S 2823 ISCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To empower States with authority for most taxing and spending for highway programs and mass transit programs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

April 7, 2008

Mr. DEMINT introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To empower States with authority for most taxing and spending for highway programs and mass transit programs, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Transportation Empowerment Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

(a) Findings- Congress finds that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the objective of the Federal highway program has been to facilitate the construction of a modern freeway system that promotes efficient interstate commerce by connecting all States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) that objective has been attained, and the Interstate System connecting all States is near completion;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) each State has the responsibility of providing an efficient transportation network for the residents of the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) each State has the means to build and operate a network of transportation systems, including highways, that best serves the needs of the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) each State is best capable of determining the needs of the State and acting on those needs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) the Federal role in highway transportation has, over time, usurped the role of the States by taxing motor fuels used in the States and then distributing the proceeds to the States based on the Federal Government's perceptions of what is best for the States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) the Federal Government has used the Federal motor fuels tax revenues to force all States to take actions that are not necessarily appropriate for individual States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) the Federal distribution, review, and enforcement process wastes billions of dollars on unproductive activities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) Federal mandates that apply uniformly to all 50 States, regardless of the different circumstances of the States, cause the States to waste billions of hard-earned tax dollars on projects, programs, and activities that the States would not otherwise undertake; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(10) Congress has expressed a strong interest in reducing the role of the Federal Government by allowing each State to manage its own affairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Purposes- The purposes of this Act are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) to return to the individual States maximum discretionary authority and fiscal responsibility for all elements of the national surface transportation systems that are not within the direct purview of the Federal Government;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) to preserve Federal responsibility for the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) to preserve the responsibility of the Department of Transportation for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) design, construction, and preservation of transportation facilities on Federal public land;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) national programs of transportation research and development and transportation safety; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) emergency assistance to the States in response to natural disasters;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) to eliminate to the maximum extent practicable Federal obstacles to the ability of each State to apply innovative solutions to the financing, design, construction, operation, and preservation of Federal and State transportation facilities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) with respect to transportation activities carried out by States, local governments, and the private sector, to encourage--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) competition among States, local governments, and the private sector; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) innovation, energy efficiency, private sector participation, and productivity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. CONTINUATION OF FUNDING FOR CORE HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.

