Review - HR 3684 to be Considered in House – Invest in America Act

As I mentioned Tuesday, the House will be considering HR 3684, the INVEST in America Act, next week. The bill was amended in Committee earlier this month and according to the House Rules Committee site, it has been further modified for that consideration. The version reported on the Rules Committee site includes two HAZMAT provisions and one section that specifically addresses cybersecurity issues, as well as seven mentions of cybersecurity in passing in other provisions.

Yesterday the Rules Committee announced that it was adding two new divisions to the language of HR 3684. These new divisions come from HR 1915, HR 3291, and HR 3293. Those divisions add one additional cybersecurity mention in passing.

HAZMAT Provisions

Section 8202 would provide for a stay of authorization to transport liquified natural gas by rail until four research and evaluation conditions are met.

Section 8203 would amend 49 USC 5107  by adding a new subsection (j) creating a new grant program “to develop hazardous materials response training for emergency responders and make such training available electronically or in person”.

AMTRAK Cybersecurity

The only section in the bill that specifically addresses cybersecurity issues is §9217, Amtrak cybersecurity enhancement and resiliency grant program. That section adds a new 49 USC 24325 of the same name. It would require DOT to “make grants to Amtrak for improvements in information technology systems, including cyber resiliency improvements for Amtrak information technology assets” {new §24325(a)}.

Moving Forward

The Rules Committee is currently accepting proposed amendments to HR 3684 and its additions. As of this writing there have been 223 amendments proposed. The Committee will meet early next week to formulate the rule for the consideration of HR 3684, including which amendments will be considered on the floor. That consideration will probably take place in the latter half of next week.

For a more detailed analysis of the provisions of the revised bill, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/hr-3684-to-be-considered-in-house - subscription required.