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Title: Long-Term Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011
Vote Smart's Synopsis:
Vote on a motion to proceed with a bill that repeals $40 billion in unspent funds, suspends certain regulations for a period of 1 year, and extends appropriations for highway and transportation programs until September 30, 2013.
Highlights:
- Repeals $40 billion of all appropriated discretionary funds that remain unspent on the effective date of this act (Sec. 701).
- Extends appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund for projects and programs of the Federal Highway Administration from March 31, 2012 until September 30, 2013 (Sec. 201).
- Extends public transportation appropriations from March 31, 2012 until September 30, 2013 (Sec. 201).
- Appropriates $235 million for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 for surface transportation-related projects and programs (Sec. 301).
- Repeals, for a period of 1 year, all covered regulations (Sec. 603).
- Defines "covered regulation" as a regulation that (Sec. 602):
- Increases costs on businesses in a manner which will have an "adverse effect" on job creation, job retention, productivity, competitiveness, or "efficient" functioning of the economy;
- Has an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more;
- "Adversely affects" in a "material way" certain factors including, but not limited to, the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities;
- Creates a "serious inconsistency" with an action taken or planned by another agency;
- "Materially" alters the budgetary impact of grants or loan programs;
- Raises novel legal or policy issues; and
- Did not take effect before September 1, 2011.
- Requires Congress to review and approve, via the enactment of a joint resolution of approval, all rules drafted by federal agencies (Sec. 801).
More Info About this Vote
NOTE: THIS IS A VOTE ON A MOTION TO PROCEED, WHICH SENDS THE LEGISLATION TO THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE FOR DEBATE AND AMENDMENT. A MOTION TO PROCEED REQUIRES A MAJORITY OF THE SENATE FOR APPROVAL.