(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) FUNDING- For the purpose of carrying out title 23, United States Code, the following sums are authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) INTERSTATE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM- For the Interstate maintenance program under section 119 of title 23, United States Code, $5,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $5,280,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $5,360,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $5,440,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $5,520,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) EMERGENCY RELIEF- For emergency relief under section 125 of that title, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) INTERSTATE BRIDGE PROGRAM- For the Interstate bridge program under section 144 of that title, $2,527,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $2,597,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $2,667,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $2,737,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $2,807,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) FEDERAL LANDS HIGHWAYS PROGRAM-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) INDIAN RESERVATION ROADS- For Indian reservation roads under section 204 of that title, $470,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $510,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $590,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $630,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) PUBLIC LANDS HIGHWAYS- For public lands highways under section 204 of that title, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $310,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $320,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $330,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) PARKWAYS AND PARK ROADS- For parkways and park roads under section 204 of that title, $255,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, $285,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $315,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) REFUGE ROADS- For refuge roads under section 204 of that title, $32,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) IN GENERAL- For highway safety programs under section 402 of that title, $170,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT- For highway safety research and development under section 403 of that title, $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(F) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH- For cooperative agreements with nonprofit research organizations to carry out applied pavement research under section 502 of that title, $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(G) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES- For administrative expenses incurred in carrying out the programs referred to in subparagraphs (A) through (F), $92,890,000 for fiscal year 2010, $95,040,000 for fiscal year 2011, $97,190,000 for fiscal year 2012, $99,340,000 for fiscal year 2013, and $101,490,000 for fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TRANSFERABILITY OF FUNDS- Section 104 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Transferability of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- To the extent that a State determines that funds made available under this title to the State for a purpose are in excess of the needs of the State for that purpose, the State may transfer the excess funds to, and use the excess funds for, any surface transportation (including mass transit and rail) purpose in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ENFORCEMENT- If the Secretary determines that a State has transferred funds under paragraph (1) to a purpose that is not a surface transportation purpose as described in paragraph (1), the amount of the improperly transferred funds shall be deducted from any amount the State would otherwise receive from the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year that begins after the date of the determination.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) FEDERAL-AID SYSTEM- Section 103(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking `systems are the Interstate System and the National Highway System' and inserting `system is the Interstate System'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) INTERSTATE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM- Section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) INTERSTATE MAINTENANCE COMPONENT- For each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014, for the Interstate maintenance program under section 119, 1 percent to the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the remaining 99 percent apportioned as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A)(i) For each State with an average population density of 20 persons or fewer per square mile, and each State with a population of 1,500,000 persons or fewer and with a land area of 10,000 square miles or less, the greater of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) a percentage share of apportionments equal to the percentage for the State described in clause (ii); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) a share determined under subparagraph (B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) The percentage referred to in clause (i)(I) for a State for a fiscal year shall be the percentage calculated for the State for the fiscal year under section 105(b) of title 23, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) For each State not described in subparagraph (A), a share of the apportionments remaining determined in accordance with the following formula:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) 1/9 in the ratio that the total rural lane miles in each State bears to the total rural lane miles in all States with an average population density greater than 20 persons per square mile and all States with a population of more than 1,500,000 persons and with a land area of more than 10,000 square miles.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) 1/9 in the ratio that the total rural vehicle miles traveled in each State bears to the total rural vehicle miles traveled in all States described in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) 2/9 in the ratio that the total urban lane miles in each State bears to the total urban lane miles in all States described in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) 2/9 in the ratio that the total urban vehicle miles traveled in each State bears to the total urban vehicle miles traveled in all States described in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) 3/9 in the ratio that the total diesel fuel used in each State bears to the total diesel fuel used in all States described in clause (i).