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  • Condemning the decision of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark A. Calabria to remove the borrower's preferred language question and the housing counseling question from the Universal Residential Loan Application.

    HRES #728 | Last Action: 11/21/2019
    This resolution condemns the decision of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark A. Calabria to remove the preferred language question from the Universal Residential Loan Application and urges the restoration of that question and the question regarding housing counseling on the application.
  • SAVE Federally-Assisted Housing Act

    HR #8533 | Last Action: 10/6/2020
    Support Allowing Volume Exception for Federally-Assisted Housing Act or the SAVE Federally-Assisted Housing Act This bill allows an exception to the volume cap requirement for private activity bonds used to finance the preservation, improvement, or replacement of federally-assisted buildings.
  • United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019

    HR #3407 | Last Action: 11/14/2019
    United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank through FY2026 and otherwise modifies its operations. Specifically, the bill redesignates the U.S. Export-Import Bank as the United States Export Finance Agency and increases the agency's lending cap over the period of its reauthorization. The bill also requires that at least an additional 5% of its total annual transactions are in support of small businesses. Additionally, the bill requires the agency to neutralize Chinese export subsidies by establishing a program to provide competitive financing. The bill also restricts access to agency financing for entities that are owned or controlled by China. Further, the bill establishes (1) the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion; (2) the Office of Territorial Exporting; and (3) the Office of Financing for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Storage Exports. In the event that there is no board quorum for more than 90 days, the bill provides for the establishment of a temporary board. It also requires the agency to take certain measures to increase transparency and accountability.
  • United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019

    HR #4863 | Last Action: 11/8/2019
    United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank through FY2029 and otherwise modifies its operations. Specifically, the bill redesignates the bank as the United States Export Finance Agency and increases its lending cap over the period of its reauthorization. In the event of a quorum lapse, the bill provides for the establishment of a temporary board to act in the stead of the Board of Directors. The bill also prohibits the agency from providing financing for certain specified entities and persons involved in sanctionable activities. Additionally, the agency must establish (1) the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion to increase the participation of such groups in the agency's programs and contracts; (2) the Office of Territorial Exporting to promote the export of goods and services from U.S. territories; and (3) the Office of Financing for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Storage Exports to promote exports used in the production of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency technologies. Further, the agency is authorized to (1) deem as met certain prerequisite considerations to providing competitive export financing in the case of exports likely to be supported by official financing from China; and (2) establish a program under which it may enter into arrangements (i.e., reinsurance pools) to share risks associated with the extension of credit.
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

    HR #3163 | Last Action: 6/6/2019
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 This bill provides FY2020 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to DOT for * the Office of the Secretary, * the Federal Aviation Administration, * the Federal Highway Administration, * the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, * the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, * the Federal Railroad Administration, * the Federal Transit Administration, * the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, * the Maritime Administration, * the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations to HUD for * Management and Administration, * Public and Indian Housing, * Community Planning and Development, * Housing Programs, * the Federal Housing Administration, * the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), * Policy Development and Research, * Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, * the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, * the Cybersecurity and Information Technology Fund, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including * the Access Board, * the Federal Maritime Commission, * the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General, * the National Transportation Safety Board, * the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, * the Surface Transportation Board, and * the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

    S #2520 | Last Action: 9/19/2019
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 This bill provides FY2020 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to DOT for * the Office of the Secretary, * the Federal Aviation Administration, * the Federal Highway Administration, * the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, * the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, * the Federal Railroad Administration, * the Federal Transit Administration, * the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, * the Maritime Administration, * the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations to HUD for * Management and Administration, * Public and Indian Housing, * Community Planning and Development, * Housing Programs, * the Federal Housing Administration, * the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), * Policy Development and Research, * Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, * the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, * the Information Technology Fund, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including * the Access Board, * the Federal Maritime Commission, * the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General, * the National Transportation Safety Board, * the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, * the Surface Transportation Board, and * the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021

    HR #7616 | Last Action: 7/16/2020
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2021 This bill provides FY2021 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. The bill provides appropriations to DOT for * the Office of the Secretary, * the Federal Aviation Administration, * the Federal Highway Administration, * the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, * the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, * the Federal Railroad Administration, * the Federal Transit Administration, * the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, * the Maritime Administration, * the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill provides appropriations to HUD for * Management and Administration, * Public and Indian Housing, * Community Planning and Development, * Housing Programs, * the Federal Housing Administration, * the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), * Policy Development and Research, * Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, * the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, * the Cybersecurity and Information Technology Fund, and * the Office of Inspector General. The bill also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including * the Access Board, * the Federal Maritime Commission, * the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) Office of Inspector General, * the National Transportation Safety Board, * the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, * the Surface Transportation Board, and * the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.
  • To express the sense of the House of Representatives that all briefings held by the President or Federal agencies should be made available to the press, except for under circumstances that are consistent with Federal law.

