To save at least $8.5 million annually by eliminating an unnecessary program to provide federal funding for covered bridges.

1. Inserts new text at the end of title V

   Inserts

   In S. 493 · Reported to Senate

   "(mm) Competitive Selection Procedures for SBIR and STTR Programs.--All funds awarded, appropriated, or otherwise made available in accordance with subsection (f) or (n) must be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures.".

   Inserted: SEC.__. ELIMINATING THE NATIONAL HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE PRESERVATION PROGRAM.

   Inserted: (a) Repeal.--Section 1224 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (Public Law 105-178; 112 Stat. 225; 112 Stat. 837) is repealed.

   Inserted: (b) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law--

   Inserted: (1) no Federal funds may be expended on or after the date of enactment of this Act for the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program under the section repealed by subsection (a); and

   Inserted: (2) any funds made available for that program that remain unobligated as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be rescinded and returned to the Treasury.

   Original wording

   At the end of title V add the following:

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As printed