-Oriented Development Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish an initiative to promote passenger rail operations and transportation-oriented development by creating rail projects qualified for federal incentives for communities to encourage dedicated revenue sources for urban and regional rail corridor development. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for qualified rail projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make secured loans, loan guarantees, or lines of credit for such projects. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to: (1) states to identify transportation-oriented development opportunities, (2) states and regions outside the Northeast Corridor to establish Regional Advisory Committees and identify stations and potential stations within the region to maximize development and commercial revenue generation to support financially the development of a high performance rail passenger corridor, and (3) states and entities along the Northeast Corridor to establish a Northeast Corridor Transportation-Oriented Development Working Group and identify Northeast Corridor stations and potential stations to maximize development and commercial revenue generation to support financially the creation of a true high-speed rail corridor in the Northeast Corridor.

national high performance passenger rail transportation oriented development act directs secretary transportation dot establish initiative promote passenger rail operations transportation oriented development creating rail projects qualified federal incentives communities encourage dedicated revenue sources urban regional rail corridor development amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act direct secretary provide direct loans loan guarantees qualified rail projects authorizes secretary secured loans loan guarantees lines credit projects directs secretary provide technical assistance states identify transportation oriented development opportunities states regions outside northeast corridor establish regional advisory committees identify stations potential stations region maximize development commercial revenue generation support financially development high performance rail passenger corridor states entities northeast corridor establish northeast corridor transportation oriented development working group identify northeast corridor stations potential stations maximize development commercial revenue generation support financially creation true high speed rail corridor northeast corridor


Summary: Make It In America, Create Transportation Manufacturing Jobs in America Act - Eliminates certain grounds for waiving Buy American requirements that the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) obligate federal funding for certain air navigation, highway, and rail activities and projects only if U.S. steel, iron, and manufactured goods are used in such projects. (Retains the current waiver of such Buy American requirements for any case where use of U.S. material will increase overall costs of a highway and roadway or highspeed rail project by more than 25%.) Revises waiver of Buy American requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to waive such requirements if the cost of U.S.-produced components and subcomponents is: (1) more than 60% of the cost of all components of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rolling stock in the case of obligations made on or before December 31, 2011; (2) more than 66% of the cost of all components of rolling stock in the case of obligations made during calendar 2014; (3) 75% of the cost of all components of rolling stock in the case of obligations made during calendar 2015; or (4) 85% of the cost of all components of rolling stock in the case of obligations after December 31, 2016. Repeals the Secretary's authority to exempt Amtrak from Buy American requirements in certain circumstances. Revises waiver requirements to authorize a waiver with respect to rolling stock in each of the circumstances enumerated for FAA rolling stock.

america create transportation manufacturing jobs america act eliminates certain grounds waiving buy american requirements secretary transportation dot obligate federal funding certain air navigation highway rail activities projects steel iron manufactured goods projects retains current waiver buy american requirements case use material increase overall costs highway roadway rail project revises waiver buy american requirements authorizes secretary waive requirements cost components cost components federal_aviation_administration faa rolling stock case obligations december cost components rolling stock case obligations calendar cost components rolling stock case obligations calendar cost components rolling stock case obligations december repeals secretary authority exempt amtrak buy american requirements certain circumstances revises waiver requirements authorize waiver respect rolling stock circumstances enumerated faa rolling stock


Summary: Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2011 - Amends the Clayton Act to grant the United States exclusive authority to bring suit for injunctive relief against a common carrier that is not a rail common carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions except for those approved by specified federal agencies acting under certain statutes to eliminate the exemption for certain STB approved transactions. Provides that, in any civil action against a rail common carrier, the U.S. district court shall not be required to defer to the primary jurisdiction of the STB.Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate, and engage in antitrust enforcement regarding, collective rate agreements and certain transactions, including railroad mergers and acquisitions. Permits treble damages against railroad common carriers in antitrust suits to parties injured by antitrust violations without regard to whether such railroads have filed rates or whether a complaint challenging rates has been filed. Amends federal transportation law to terminate the exemptions from antitrust laws for collective ratemaking agreements. Requires the STB, when reviewing a proposed agreement, to take into account its impact upon shippers, consumers, and affected communities. Revises STB authority to provide that a rail carrier, corporation, or a person participating in an approved transaction is not exempt from specified antitrust laws. Makes such provision inapplicable to any transaction relating to the pooling of railroad cars approved by the STB or its predecessor agency.