    HRES #325 | Last Action: 4/18/2019
    This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all briefings held by the President or federal agencies should be made available to the press, with certain exceptions.
  • State Housing Relief Act of 2020

    HR #6368 | Last Action: 3/23/2020
    State Housing Relief Act of 2020 This bill provides funds for assistance to homeowners to prevent mortgage defaults, foreclosures, and displacements of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. The Department of the Treasury must disburse the funds to state housing finance agencies for the provision of such assistance.
  • Federal Agency Sunset Act

    HR #7226 | Last Action: 6/15/2020
    Federal Agency Sunset Act This bill establishes a Federal Agency Sunset Commission to evaluate the need for each agency or advisory committee. The commission shall * review and evaluate the efficiency and public need for each agency or advisory committee at least once every six years; * recommend whether each agency or advisory committee should be continued, abolished, or reorganized; and * propose legislative language based on its recommendations for abolishing or reorganizing an agency or advisory committee. When the commission is considering whether to recommend continuing, abolishing, or reorganizing an agency or advisory committee, the agency shall submit timely responses to a questionnaire provided by the commission, which shall include * an explanation of why the functions of the agency or advisory committee continue to be necessary, * what efficiencies taxpayers realize by the continued operation of the agency or advisory committee, and * why the responsibilities of the agency or advisory committee cannot be better performed by the private sector or another agency or committee. Legislation proposed by the commission shall be granted expedited consideration.
  • Preventing Illicit Finance Act

    HR #8794 | Last Action: 11/20/2020
    Preventing Illicit Finance Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to convene an advisory team to examine strategies to increase cooperation between public and private sectors for purposes of countering illicit finance, and to advise on strategies to combat the risk relating to proliferation financing. The advisory team must include relevant federal agencies, private sector experts in banking, national security, and law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
  • A bill to establish a Housing Assistance Fund at the Department of the Treasury.

    S #3620 | Last Action: 5/6/2020
    This bill provides funds for assistance to homeowners to prevent mortgage defaults, foreclosures, and displacements of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. The Department of the Treasury must disburse the funds to state housing finance agencies and Indian tribes for the provision of such assistance.
  • Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019

    S #2951 | Last Action: 11/21/2019
    Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2019 This bill authorizes additional funding for various housing assistance programs. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional funding for * public housing agencies to maintain and improve public housing buildings; * states and communities to reduce the risk of flood damage to housing; * very low-income residents to improve and modernize rural housing; * Indian tribes to develop housing and housing services; * nonprofit organizations and community development financial institutions to conduct activities related to affordable housing and economic development; * state housing finance agencies to provide supportive housing for individuals with disabilities; * private nonprofit organizations to provide supportive housing for the elderly; and * states, counties, and cities to develop and preserve affordable housing. The bill also requires that specified portions of funding made available under the bill be used for water and energy efficiency. In administering such funding made available under the bill, the relevant federal agencies must consult with grantees and recipients and meet with state and local government officials for the purpose of recommending and promoting funding opportunities and initiatives to include minority and women's business enterprises in such grant activities.
  • Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2020

    HR #5187 | Last Action: 12/24/2020
    Housing is Infrastructure Act of 2020 This bill authorizes additional funding for various housing assistance programs. Specifically, the bill authorizes additional funding for * public housing agencies to maintain and improve public housing buildings; * states and communities to reduce the risk of flood damage to housing; * very low-income residents to improve and modernize rural housing; * Indian tribes to develop housing and housing services; * nonprofit organizations and community development financial institutions to conduct activities related to affordable housing and economic development; * state housing finance agencies to provide supportive housing for individuals with disabilities; * private nonprofit organizations to provide supportive housing for the elderly; and * states, counties, and cities to develop and preserve affordable housing. The bill also requires that specified portions of funding made available under the bill be used for water and energy efficiency. In administering such funding made available under the bill, the relevant federal agencies must consult with grantees and recipients and meet with state and local government officials for the purpose of recommending and promoting funding opportunities and initiatives to include minority and women's business enterprises in such grant activities.
  • Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act

    HR #3987 | Last Action: 7/25/2019
    Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act This bill exempts certain financial companies not primarily regulated by either a federal banking agency or the Federal Housing Finance Agency from requirements to conduct stress tests. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission may issue separate regulations requiring specified financial companies to conduct financial-condition analyses.
  • Federal Agency Customer Experience Act of 2019

    S #1275 | Last Action: 7/25/2019
    Federal Agency Customer Experience Act of 2019 This bill requires certain agencies to collect voluntary feedback with respect to their services and transactions. Each of the agencies must (1) annually publish such feedback on its website and report on such feedback to the Office of Management and Budget, and (2) report on the solicitation of such feedback. The Government Accountability Office shall publish a report assessing the data collected and reported by the agencies. The feedback may not be used in any appraisal of job performance of a federal employee.
  • Federal Agency Customer Experience Act of 2019