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) INTERSTATE BRIDGE PROGRAM- Section 144 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subsection (d)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by inserting `on the Federal-aid system or described in subsection (c)(3)' after `highway bridge' each place it appears; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by inserting `on the Federal-aid system or described in subsection (c)(3)' after `highway bridges' each place it appears;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in the second sentence of subsection (e)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) in paragraph (1), by adding `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking the comma at the end and inserting a period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in the first sentence of subsection (l), by inserting `on the Federal-aid system or described in subsection (c)(3)' after `any bridge';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) in subsection (m)(1), by inserting `on the Federal-aid system or described in subsection (c)(3)' after `construct any bridge'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(E) in the first sentence of subsection (n), by inserting `for each of fiscal years 1991 through 2009,' after `of law,'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) NATIONAL DEFENSE HIGHWAYS- Section 311 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in the first sentence, by striking `under subsection (a) of section 104 of this title' and inserting `to carry out this section'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by striking the second sentence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) TOLLING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding title 23, United States Code, or any other provision of law, as of October 1, 2009, there shall be no restriction on the ability of a State, as part of any highway improvement project, to impose and collect a toll on any highway in the State that, as of that date, is part of the Interstate System.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) USE OF REVENUE FROM TOLLING- A State may use revenue collected from a toll pursuant to this paragraph only for a new highway infrastructure project in the State (including for a credit toward a non-Federal cost share required for receipt of Federal funds for such a new highway infrastructure project).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) FEDERALIZATION AND DEFEDERALIZATION OF PROJECTS- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning on October 1, 2009--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered to be a Federal highway construction or improvement project unless and until a State expends Federal funds for the construction portion of the project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) a highway construction or improvement project shall not be considered to be a Federal highway construction or improvement project solely by reason of the expenditure of Federal funds by a State before the construction phase of the project to pay expenses relating to the project, including for any environmental document or design work required for the project; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C)(i) a State may, after having used Federal funds to pay all or a portion of the costs of a highway construction or improvement project, reimburse the Federal Government in an amount equal to the amount of Federal funds so expended; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) after completion of a reimbursement described in clause (i), a highway construction or improvement project described in that clause shall no longer be considered to be a Federal highway construction or improvement project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS- No reporting requirement, other than a reporting requirement in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act, shall apply on or after October 1, 2009, to the use of Federal funds for highway projects by a public-private partnership.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Expenditures From Highway Trust Fund-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) EXPENDITURES FOR CORE PROGRAMS- Section 9503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to expenditures from Highway Trust Fund) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (1), by striking `Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users' and inserting `Transportation Empowerment Act';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (1), by striking `2009' both places it appears and inserting `2014';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in paragraphs (2)(A)(i)(III), (2)(A)(ii), (4)(A)(i), (5)(A), and (6), by striking `October 1, 2011' each place it appears and inserting `October 1, 2016'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) in paragraphs (2)(A)(i) and (3), by striking `July 1, 2012' each place it appears and inserting `July 1, 2017'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR CORE PROGRAM EXPENDITURES- Section 9503 of such Code (relating to the Highway Trust Fund) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Core Programs Financing Rate- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) in the case of gasoline and special motor fuels the tax rate of which is the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A)(i), the core programs financing rate is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) after September 30, 2009, and before October 1, 2010, 18.3 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) after September 30, 2010, and before October 1, 2011, 9.6 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) after September 30, 2011, and before October 1, 2012, 6.4 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) after September 30, 2012, and before October 1, 2013, 5.0 cents per gallon, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) after September 30, 2013, 3.7 cents per gallon, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) in the case of kerosene, diesel fuel, and special motor fuels the tax rate of which is the rate specified in section 4081(a)(2)(A)(iii), the core programs financing rate is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) after September 30, 2009, and before October 1, 2010, 24.3 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) after September 30, 2010, and before October 1, 2011, 12.7 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) after September 30, 2011, and before October 1, 2012, 8.5 cents per gallon,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) after September 30, 2012, and before October 1, 2013, 6.6 cents per gallon, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) after September 30, 2013, 5.0 cents per gallon.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) APPLICATION OF RATE- In the case of fuels used as described in paragraph (4)(C), (5)(B), and (6) of subsection (c), the core programs financing rate is zero.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Termination of Transfers to Mass Transit Account-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Section 9503(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Mass Transit Account) is amended by inserting `, and before October 1, 2009' after `March 31, 1983'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) AUTHORIZATION TO EXPEND REMAINING BALANCES IN ACCOUNT- Section 9503(e)(3) of such Code is amended by striking `before October 1, 2009'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section take effect on October 1, 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FUND.