railroad_antitrust_enforcement_act amends clayton act grant united_states exclusive authority bring suit injunctive relief common carrier rail common carrier subject jurisdiction surface_transportation_board stb revises provisions prohibiting anticompetitive transactions approved specified federal agencies acting certain statutes eliminate exemption certain stb approved transactions provides civil action rail common carrier district court shall required defer primary jurisdiction ftc regulate engage antitrust enforcement collective rate agreements certain transactions including railroad mergers acquisitions permits treble damages railroad common carriers antitrust suits parties injured antitrust violations regard railroads filed rates complaint challenging rates filed amends federal transportation law terminate exemptions antitrust laws collective ratemaking agreements requires stb reviewing proposed agreement account impact shippers consumers affected communities revises stb authority provide rail carrier corporation person participating approved transaction exempt specified antitrust laws makes provision inapplicable transaction relating pooling railroad cars approved stb predecessor agency


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the allowable amount of the railroad track maintenance tax credit; (2) revise the types of expenditures eligible for such credit; and (3) extend such credit through 2013.

amends internal revenue code increase allowable railroad track maintenance tax credit revise types expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary: Revises positive train control systems implementation requirements for Class I railroad carriers that regularly provide intercity or commuter rail passenger transportation over their main lines. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to afford such carriers an opportunity to revise their plans as lines are added or removed. Prohibits the Secretary from disapproving a carrier's plan on the grounds that it does not cover a line over which intercity rail or commuter rail passenger transportation will not be provided, nor will poison- or toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials be transported, on or after December 31, 2015. Requires a certain report by the Secretary to Congress to include the ability of such carriers to meet the December 31, 2015, deadline for implementation of positive train control systems.

revises positive train control systems implementation requirements class railroad carriers regularly provide intercity commuter rail passenger transportation main lines requires secretary transportation afford carriers opportunity revise plans lines added removed prohibits secretary disapproving carrier plan grounds cover line intercity rail commuter rail passenger transportation provided toxic inhalation hazardous materials transported december requires certain report secretary congress include ability carriers meet december deadline implementation positive train control systems


Summary: Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance to Help Transportation Act of 2011 - Declares U.S. policy with respect to freight transportation. Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Freight Planning and Development. Directs the Secretary to develop a long-term National Freight Freight Transportation Strategic Plan to guide planning and investments in the national transportation system to move freight. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop new or improve existing tools to support an outcome-oriented, performance-based approach to evaluate proposed freight-related and other transportation projects; (2) facilitate the collection of transportation-related data to support a broad range of evaluation methods and techniques to assist in making transportation investment decisions; and (3) consider improvements to the Commodity Flow Survey that reduce identified freight data gaps and deficiencies and help evaluate forecasts of transportation demand. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for capital investment projects that improve the efficiency of the national transportation system to move freight, and (2) give priority to projects with the highest system performance improvement relative to their benefit-cost analysis. Limits the federal share of project net capital costs at 80%. Requires a grant recipient to submit to the Secretary: (1) a project management plan and an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $500 million or more, and (2) an annual financial plan for a project with a total cost of $100 million or more. Repeals specified prohibitions against the transfer of amounts from the Highway Trust Fund to the Port Infrastructure Development Fund.

guidance help transportation act declares policy respect freight transportation establishes office_of_the_secretary transportation dot directs secretary develop long term guide planning investments national transportation system freight directs secretary develop new improve existing tools support outcome oriented performance based approach evaluate proposed freight related transportation projects facilitate collection transportation related data support broad range evaluation methods techniques assist making transportation investment decisions consider improvements reduce identified freight data gaps deficiencies help evaluate forecasts transportation demand directs secretary establish competitive grant program capital investment projects improve efficiency national transportation system freight priority projects highest system performance improvement relative benefit cost analysis limits federal share project net capital costs requires grant recipient submit secretary project management plan annual financial plan project total cost million annual financial plan project total cost million repeals specified prohibitions transfer amounts highway_trust_fund


Summary: National Metro Safety Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation, notwithstanding certain prohibitions, to: (1) develop, implement, and enforce national safety standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideways; and (2) require such standards to include National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding crashworthiness, emergency access and egress, event recorders, and hours of service.

secretary transportation notwithstanding certain prohibitions develop implement enforce national safety standards transit agencies operating heavy rail fixed require standards include national_transportation_safety_board ntsb recommendations federal_transit_administration fta emergency access egress event recorders hours service