    HR #2586 | Last Action: 5/8/2019
    Federal Agency Customer Experience Act of 2019 This bill requires certain agencies to collect voluntary feedback with respect to their services and transactions. Each of the agencies must (1) annually publish such feedback on its website and report on such feedback to the Office of Management and Budget, and (2) report on the solicitation of such feedback. The Government Accountability Office shall publish a report assessing the data collected and reported by the agencies. The feedback may not be used in any appraisal of job performance of a federal employee.
  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019

    HR #267 | Last Action: 1/9/2019
    Highlights This bill provides FY2019 appropriations for the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies. The bill includes both discretionary and mandatory funding. The HUD budget is primarily discretionary spending, and most of the DOT budget is mandatory spending, in the form of contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund. Full Summary Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2019 This title provides FY2019 appropriations for the Department of Transportation (DOT). The title provides appropriations for the Office of the Secretary, including * Salaries and Expenses; * Research and Technology; * National Infrastructure Investments (also known as BUILD grants); * the National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau; * Financial Management Capital; * Cyber Security Initiatives; * the Office of Civil Rights; * Transportation Planning, Research, and Development; * the Working Capital Fund; * the Minority Business Resource Center Program; * Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Outreach; and * Payments to Air Carriers. (Sec. 101) This section prohibits DOT from approving assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the modal administrations in this bill except for activities underway on the date of enactment, unless the reprogramming process has been completed. (Sec. 102) This section requires DOT to (1) post on its website the schedule and agenda for all meetings of the Council on Credit and Finance, and (2) direct the council to record the decisions and actions of each meeting. (Sec. 103) This section permits DOT to use the Working Capital Fund to provide payments in advance and accept subsequent reimbursements from all federal agencies for transit benefit distribution services that are necessary to carry out the federal transit pass transportation fringe benefit program. DOT must maintain a reasonable operating reserve in the Working Capital Fund, to be expended in advance to provide uninterrupted transit benefits to government employees. The reserve may not exceed one month of benefits and may be used only for transit benefits. The title provides appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for * Operations; * Facilities and Equipment; * Research, Engineering, and Development; and * Grants-In-Aid For Airports. Fund provided by this bill may not be used for * new applicants for the second career training program, * new unauthorized aviation user fees, or * aeronautical charting and cartography activities through the Working Capital Fund. The title prohibits funds from being used to eliminate the Contract Weather Observers program at any airport. The title permits funds received from specified public, private, and foreign sources for expenses incurred in the provision of FAA services to be credited to the FAA Operations appropriations account. (Sec. 110) This section limits technical staff-years under the federally funded research and development center contract between the FAA and the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development. (Sec. 111) This section prohibits the FAA from requiring airport sponsors to provide the FAA without cost building construction, maintenance, utilities and expenses, or space in sponsor-owned buildings for air traffic control, air navigation, or weather reporting. The prohibition does not apply to negotiations between the FAA and airport sponsors to achieve agreement on "below-market" rates for these items or to grant assurances that require airport sponsors to provide land without cost to the FAA for air traffic control facilities. (Sec. 112) This section permits the FAA to reimburse amounts made available from certain fees to carry out the Essential Air Service program, which was established to ensure that small communities have a minimum level of air service. (Sec. 113) This section permits amounts collected by the FAA for providing technical assistance to foreign aviation authorities to be credited to the Operations account. (Sec. 114) This section prohibits the FAA from paying Sunday premium pay except if an individual worked on a Sunday. (Sec. 115) This section prohibits the FAA from using funds provided by this bill to purchase a store gift card or gift certificate using a government-issued credit card. (Sec. 116) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for retention bonuses for FAA employees without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for Administration of DOT. (Sec. 117) This section requires the FAA, upon the request of an owner or operator, to block the display of the owner's or operator's aircraft registration number in the Aircraft Situational Display to Industry program. (Sec. 118) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to pay the salaries and expenses of more than eight political and presidential FAA appointees. (Sec. 119) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to increase fees for navigation products until the FAA provides Congress with a justification for all fees for aeronautical navigation products and explains how the fees are consistent with Executive Order 13642 (Making Open and Machine Readable the New Default for Government Information). (Sec. 119A) This section requires the FAA to notify Congress prior to closing a regional operations center or reducing the services it provides. (Sec. 119B) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. (Sec. 119C) This section prohibits the FAA from withholding consideration and approval of any new application for participation in the Contract Tower Program, including applications from cost-share program participants, if the tower meets the criteria included in the FAA report titled "Establishment and Discontinuance Criteria for Airport Traffic Control Towers." (Sec. 119D) This section specifies restrictions and requirements for FAA actions to limit the use of an Organization Designation Authorization's (ODA's) delegated functions documented in its procedures manual on a type certification project. (Under the ODA program, the FAA may delegate to a private person a matter related to issuing certificates or the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate on behalf of the FAA.) (Sec. 119E) This section requires the FAA to permit intermittent large cargo air carriers to land in remote areas using a mix of available local meteorological weather reports, in place of National Weather Service forecast reports where they do not provide weather coverage. (Sec. 119F) This section allows the transfer of funds from the Grants-in-Aid for Airports account to reimburse certain airports and providers of general aviation ground support services impacted by temporary flight restrictions for any residence of the President that is designated or identified to be secured by the Secret Service. The funds may not be obligated or distributed until an independent audit is completed. (Sec. 119G) This section requires the FAA to report to Congress on the implementation of NextGen at commercial service airports in the United States. (NextGen is a program to modernize and improve the efficiency of the national airspace system, primarily by migrating to satellite-based navigation and aircraft tracking.) The title provides (1) funding from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for Administrative Expenses and Federal-Aid Highways, and (2) appropriations for Highway Infrastructure Programs. (Most of DOT's budget is mandatory budget authority rather than discretionary budget authority. The mandatory budget authority is primarily in the form of contract authority derived from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Contract authority is the authority to obligate funds in advance of an appropriation Act. Spending from the HTF is determined both by authorization bill and appropriations bills. Authorization bills provide contract authority for highway programs, and appropriations bills include obligation limitations that determine how much of the contract authority may be used in a given year.) (Sec. 120) This section specifies allocations and requirements for distributing obligation authority from the HTF among federal-aid highway programs. (Sec. 121) This section credits funds received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics from the sale of data products to the Federal-Aid Highways account to reimburse the bureau for expenses. (Sec. 122) This section requires DOT to (1) provide an informal public notice and comment opportunity prior to waiving the Buy America requirement for federal-aid highway projects, and (2) report to Congress annually on waivers. (Sec. 123) This section requires DOT to notify Congress prior to providing credit assistance under the Transportation Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program, which provides credit to finance surface transportation projects of national and regional significance. (Sec. 124) This section requires DOT to notify Congress 60 days in advance before making grants for nationally significant freight and highway projects (FASTLANE grants). (Sec. 125) This section permits states to repurpose certain highway project funding to be used within 50 miles of its original designation. The title provides funding from the HTF to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for (1) Motor Carrier Safety Operations and Programs, and (2) Motor Carrier Safety Grants. (Sec. 130) This section directs the FMCSA to require certain Mexican motor carriers to meet specified safety requirements when applying to operate beyond U.S. municipalities and commercial zones on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Sec. 131) This section requires the FMCSA to send notice of violations of certain safety procedures and regulations that could require expedited safety audits, compliance reviews, or corrective actions using certified mail, registered mail, or another manner of delivery that records the receipt of the notice by the persons responsible for the violation.