Legislative Activity

The VARIANCE Act allows commercial vehicles transporting dry bulk goods to exceed standard axle weight limits by up to 10%, provided the vehicle's gross weight doesn't increase. This adjustment aims to enhance efficiency in the transportation of dry bulk goods. "Dry bulk goods" are defined as unmarked, unpackaged, non-liquid cargo in a trailer designed for that purpose.

This bill directs the EPA Administrator to establish a Water Risk and Resilience Organization (WRRO) to develop cybersecurity risk and resilience requirements for community water systems or treatment works serving 3,300+ people. The WRRO will monitor and assess the implementation and effectiveness of cybersecurity requirements, and can impose penalties for violations. The bill allocates \$10,000,000 for these activities and clarifies that the WRRO is not a government entity, nor does this preempt state authority over water service safety and resilience.

The Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act aims to modernize the nation's weather radar system by directing the creation of a plan to replace the current NEXRAD system with advanced phased array radar technology by 2040. This plan includes developing prototypes, establishing a testbed for commercial radars, and consulting with experts to improve coverage and accuracy. The Act also allows the National Weather Service to contract with third parties to fill existing radar coverage gaps, potentially using weather cameras to supplement radar data.

This bill allocates \$19,240,928 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence during the 119th Congress, including staff salaries. It sets spending limits for the first and second sessions of the Congress and mandates that all payments be made through vouchers approved by the House Administration Committee. Funds provided must be spent in accordance with the regulations set by the House Administration Committee.