Summary: Alaska Railroad Right of Way Extension Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and other appropriate federal officials, to convey to the Alaska Railroad Corporation all rights, title, and interests of the United States to certain land located between North Pole, Alaska, and Delta Junction, Alaska, for the purpose of constructing a railroad corridor extension and related support areas and structures. Requires Surface Transportation Board approval for the phased construction of such extension.

alaska railroad right way extension act directs secretary interior appropriate federal officials convey rights title interests united_states certain land located alaska alaska purpose constructing railroad corridor extension related support areas structures requires surface_transportation_board approval phased construction extension


Summary: Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2017.

short line railroad rehabilitation investment act amends internal revenue code respect tax credit railroad track maintenance expand types maintenance expenditures eligible credit extend credit


Summary: Amends the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to make eligible for use of a state's apportionment of coordinated border infrastructure program funds certain improvements for the safe movement of freight and passenger rail at or across the borders between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico. Reauthorizes the program through FY2015, indexed for inflation.

amends safe accountable flexible efficient transportation equity act legacy users safetea eligible use state apportionment coordinated border infrastructure program funds certain improvements safe movement freight passenger rail borders united_states canada united_states mexico reauthorizes program fy2015 indexed inflation


Summary: Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for railroad track maintenance, to: (1) expand the types of maintenance expenditures eligible for such credit, and (2) extend such credit through 2016.


Summary:
Holocaust Rail Justice Act - Grants U.S. district courts original jurisdiction over any civil action for damages for personal injury or death that: (1) arose from the deportation of persons to Nazi concentration camps between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1944; and (2) is brought by or on behalf of such person against a railroad that owned or operated the trains on which the persons were deported and that was organized as a separate legal entity.

Declares that: (1) no law limiting the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts shall preclude any such action, and (2) no such action shall be barred because a statute of limitations has expired. Makes this Act applicable to any action pending on or commenced after January 1, 2002.

Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the extent to which the public has access to records, including archived information, with respect to the deportation of such persons to Nazi concentration camps on such trains.

holocaust rail justice district courts original jurisdiction civil action damages personal injury death arose deportation persons nazi concentration camps january december brought behalf person railroad owned operated trains persons deported organized separate legal entity declares law limiting jurisdiction courts shall preclude action action shall barred statute limitations expired makes act applicable action pending commenced january directs secretary state report congress extent public access records including information respect deportation persons nazi concentration camps trains


Summary: Northeast Corridor Rail Tunnel Safety Act - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) for Amtrak use, after the Secretary has received and approved a project engineering and financial plan, to complete New York tunnel life safety projects and to rehabilitate tunnels in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland.

safety act authorizes appropriations secretary transportation dot amtrak use secretary received approved project engineering financial plan complete new_york tunnel life safety projects rehabilitate tunnels baltimore maryland


Summary:
National High Performance Passenger Rail Transportation-Oriented Development Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish an initiative to promote intercity and urban passenger rail operations and transportation-oriented development by creating rail projects qualified for federal incentives for communities to encourage dedicated revenue sources for urban and regional rail corridor development. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to four qualified pilot projects.

Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Secretary to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for qualified rail projects. Authorizes the Secretary to make secured loans, loan guarantees, or lines of credit for such projects.

Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to: (1) state, local, or regional authorities to identify transportation-oriented development opportunities; (2) states, localities, and regions outside the Northeast Corridor to establish regional authorities and identify existing and potential stations within the region to maximize development and commercial revenue generation to support financially the development of a high performance intercity or urban rail passenger corridor; and (3) states and local or regional entities along the Northeast Corridor to establish a Northeast Corridor Transportation-Oriented Development Working Group and identify Northeast Corridor existing and potential stations to maximize development and commercial revenue generation to support financially the creation of a true high-speed rail corridor in the Northeast Corridor.

national high performance passenger rail transportation oriented development act directs secretary transportation dot establish initiative promote intercity urban passenger rail operations transportation oriented development creating rail projects qualified federal incentives communities encourage dedicated revenue sources urban regional rail corridor development authorizes secretary designate qualified pilot projects amends railroad revitalization regulatory reform act direct secretary provide direct loans loan guarantees qualified rail projects authorizes secretary secured loans loan guarantees lines credit projects directs secretary provide technical assistance state local regional authorities identify transportation oriented development opportunities states localities regions outside northeast corridor establish regional authorities identify existing potential stations region maximize development commercial revenue generation support financially development high performance intercity urban rail passenger corridor states local regional entities northeast corridor establish northeast corridor transportation oriented development working group identify northeast corridor existing potential stations maximize development commercial revenue generation support financially creation true high speed rail corridor northeast corridor