PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Oct 5, 1998
Border Smog Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit noncommercial motor vehicles registered in a foreign country and operated by U.S. citizens, aliens who are permanent residents, or holders of employment or educational visas from entering a Serious ozone nonattainment area from a foreign country bordering the United States and contiguous to such area more than twice in a single calendar-month period if State law has requirements for the inspection and maintenance of such vehicles in such an area. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to operators who present documentation at the border entry point establishing the vehicle's compliance with such requirements. Authorizes civil penalties to be imposed for violation of such prohibition. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in States which elect to be exempt. Makes such prohibition inapplicable in a State and authorizes the President to implement an alternative approach if: (1) a State Governor submits a description of an alternative approach to facilitate compliance by foreign-registered vehicles with inspection and maintenance requirements that are related to air pollutant emissions, that are in effect under the implementation plan in the area, and that apply to vehicles of the same types and model years as the foreign-registered vehicles; and (2) the President approves such approach. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on a comparison of the potential impact of this Act on air quality in ozone nonattainment areas with the impact in those areas of the increase in vehicles engaged in commerce operating in the United States and registered in, or operated from, Mexico, as a result of the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
People & committees
Rep. Bilbray, Brian P. [R-CA-49] · R–CA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 105-286.
Became Public Law No: 105-286.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR H9900-9902)
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.(consideration: CR H9900-9902)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Mr. Bliley moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Amendment SP 3739 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Amendment SP 3739 proposed by Senator Grams for Senator Chafee.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S11511-11512)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 664.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported to Senate by Senator Chafee without amendment. With written report No. 105-355.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported to Senate by Senator Chafee without amendment. With written report No. 105-355.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5891-5901)
Mr. Bilbray moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 355.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-634.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-634.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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