IB10032: TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN THE 106TH CONGRESS

This issue brief identifies some of the major transportation issues facing the 106th Congress. Current issues include: 1. Transportation Budgeting -Under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21), spending for highway programs is now linked directly to annual revenue collections for the highway trust fund. In addition, FAIR21 guarantees funding for certain FAA programs. 2. DOT Appropriations for FY2001 may be wrapped into an omnibus funding bill. 3. The Airport improvement Program has been authorized through FY2003 with large increases for airport grants. 4. The FAA's Contract Tower Program - The DOT Inspector General's report is favorable, but further expansion of the program is uncertain. 5. European Hushkit Dispute - A possible ban on newly hushkitted aircraft into European airline fleets threatens U.S. retaliation. 6. Airline Consumer Protection issues are under study by the DOT Inspector General. 7. Airline Mergers - The proposed merger of two major airlines has heightened congressional interest in airline industry concentration. 8. TEA21 Traffic Safety Grants - Interest centers on how effectively agencies are implementing TEA21 traffic safety grant programs. 9. Oversight of Environmental Provisions of TEA21- Congress is interested in how the roughly $12.5 billion, 6-year TEA21 set aside for environmental impacts of surface transportation will be spent. 10. Reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board - A major issues is shipper interest in greater rail-to-rail competition. 11. Rail Safety Reauthorization - Various legislative options are being discussed for reauthorizing the Federal Railroad Administration safety program. 12. Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety is not yet reauthorized. 13. Pipeline Safety - he 106th Congress is considering several bills that would amend federal pipeline safety law. 14. Firestone Tire Recall and Child Safety Seats - Hearings have focused on NHTSA's response and budget. 15. Harbor Maintenance User Fees are unpopular with those who prefer using general revenues for harbor maintenance and dredging. 16. The Domestic Cruise Ship is facing calls from some Members for more international competition. 17. Coast Guard Reauthorization - Major issues include replacing aging vessels and addressing expanded operational responsibilities. 18. Antitrust Exemption for Ocean Carriers - Should ocean carriers remain exempt from U.S. antitrust law? 19. NTSB Reauthorization has passed the House and is pending Senate action.