(Sec. 132) This section requires the FMCSA, to the maximum extent practicable, to ensure the safe and timely completion of the flexible sleeper berth pilot program The title provides appropriations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Operations and Research. It also provides funding from the HTF to NHTSA for Operations and Research and Highway Traffic Safety Grants. (Sec. 140) This section provides additional funding to NHTSA for travel and related expenses associated with state management reviews and core competency development training for highway safety staff. (Sec. 141) This section exempts from the current fiscal year's obligation limitation for NHTSA programs any obligation authority that was made available in previous public laws and has not lapsed or been used. (Sec. 142) This section provides additional appropriations for NHTSA to continue, in collaboration with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a high visibility enforcement paid-media campaign regarding highway-rail grade crossing safety. The title provides appropriations to the FRA for * Safety and Operations, * Railroad Research and Development, * the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program, * the Federal-State Partnership for State Of Good Repair, * Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, * Restoration and Enhancement, * Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), and * National Network Grants to Amtrak. (Sec. 150) This section limits overtime for Amtrak employees. It also (1) permits Amtrak to waive the limit for specific employees due to safety or operational efficiency reasons, and (2) requires Amtrak to report to Congress on waivers granted and overtime payments incurred. (Sec. 151) This section expresses the sense of Congress that long-distance passenger rail routes (1) provide much-needed transportation access and are particularly important in rural area, and (2) should be sustained to ensure connectivity throughout the National Network. The title provides appropriations to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for * Administrative Expenses, * Transit Infrastructure Grants, * Technical Assistance and Training, * Capital Investment Grants, and * Grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The title also provides funding from the HTF to the FTA for Transit Formula Grants. (Sec. 160) This section exempts previously made transit obligations from limitations on obligations. (Sec. 161) This section permits funds appropriated before October 1, 2018, that remain available for expenditure to be transferred from older accounts to new accounts with similar current activities. (Sec. 162) This section rescinds specified funds that were provided for the Transit Formula Grants account for FY2005 or prior fiscal years. (Sec. 163) This section prohibits the FTA from using funds provided by this bill to implement or further certain new policies for the Capital Investment Grants program. The title provides appropriations to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for Operations and Maintenance. The title provides appropriations for the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for * the Maritime Security Program, * Operations and Training, * State Maritime Academy Operations, * Assistance to Small Shipyards, * Ship Disposal, and * the Maritime Guaranteed Loan (Title XI) Program Account. (Sec. 170) This section permits MARAD to furnish utilities and services and make repairs in connection with any lease, contract, or occupancy involving government property under the control of MARAD. Rental payments received pursuant to this provision must be credited to the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. The title provides appropriations to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for * Operational Expenses, * Hazardous Materials Safety, * Pipeline Safety, and * Emergency Preparedness Grants. The title provides appropriations to the Office of Inspector General. (Sec. 180) This section permits DOT to use funds for maintenance and operation of aircraft, hire of passenger motor vehicles and aircraft, insurance for motor vehicles operating in foreign countries, and uniforms. DOT may use funds for the purchase, maintenance, operation, and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems that advance DOT's, or its operating administrations' missions. Any unmanned aircraft system purchased or procured by DOT prior to the enactment of this bill is deemed to be authorized. (Sec. 181) This section permits DOT to use funds provided by this bill for the employment of temporary or intermittent experts and consultants if the rates do not exceed the rate for an Executive Level IV. (Sec. 182) This section prohibits recipients of funds provided by this bill from releasing certain personal information and photographs from a driver's license or motor vehicle record without the consent of the affected individual. It also prohibits DOT from withholding funds for any grantee if a state is not in compliance with this provision. (Sec. 183) This section prohibits (1) funds provided by this bill from being used for more than 110 DOT presidential and political appointees, and (2) any of the appointees from being assigned on temporary detail outside of DOT. (Sec. 184) This section permits funds received by the FHWA and the FRA from states or other private or public sources for training expenses to be credited to specified agency accounts, subject to an exception for state rail safety inspectors participating in certain training required under current law. (Sec. 185) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for certain loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, or grants unless DOT notifies Congress at least three business days in advance of announcing competitively selected projects. DOT must provide concurrent notification to Congress regarding any ''quick release'' of funds from the FHWA's Emergency Relief Program. (The program provides funding for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands which have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.) DOT must provide a comprehensive list of all loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, and discretionary grants that will be announced with a three-day advance notice to Congress. (Sec. 186) This section permits rebates, refunds, incentive payments, minor fees, and other funds received by DOT from travel management centers, charge card programs, the subleasing of building space, and miscellaneous sources to be credited to DOT appropriations and allocated to elements of DOT using fair and equitable criteria. (Sec. 187) This section permits DOT to use amounts recovered from improper payments to a third party contractor for expenses incurred in the recovery. (Sec. 188) This section requires reprogramming action notifications to be transmitted to and approved or denied solely by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. (Sec. 189) This section permits funds provided by this bill for modal administrations to be obligated to the Office of the Secretary for assessments or reimbursable agreements only if the funds provide a direct benefit to the applicable modal administration. (Sec. 190) This section permits DOT to set uniform standards for developing and supporting agency transit passes and transit benefits. (Sec. 191) This section prohibits the use of funds for any geographic, economic, or other hiring preference not otherwise authorized by law, unless certain requirements are met related to availability of local labor, displacement of existing employees, and delays in transportation plans. (Sec. 192) This section requires DOT to report to Congress on efforts to engage with local communities, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional transportation commissions on advancing data and intelligent transportation systems technologies and other smart cities solutions. (Sec. 193) This section requires DOT to consult with the Army Corps of Engineers to identify any existing authorities and any additional authorities that may be needed to leverage funds from DOT programs for purposes of inland waterway project costs. (Sec. 194) This section prohibits DOT from using funds to enforce or require the enforcement of certain vehicle weight limitations if specified segments