National Transportation Safety Board: Background and Issues for Reauthorization and Congressional Oversight


 

Publication Date: June 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Transportation

Type:

Abstract:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a small, independent agency charged with the task of investigating transportation accidents; conducting transportation safety studies; issuing safety recommendations; aiding victim's families in aviation disasters; and promoting transportation safety.

Funding authorization for NTSB expired at the end of FY2002. In the 108th Congress, NTSB reauthorization bills (H.R. 1527/S. 579) have been reported out of committee in both houses. The House passed H.R. 1527 by voice vote on May 15, 2003. Issues for NTSB reauthorization include transfer of family assistance responsibilities to law enforcement agencies when it is determined that a transportation disaster was the result of a criminal act; funding the NTSB Academy; clarifying NTSB's relief from federal contracting requirements for investigation-related procurement; expanding the role of NTSB's disaster assistance to transportation modes other than aviation; and expanding or redefining the scope of NTSB's investigative role in selected transportation safety issues. This report will be updated as needed.