(a) Balance of Core Programs Financing Rate Deposited in Fund- Section 9503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended by section 3(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h) Establishment of Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) CREATION OF FUND- There is established in the Highway Trust Fund a separate fund to be known as the `Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund' consisting of such amounts as may be transferred or credited to the Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund as provided in this subsection or section 9602(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) TRANSFERS TO INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FUND- On the first day of each fiscal year, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall determine the excess (if any) of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the amounts appropriated in such fiscal year to the Highway Trust Fund under subsection (b) which are attributable to the core programs financing rate for such year, plusCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the amounts appropriated in such fiscal year to the Highway Trust Fund under subsection (b) which are attributable to taxes under sections 4051, 4061, 4071, and 4481 for such year, overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the amount appropriated under subsection (c) for such fiscal year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





and shall transfer such excess to the Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) EXPENDITURES FROM INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FUND-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (iv), during fiscal years 2010 through 2013, $1,000,000,000 in the Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund shall be available to States for transportation-related program expenditures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) STATE SHARE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in clause (v), each State is entitled to a share of the amount specified in clause (i) upon enactment of legislation providing 1 of the 2 funding mechanisms described in clause (iii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) DETERMINATION OF STATE SHARE- For purposes of subclause (I), each State's share shall be determined in the following manner:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(aa) Multiply the percentage of the amounts appropriated in the latest fiscal year for which such data are available to the Highway Trust Fund under subsection (b) which is attributable to taxes paid by highway users in the State, by the amount specified in clause (i). If the result does not exceed $15,000,000, the State's share equals $15,000,000. If the result exceeds $15,000,000, the State's share is determined under item (bb).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(bb) Multiply the percentage determined under item (aa), by the amount specified in clause (i) reduced by an amount equal to $15,000,000 times the number of States the share of which is determined under item (aa).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(iii) LEGISLATIVE FUNDING MECHANISMS- A funding mechanism is described in this clause as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) A funding mechanism which results in revenues for transportation-related projects in the State for fiscal year 2014 and each succeeding fiscal year which are equal to the excess of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(aa) the mean annual average of distributions from the Highway Trust Fund to the State for fiscal years 2004 through 2009; overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(bb) the distributions from the Highway Trust Fund to the State for such fiscal year attributable to the core programs financing rate for such year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(II) A funding mechanism which results in an increase in the State rate of tax on motor fuels equal to the decrease in the rate of tax on such fuels under section 4081 for fiscal year 2014 and any succeeding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) DISTRIBUTION OF REMAINING AMOUNT- If after September 30, 2013, a portion of the amount specified in clause (i) remains, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall, on October 1, 2013, apportion the portion among the States which received a share of such amount under clause (ii) and which are not described in clause (v) using the percentages determined under clause (ii)(II)(aa) for such States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) ENFORCEMENT OF FUNDING MECHANISM REQUIREMENT- If a State, which enacted legislation providing for a funding mechanism described in clause (iii), terminates such mechanism before fiscal year 2013, the State's share determined under clauses (ii) and (iv) shall be deducted from any amount the State would otherwise receive from the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal year 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES FROM FUND-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- Amounts in the Infrastructure Special Assistance Fund, in excess of the amount specified in subparagraph (A)(i), shall be available, as provided by appropriation Acts, to the States for any surface transportation (including mass transit and rail) purpose in such States, and the Secretary shall apportion such excess amounts among all States using the percentages determined under clause (ii)(II)(aa) for such States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) ENFORCEMENT- If the Secretary determines that a State has used amounts under clause (i) for a purpose which is not a surface transportation purpose as described in clause (i), the improperly used amounts shall be deducted from any amount the State would otherwise receive from the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year which begins after the date of the determination.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section takes effect on October 1, 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. RETURN OF EXCESS TAX RECEIPTS TO STATES.

(a) In General- Section 9503(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating paragraph (7) (as added by section 11161(c)(1) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) as paragraph (6) and by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) RETURN OF EXCESS TAX RECEIPTS TO STATES FOR SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- On the first day of each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) determine the excess (if any) of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the amounts appropriated in such fiscal year to the Highway Trust Fund under subsection (b) which are equivalent to the taxes attributable to the excess of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(aa) the Highway Trust Fund financing rate for such year, overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(bb) the core programs financing rate for such year, overCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`(II) the amounts so appropriated which are equivalent to the taxes described in paragraphs (4)(C), (5)(B), and (6), andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) allocate the amount determined under clause (i) among the States (as defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code) for surface transportation (including mass transit and rail) purposes so that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the percentage of that amount allocated to each State, is equal toCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the percentage of the amount determined under clause (i)(I) paid into the Highway Trust Fund in the latest fiscal year for which such data are available which is attributable to highway users in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ENFORCEMENT- If the Secretary determines that a State has used amounts under subparagraph (A) for a purpose which is not a surface transportation purpose as described in subparagraph (A), the improperly used amounts shall be deducted from any amount the State would otherwise receive from the Highway Trust Fund for the fiscal year which begins after the date of the determination.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date- The amendment made by this section takes effect on October 1, 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. INTERSTATE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION COMPACTS.