of the William H. Natcher Parkway and the Julian M. Carroll (Purchase) Parkway in Kentucky are designated as routes of the Interstate System. (Sec. 195) This section prohibits DOT from using funds to enforce certain requirements for the use of electronic logging devices with respect to operators of commercial motor vehicles transporting livestock or insects. (Sec. 196) This section prohibits the FTA from using funds to procure rolling stock for use in public transportation if the manufacturer of the rolling stock is incorporated in or has manufacturing facilities in the United States and receives support from the government of a country that * is identified as a nonmarket economy country, * was identified by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as a priority foreign country, and * is subject to monitoring by the USTR under the Trade Act of 1974. TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2019 This title provides FY2019 appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The title provides appropriations for Management and Administration, including for Executive Offices and Administrative Support Offices. The title provides appropriations for Program Office Salaries and Expenses, including * Public and Indian Housing, * Community Planning and Development, * Housing, * Policy Development and Research, * Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and * the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. HUD may transfer specified funds provided by this title for salaries and expenses to the Working Capital Fund to fund centralized activities. The title provides appropriations for Public and Indian Housing, including * Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, * the Housing Certificate Fund, * the Public Housing Capital Fund, * the Public Housing Operating Fund, * the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, * the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, * Native American Housing Block Grants, * the Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program Account, and * the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant. The title provides appropriations for Community Planning and Development, including * Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, * the Community Development Fund, * the Community Development Loan Guarantees Program Account, * the Home Investment Partnerships Program, * the Self-Help and Assisted Home Ownership Opportunity Program, and * Homeless Assistance Grants. The title provides appropriations for Housing Programs, including * Project-Based Rental Assistance, * Housing for the Elderly, * Housing for Persons with Disabilities, * Housing Counseling Assistance, * Rental Housing Assistance, and * Payment to the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund. The title provides appropriations and establishes limits on loan commitments for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which includes (1) the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Program Account, and (2) the General and Special Risk Program Account. The title provides appropriations and establishes limits on loan commitments for the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). The title provides appropriations to HUD for * Policy Development and Research, * Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, * the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, * the Information Technology Fund, and * the Office of Inspector General. (Sec. 201) This section requires 50% of the funds that are recaptured from the refinancing of state or locally financed projects under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 to be rescinded or, in the case of cash, remitted to the Treasury. Funds that are not rescinded or returned to the Treasury must be used by state housing finance agencies or local governments for certain projects approved by HUD. HUD may award up to 15% of the funds that are recaptured and not rescinded or remitted to the Treasury to provide project owners with incentives to refinance projects at lower interest rates. (Sec. 202) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to investigate or prosecute under the Fair Housing Act any otherwise lawful activities, including the filing or maintaining of a nonfrivolous legal action to achieve or prevent action by a government entity or a court. (Sec. 203) This section requires any grant, cooperative agreement, or other assistance made pursuant to this title to be made on a competitive basis and in accordance with provisions of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 regarding HUD accountability. (Sec. 204) This section permits specified funds to be used, without regard to limitations on administrative expenses, for (1) legal services; and (2) payment for services and facilities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Ginnie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal Financing Bank, Federal Reserve banks, Federal Home Loan banks, and any bank insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act. (Sec. 205) This section prohibits HUD appropriations from being used for any program, project, or activity in excess of amounts included in the budget estimates submitted to Congress, unless otherwise provided by this bill or through reprogramming. (Sec. 206) This section permits HUD corporations and agencies subject to the Government Corporation Control Act to utilize funds and make contracts and commitments, without regard to fiscal year limitations and subject to specified restrictions, to implement the FY2019 budget. (Sec. 207) This section requires HUD to provide quarterly reports to Congress regarding uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess funds for each program and activity. (Sec. 208) This section requires the President's budget request and HUD's congressional budget justifications to use the same account and sub-account structure included in this bill. (Sec. 209) This section exempts Ginnie Mae from certain requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990. (Sec. 210) This section permits HUD to authorize the transfer of project-based assistance, debt, and low-income and very low-income use restrictions associated with a multifamily housing project from obsolete or economically nonviable housing to a viable project if no additional costs are incurred and other specified conditions are met. (Sec. 211) This section sets forth eligibility requirements for section 8 housing assistance vouchers. (Sec. 212) This section requires Native American Housing Block Grant funds to be distributed to the same Native Alaskans that received funds in FY2005. (Sec. 213) This section sets forth requirements for HUD regarding the managing and disposing of any multifamily housing property that is held or owned by HUD. The section also specifies requirements for maintaining any rental assistance payments under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and other programs that are attached to any dwelling units in the property. (Sec. 214) This section permits Community Development Loan Guarantee funds to be used to guarantee notes or other obligations issued by any state on behalf of its non-entitlement communities. (Sec. 215) This section permits certain public housing agencies (PHAs) that own and operate 400 or fewer public housing units to elect to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by HUD in connection with the operating fund rule. (Sec. 216) This section prohibits HUD from using public housing funds to impose any requirement or guideline relating to asset management that restricts or limits the use of capital funds for central office costs, up to the limits established in the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. (Sec. 217) This section prohibits the designation of a HUD official or employee as an allotment holder unless the Chief Financial Officer has determined that the employee has (1) implemented an adequate system of funds control, and (2) received training in funds control procedures and directives. The Chief Financial Officer must ensure that there is a trained allotment holder for each HUD appropriations under specified accounts. (Sec. 218) This section requires HUD to publish on the Internet all competitively awarded Notices of Funding Availability for FY2019. (Sec. 219) This section sets forth limitations and reporting requirements for the payment of attorney fees in program-related litigation. (Sec. 220) This section sets forth requirements for transferring and reprogramming funds within specified HUD Administrative Support Office and Program Office Salaries and Expenses accounts. (Sec. 221) This section requires HUD to take specified actions against owners who are receiving rental subsidies and do not maintain safe properties. (Sec. 222) This section limits compensation for PHA officials and employees. (Sec. 223) This section requires HUD to notify Congress at least three business days before announcing the recipients of grant awards. (Sec. 224) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to require or enforce the Physical Needs Assessment (PNA). (Sec. 225) This section prohibits the FHA, Ginnie Mae, or HUD from using funds provided by this bill to finance mortgages for properties that have been subject to eminent domain condemnation or seizure by a state, municipality, or other political subdivision of a state. (Sec. 226) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to terminate the status of a unit of general local government as a metropolitan city with respect to community development grants under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. (Sec. 227) This section permits funds that are provided to the HUD Office of Policy Development and Research for research, evaluation, and statistical purposes and that are unexpended at the completion of a contract, grant or cooperative agreement to be used for additional research, subject to reprogramming requirements. (Sec. 228) This section prohibits funds from being used for awards, including performance, special act, or spot, for HUD employees who have been subject to administrative discipline in FY2018 or FY2019, including suspension from work. (Sec. 229) This section permits HUD to use funds provided for Homeless Assistance Grants to participate in the multiagency Performance Partnerships Pilots program on a limited basis. (Sec. 230) This section permits costs paid by the program income of grant recipients to count toward the recipient's matching requirements for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Continuum of Care funds. (The program awards project sponsors or unified funding agencies competitive grants focused on addressing the long-term housing and services needs of homeless individuals and families.) (Sec. 231) This section permits HUD to use funds provided by this bill for Homeless Assistance Grants to award one-year grants to transition from one Continuum of Care program component to another. (The program awards project sponsors or unified funding agencies competitive grants focused on addressing the long-term housing and services needs of homeless individuals and families.) No more than 50% of each transition grant may be used for the costs of eligible activities of the program component originally funded. (Sec. 232) This section prohibits HUD from using funds provided by this bill to direct a grantee to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws as part of carrying out the final rule titled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" or the notice entitled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool." (Sec. 233) This section prohibits provisions of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act regarding the expiration of the right to draw funds from applying to the right of a jurisdiction to draw funds from its HOME Investment Trust Fund that otherwise expired or would expire in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 under current law. (Sec. 234) This section maintains existing Promise Zone designations and agreements. (Sec. 235) This section requires HUD to review public housing and tenant-based rental assistance regulations, related notices, and other guidance documents to identify opportunities to streamline the administration of the programs while also ensuring compliance with financial and internal control requirements. It also requires HUD to establish a regulatory advisory committee to advise HUD on specific policy proposals to reduce the administrative burden. (Sec. 236) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to establish and apply a ranking factor in the selection and award of any funds made available and requiring competitive selection under this bill, including preference, bonus points, or other incentives for participation in or coordination with EnVision Centers. (Sec. 237) This section requires HUD to continue to engage in, and report to Congress on, efforts authorized by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 to ensure that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are not unlawfully evicted or denied housing by certain landlords based on their experience as survivors. (Sec. 238) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to provide housing assistance benefits to any individual who is convicted of * aggravated sexual abuse, * murder, or * any other federal or state offense involving child pornography or severe forms of trafficking in persons or sex trafficking. TITLE III--RELATED AGENCIES This title provides FY2019 appropriations to * the Access Board, * the Federal Maritime Commission, * the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, * the National Transportation Safety Board, * the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, * the Surface Transportation Board, and * the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. TITLE IV--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT (Sec. 401) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to compensate or pay the expenses of non-federal parties intervening in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this bill. (Sec. 402) This section prohibits transfers of funds to other appropriations or obligations beyond the current fiscal year, unless expressly permitted in this bill. (Sec. 403) This section limits expenditures for consulting services to contracts where the expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection, unless otherwise provided by law or an executive order. (Sec. 404) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill for employee training not specifically related to the performance of official duties. (Sec. 405) This section specifies procedures, restrictions, and reporting requirements for the reprogramming of funds provided by this bill. (Sec. 406) This section permits up to 50% of unobligated balances remaining at the end of FY2019 from appropriations for salaries and expenses to remain available through FY2020, subject to congressional approval and reprogramming guidelines. (Sec. 407) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for any project that seeks to use eminent domain unless eminent domain is employed only for a public use. (Sec. 408) This section prohibits the transfer of funds provided by this bill to a department, agency, or instrumentality of the U.S. government unless the transfer is pursuant to an appropriations Act. (Sec. 409) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill to permanently replace an employee intent on returning to his or her previous occupation after completing military service. (Sec. 410) This section requires expenditures of funds provided by this bill to comply with the Buy American Act. (Sec. 411) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being made available to any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the Buy American Act. (Sec. 412) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to purchase first class or premium airline travel in violation of specified federal travel regulations. (Sec. 413) This section prohibits the use of funds provided by this bill to approve a new foreign air carrier permit or exemption application if the approval would contravene U.S. law or specified provisions of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement. (Sec. 414) This section restricts the number of employees that agencies funded in this bill may send to international conferences. (Sec. 415) This section limits Surface Transportation Board fees for the filing of rate or practice complaints. (Sec. 416) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to purchase new light-duty vehicles, except in accordance with Presidential Memorandum- Federal Fleet Performance, which establishes requirements for purchasing alternative fueled vehicles. (Sec. 417) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used for a computer network unless pornography is blocked, with an exception for law enforcement, prosecution, or adjudication activities. (Sec. 418) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to deny an Inspector General (IG) timely access to any records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which that IG has responsibilities, or to prevent or impede that IG's access. Each IG must comply with (1) specified statutory limitations on disclosure of the information provided, and (2) reporting requirements regarding violations of this section. (Sec. 419) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to pay award or incentive fees for contractors whose performance is below satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or has failed to meet the basic requirements of a contract unless specified requirements are met. (Sec. 420) This section prohibits funds provided by this bill from being used to acquire telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation or a high-impact or moderate-impact information system unless the agency acquiring the system meets certain requirements for reviews, assessments, reports, and mitigation strategies for risks. (Sec. 421) This section specifies that the explanatory statement printed in the Congressional Record regarding division D (Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019) of H.R. 21 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019) has the same effect, with respect to this bill, as if it were a joint explanatory statement of a conference committee. (Sec. 422) This section compensates federal employees furloughed as a result of a lapse in appropriations that began on or about December 22, 2018, and ended upon the enactment of this bill. It also ratifies and approves certain obligations incurred in anticipation of the appropriations made and the authority granted by this bill. (Sec. 423) This section reimburses or compensates certain states, federal grantees, and furloughed state employees for any period in FY2019 in which a lapse in appropriations occurs.
  • Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act of 2020

    HR #8142 | Last Action: 9/1/2020
    Federal Disaster Housing Stability Act of 2020 This bill imposes limits on foreclosures and evictions in areas affected by a declared disaster or emergency. A servicer of certain federally backed residential mortgages for a property in such an area may not initiate the foreclosure process or take other foreclosure-related actions relating to that property unless the property is vacant or abandoned. Similarly, the landlord of a dwelling in such an area may not (1) initiate eviction proceedings against a tenant in that dwelling for nonpayment of rent or fees, (2) charge that tenant a penalty for nonpayment of rent, or (3) otherwise require the tenant to vacate the dwelling. These restrictions shall be in place until the declared emergency or disaster ends or the unemployment rate for the affected state remains below a certain threshold for two consecutive months, whichever occurs later.
  • Know Your Housing Rights Act of 2020

    HR #6899 | Last Action: 5/15/2020
    Know Your Housing Rights Act of 2020 This bill requires certain federal agencies to notify renters of federally assisted dwelling units of the rights, relief, and assistance available to them in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The notice must explain, for example (1) the effect of the eviction moratorium established by the CARES Act, (2) tenants' continuing obligation to pay rent, and (3) various fair housing protections. The notice must be sent out within seven days of the bill's enactment.
  • Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2019

    HR #2338 | Last Action: 4/18/2019
    Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2019 This bill specifies that (1) an individual may not be denied occupancy of federally assisted housing on the basis of using marijuana in compliance with state law, and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development may not prohibit or discourage the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing if such use is in compliance with state law.
  • Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2019