(a) Definitions- In this section:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) INFRASTRUCTURE BANK- The term `infrastructure bank' means a surface transportation infrastructure bank established under an interstate compact under subsection (b)(5) and described in subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PARTICIPATING STATES- The term `participating States' means the States that are parties to an interstate compact entered into under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION- The term `surface transportation' includes mass transit and rail.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT- The term `surface transportation project' means a surface transportation project, program, or activity described in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Consent of Congress- In order to increase public investment, attract needed private investment, and promote an intermodal transportation network, Congress grants consent to States to enter into interstate compacts to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) promote the continuity, quality, and safety of the Interstate System;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) develop programs to promote and fund surface transportation safety initiatives and establish surface transportation safety standards for the participating States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) conduct long-term planning for surface transportation infrastructure in the participating States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) develop design and construction standards for infrastructure described in paragraph (3) to be used by the participating States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) establish surface transportation infrastructure banks to promote regional or other multistate investment in infrastructure described in paragraph (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Financing- An interstate compact established by participating States under subsection (b) to carry out a surface transportation project may provide that, in order to carry out the compact, the participating States may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) accept contributions from a unit of State or local government or a person;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) use any Federal or State funds made available for that type of surface transportation project;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) on such terms and conditions as the participating States consider advisable--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) borrow money on a short-term basis and issue notes for the borrowing; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) issue bonds; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) obtain financing by other means permitted under Federal or State law, including the use of tolls and surface transportation infrastructure banks under subsection (d).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Infrastructure Banks-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- An infrastructure bank may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) make loans;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) under the joint or separate authority of the participating States with respect to the infrastructure bank, issue such debt as the infrastructure bank and the participating States determine appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) provide other assistance to public or private entities constructing, or proposing to construct or initiate, surface transportation projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) FORMS OF ASSISTANCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- An infrastructure bank may make a loan or provide other assistance described in subparagraph (C) to a public or private entity in an amount equal to all or part of the construction cost, capital cost, or initiation cost of a surface transportation project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) SUBORDINATION OF ASSISTANCE- The amount of any loan or other assistance described in subparagraph (C) that is received for a surface transportation project under this section may be subordinated to any other debt financing for the surface transportation project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) OTHER ASSISTANCE- Other assistance referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) includes any use of funds for the purpose of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) credit enhancement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) a capital reserve for bond or debt instrument financing;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) bond or debt instrument financing issuance costs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iv) bond or debt issuance financing insurance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(v) subsidization of interest rates;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vi) letters of credit;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(vii) any credit instrument;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(viii) bond or debt financing instrument security; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ix) any other form of debt financing that relates to the qualifying surface transportation project.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) NO OBLIGATION OF UNITED STATES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- The establishment under this section of an infrastructure bank does not constitute a commitment, guarantee, or obligation on the part of the United States to any third party with respect to any security or debt financing instrument issued by the bank. No third party shall have any right against the United States for payment solely by reason of the establishment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) STATEMENT ON INSTRUMENT- Any security or debt financing instrument issued by an infrastructure bank shall expressly state that the security or instrument does not constitute a commitment, guarantee, or obligation of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Effective Date- This section takes effect on October 1, 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. REDUCTION IN TAXES ON GASOLINE, DIESEL FUEL, KEROSENE, AND SPECIAL FUELS FUNDING HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.

(a) Reduction in Tax Rate-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Section 4081(a)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to rates of tax) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in clause (i), by striking `18.3 cents' and inserting `3.7 cents'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in clause (iii), by striking `24.3 cents' and inserting `5.0 cents'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) Section 4081(a)(2)(D) of such Code is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) by striking `19.7 cents' and inserting `4.1 cents', andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) by striking `24.3 cents' and inserting `5.0 cents'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) Section 6427(b)(2)(A) of such Code is amended by striking `7.4 cents' and inserting `1.5 cents'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Additional Conforming Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) Section 4041(a)(1)(C)(iii)(I) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking `7.3 cents per gallon (4.3 cents per gallon after September 30, 2011)' and inserting `1.4 cents per gallon (zero after September 30, 2016)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Section 4041(a)(2)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking `24.3 cents' and inserting `5.0 cents'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) Section 4041(a)(3)(A) of such Code is amended by striking `18.3 cents' and inserting `3.7 cents'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Section 4041(m)(1) of such Code is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking `2011' and inserting `2016,';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking `9.15 cents' and inserting `1.8 cents';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking `11.3 cents' and inserting `2.3 cents'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) zero after September 30, 2016.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) Section 4081(d)(1) of such Code is amended by striking `4.3 cents per gallon after September 30, 2011' and inserting `zero after September 30, 2016'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) Section 9503(b) of such Code is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking `October 1, 2011' both places it appears and inserting `October 1, 2016';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in the heading of paragraph (2), by striking `OCTOBER 1, 2011' and inserting `OCTOBER 1, 2016';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in paragraph (2), by striking `after September 30, 2011, and before July 1, 2012' and inserting `after September 30, 2016, and before July 1, 2017'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking `2009' both places it appears and inserting `2014'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Floor Stock Refunds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- If--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) before October 1, 2013, tax has been imposed under section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on any liquid; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) on such date such liquid is held by a dealer and has not been used and is intended for sale;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