    HR #3620 | Last Action: 7/11/2019
    Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2019 This bill provides assistance to rural, multifamily rental-housing projects and tenants. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must implement a program for the preservation and revitalization of such housing projects financed with USDA loans. As part of this program, USDA may restructure existing housing loans by, for example, reducing or eliminating interest and deferring loan payments. Further, USDA must annually provide, to owners of properties with loans that will mature within four years, written notice explaining the options to restructure such loans. USDA must also provide, to households in properties with loans that will mature within two years, written notice of actions that may happen upon the loan's maturity and information on how to protect their right to reside in federally assisted housing. Additionally, USDA may provide technical assistance grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and public housing agencies to help borrowers acquire multifamily rental-housing properties in areas where there is a risk of loss of affordable housing. Further, USDA may provide rural housing vouchers for low-income households (including those not receiving rental assistance) residing in certain properties financed with or insured by USDA loans. USDA must also establish an advisory committee to assist in preserving such properties and implementing a specified plan to preserve their affordability for low-income families. The bill also extends existing housing protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to victims who receive housing voucher assistance. (These protections include a protection against eviction on the basis of being a victim of domestic violence.)
  • Protecting Federal Agencies and Employees from Political Interference Act of 2019

    HR #4595 | Last Action: 10/1/2019
    Protecting Federal Agencies and Employees from Political Interference Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the relocation of the headquarters for any federal agency located in the National Capital region unless relocation legislation is enacted. In addition, any employee's position with a duty station in the National Capital region shall remain in that region unless legislation relocating the position is enacted.
  • Public Housing Emergency Response Act

    HR #4546 | Last Action: 9/27/2019
    Public Housing Emergency Response Act This bill authorizes additional assistance from the Public Housing Capital Fund to public housing agencies for the development, financing, and modernization of public housing developments and for management improvements.
  • Public Housing Emergency Response Act

    S #3212 | Last Action: 1/16/2020
    Public Housing Emergency Response Act This bill authorizes additional assistance from the Public Housing Capital Fund to public housing agencies for the development, financing, and modernization of public housing developments and for management improvements.