there shall be credited or refunded (without interest) to the person who paid such tax (in this subsection referred to as the `taxpayer') an amount equal to the excess of the tax paid by the taxpayer over the amount of such tax which would be imposed on such liquid had the taxable event occurred on such date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) TIME FOR FILING CLAIMS- No credit or refund shall be allowed or made under this subsection unless--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) claim therefor is filed with the Secretary of the Treasury before April 1, 2014; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in any case where liquid is held by a dealer (other than the taxpayer) on October 1, 2013--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) the dealer submits a request for refund or credit to the taxpayer before January 1, 2014; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the taxpayer has repaid or agreed to repay the amount so claimed to such dealer or has obtained the written consent of such dealer to the allowance of the credit or the making of the refund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) EXCEPTION FOR FUEL HELD IN RETAIL STOCKS- No credit or refund shall be allowed under this subsection with respect to any liquid in retail stocks held at the place where intended to be sold at retail.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this subsection, the terms `dealer' and `held by a dealer' have the respective meanings given to such terms by section 6412 of such Code; except that the term `dealer' includes a producer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) CERTAIN RULES TO APPLY- Rules similar to the rules of subsections (b) and (c) of section 6412 and sections 6206 and 6675 of such Code shall apply for purposes of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall apply to fuel removed after September 30, 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 8. REVENUE ALIGNED BUDGET AUTHORITY.

Section 110(a) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) ALLOCATION- If the amount determined under section 251(b)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(cc) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I)(cc)) for fiscal year 2009 or any fiscal year thereafter is greater than zero, the Secretary, on October 1 of the following fiscal year, shall allocate for that following fiscal year an amount of funds equal to the amount determined under that section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 9. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, after consultation with the appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to Congress describing such technical and conforming amendments to titles 23 and 49, United States Code, and such technical and conforming amendments to other laws, as are necessary to bring those titles and other laws into conformity with the policy embodied in this Act and the amendments made by this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE CONTINGENT UPON CERTIFICATION OF DEFICIT NEUTRALITY.

(a) Purpose- The purpose of this section is to ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) this Act will become effective only if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget certifies that this Act is deficit neutral;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) discretionary spending limits are reduced to capture the savings realized in devolving transportation functions to the State level pursuant to this Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) the tax reduction made by this Act is not scored under pay-as-you-go and does not inadvertently trigger a sequestration.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Effective Date Contingency- Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect only if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (referred to in this section as the `Director') submits the report as required in subsection (c); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) the report contains a certification by the Director that, based on the required estimates, the reduction in discretionary outlays resulting from the reduction in contract authority is at least as great as the reduction in revenues for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) OMB Estimates and Report-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) REQUIREMENTS- Not later than 5 calendar days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) estimate the net change in revenues resulting from this Act for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) estimate the net change in discretionary outlays resulting from the reduction in contract authority under this Act for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) determine, based on those estimates, whether the reduction in discretionary outlays is at least as great as the reduction in revenues for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) submit to Congress a report setting forth the estimates and determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) APPLICABLE ASSUMPTIONS AND GUIDELINES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) REVENUE ESTIMATES- The revenue estimates required under paragraph (1)(A) shall be predicated on the same economic and technical assumptions and scorekeeping guidelines that would be used for estimates made pursuant to section 252(d) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 902(d)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) OUTLAY ESTIMATES- The outlay estimates required under paragraph (1)(B) shall be determined by comparing the level of discretionary outlays resulting from this Act with the corresponding level of discretionary outlays projected in the baseline under section 257 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 907).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Conforming Adjustment to Discretionary Spending Limits- Upon compliance with the requirements specified in subsection (b), the Director shall adjust the adjusted discretionary spending limits for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2009 under section 601(a)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 665(a)(2)) by the estimated reductions in discretionary outlays under subsection (c)(1)(B).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Paygo Interaction- Upon compliance with the requirements specified in subsection (b), no changes in revenues estimated to result from the enactment of this Act shall be counted for the purposes of section 252(d) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 902(d)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink