,,iia ,calendar ,no4 #agf #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,j4 ,,res4 #gf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #ah1 #bjag ,received2 read twice and placed on the calendar ,,joint ,,resolution ,granting the consent and approval of ,congress for the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 the ,state of ,maryland1 and the ,district of ,columbia to a enter into a compact relating to the establishment of the ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission4 ,whereas the ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority1 an interstate compact agency of the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland1 provides transportation services to millions of people each year1 the safety of whom is paramount2 ,whereas an effective and safe ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority system is essential to the commerce and prosperity of the ,national ,capital region2 ,whereas the ,tri-,state ,oversight ,committee1 created by a memorandum of understanding amongst these #c jurisdictions1 has provided safety oversight of the ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority2 ,whereas #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi requires the creation of a legally and financially independent state authority for safety oversight of all fixed rail transit facilities2 ,whereas the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland intend to create a ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission to act as the state safety oversight authority for the ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority system under #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi2 and ,whereas this compact is created for the benefit of the people of the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland and for the increase of their safety1 commerce1 and prosperity4 #a4 ,consent and approval of ,congress ,the consent and approval of ,congress is hereby given for the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 the ,state of ,maryland1 and the ,district of ,columbia to enter into a compact for the safety oversight of the ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority ,metrorail system 7known as the ,metrorail ,safety ,commission ,interstate ,compact71 which has been negotiated by representatives of the ,state1 the ,commonwealth1 and the ,district1 substantially as follows3 ,,article ,i ,,definitions #a4 ,as used in this ,,msc ,compact1 the following words and terms shall have the meanings set forth below1 unless the context clearly requires a different meaning4 ,capitalized terms used herein1 but not otherwise defined in this ,,msc ,compact1 shall have the definition set forth in regulations issued under #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi1 as they may be revised from time to time4 7a7 ,alternate ,member means an alternate member of the ,board2 7b7 ,board means the board of directors of the ,commission2 7c7 ,commission means the ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission2 7d7 ,member means a member of the ,board2 7e7 ,,msc ,compact means this ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission ,interstate ,compact2 7f7 ,public ,transportation ,agency ,safety ,plan means the comprehensive agency safety plan for a rail transit agency required by #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi and the regulations issued thereunder1 as may be amended or revised from time to time2 7g7 ,public ,transportation ,safety ,certification ,training ,program means the federal certification training program1 as established and amended from time to time by applicable federal laws and regulations1 for federal and state employees1 or other designated personnel1 who conduct safety audits and examinations of public transportation systems1 and employees of public transportation agencies directly responsible for safety oversight2 7h7 ,safety ,sensitive ,position means any position held by a ,,wmata employee or contractor designated in the ,public ,transportation ,agency ,safety ,plan for the ,,wmata ,rail ,system and approved by the ,commission as directly or indirectly affecting the safety of the passengers or employees of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system2 7i7 ,signatory means the ,state of ,maryland1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,district of ,columbia2 7j7 ,state1 state1 or jurisdiction means the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,state of ,maryland1 or the ,commonwealth of ,virginia2 7k7 ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority or ,,wmata is the entity created by the ,,wmata ,compact1 which entity is responsible for providing certain rail fixed guideway public transportation system services2 7l7 ,,wmata ,compact means the ,washington ,metropolitan ,area ,transit ,authority ,compact1 approved ,november #f1 #aiff 7#hj ,stat4 #acbd2 ,d4,c4 ,official ,code #i-aajg4ja et seq472 and 7m7 ,,wmata ,rail ,system or ,metrorail means the rail fixed guideway public transportation system and all other real and personal property owned1 leased1 operated1 or otherwise used by ,,wmata rail services and shall include ,,wmata rail projects under design or construction by owners other than ,,wmata4 ,,article ,,ii ,,purpose ,,and ,,functions #b4 ,the ,signatories to the ,,wmata ,compact hereby adopt this ,,msc ,compact pursuant to #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi4 ,the ,commission created hereunder shall have safety regulatory and enforcement authority over the ,,wmata ,rail ,system and shall act as the state safety oversight authority for ,,wmata under #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi1 as may be amended from time to time4 ,,wmata shall be subject to the ,commission's rules1 regulations1 actions1 and orders4 #c4 ,the purpose of this ,,msc ,compact is to create a state safety oversight authority for the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 pursuant to the mandate of federal law1 as a common agency of each ,signatory1 empowered in the manner hereinafter set forth to review1 approve1 oversee1 and enforce the safety of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 including1 without limitation1 to3 7a7 ,have exclusive safety oversight authority and responsibility over the ,,wmata ,rail ,system pursuant to federal law1 including1 without limitation1 the power to restrict1 suspend1 or prohibit rail service on all or part of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system as set forth in this ,,msc ,compact2 7b7 ,develop and adopt a written state safety oversight program standard2 7c7 ,review and approve the ,,wmata ,public ,transportation ,agency ,safety ,plan2 7d7 ,investigate hazards1 incidents1 and accidents on the ,,wmata ,rail ,system2 7e7 ,require1 review1 approve1 oversee1 and enforce ,corrective ,action ,plans developed by ,,wmata2 and 7f7 ,meet other requirements of federal and ,state law relating to safety oversight of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system4 ,,article ,,iii ,,establishment ,,and ,,organization ,a4 ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission #d4 ,the ,commission is hereby created as an instrumentality of each ,signatory1 which shall be a public body corporate and politic1 and which shall have the powers and duties set forth in this ,,msc ,compact4 #e4 ,the ,commission shall be financially and legally independent from ,,wmata4 ,b4 ,board ,membership #f4 ,the ,commission shall be governed by a ,board of #f ,members with #b ,members appointed or reappointed 7including to fill an unexpired term7 by each ,signatory pursuant to the ,signatory's applicable laws4 #g4 ,each ,signatory shall also appoint or reappoint 7including to fill an unexpired term7 one ,alternate ,member pursuant to the ,signatory's applicable laws4 #h4 ,an ,alternate ,member shall participate and take action as a ,member only in the absence of one or both ,members appointed from the same jurisdiction as the ,alternate ,member's appointing jurisdiction and1 in such instances1 may cast a single vote4 #i4 ,members and ,alternate ,members shall have backgrounds in transit safety1 transportation1 relevant engineering disciplines1 or public finance4 #aj4 ,no ,member or ,alternate ,member shall simultaneously hold an elected public office1 serve on the ,,wmata board of directors1 be employed by ,,wmata1 or be a contractor to ,,wmata4 #aa4 ,each ,member and ,alternate ,member shall serve a #d-year term and may be reappointed for additional terms2 except that1 each ,signatory shall make its initial appointments as follows3 7a7 ,one ,member shall be appointed for a #d-year term2 7b7 ,one ,member shall be appointed for a #b-year term2 and 7c7 ,the ,alternate ,member shall be appointed for a #c-year term4 #ab4 ,any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term4 #ac4 ,members and ,alternate ,members shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses and shall be compensated for each day spent meeting on the business of the ,commission at a rate of #bjj per day or at such other rate as may be adjusted in appropriations approved by all of the ,signatories4 #ad4 ,a ,member or an ,alternate ,member may be removed or suspended from office only for cause in accordance with the laws of such ,member's or ,alternate ,member's appointing jurisdiction4 ,c4 ,quorum and ,actions of the ,board #ae4 ,four ,members shall constitute a quorum1 and the affirmative vote of #d ,members is required for action of the ,board4 ,quorum and voting requirements under this paragraph may be met with one or more ,alternate ,members pursuant to section #h4 #af4 ,the ,commission action shall become effective upon enactment unless otherwise provided for by the ,commission4 ,d4 ,oath of ,office #ag4 ,before entering office1 each ,member and ,alternate ,member shall take and subscribe to the following oath 7or affirmation7 of office or any such other oath or affirmation as the constitution or laws of the ,signatory he or she represents shall provide3 ,i1 1 hereby solemnly swear 7or affirm7 that ,i will support and defend the ,constitution and the laws of the ,united ,states as a ,member 7or ,alternate ,member7 of the ,board of the ,washington ,metrorail ,safety ,commission and will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which ,i am about to enter4 ,e4 ,organization and ,procedure #ah4 ,the ,board shall provide for its own organization and procedure4 ,meetings of the ,board shall be held as frequently as the ,board determines1 but in no event less than quarterly4 ,the ,board shall keep minutes of its meetings and establish rules and regulations governing its transactions and internal affairs1 including1 without limitation1 policies regarding records retention that are not in conflict with applicable federal record retention laws4 #ai4 ,the ,commission shall keep commercially reasonable records of its financial transactions in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the ,united ,states of ,america4 #bj4 ,the ,commission shall establish an office for the conduct of its affairs at a location to be determined by the ,commission4 #ba4 ,the ,commission shall adopt #e ,u4,s4,c4 #eeb7;a7-7d7 and 7g71 and #e ,u4,s4,c4 #eeb;b1 as both may be amended from time to time1 as its freedom-of-information policy and open-meeting policy1 respectively1 and shall not be subject to the comparable laws or policies of any ,signatory4 #bb4 ,reports of investigations or inquiries adopted by the ,board shall be made publicly available4 #bc4 ,the ,commission shall adopt a policy on conflict of interest that shall be consistent with the regulations issued under #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi1 as they may be revised from time to time1 which1 among other things1 places appropriate separation between ,members1 officers1 employees1 contractors1 and agents of the ,commission and ,,wmata4 #bd4 ,the ,commission shall adopt and utilize its own administrative procedure and procurement policies in conformance with applicable federal regulations and shall not be subject to the administrative procedure or procurement laws of any ,signatory4 ,f4 ,officers and ,employees #be4 ,the ,board shall elect a ,chairman1 ,vice ,chairman1 ,secretary1 and ,treasurer from among its ,members1 each for a #b-year term and shall prescribe their powers and duties4 #bf4 ,the ,board shall appoint and fix the compensation and benefits of a chief executive officer who shall be the chief administrative officer of the ,commission and who shall have expertise in transportation safety and one or more industry-recognized transportation safety certifications4 #bg4 ,consistent with #di ,u4,s4,c4 #ecbi1 as may be amended from time to time1 the ,commission may employ1 under the direction of the chief executive officer1 such other technical1 legal1 clerical1 and other employees on a regular1 part-time1 or as-needed basis as it determines necessary or desirable for the discharge of its duties4 #bh4 ,the ,commission shall not be bound by any statute or regulation of any ,signatory in the employment or discharge of any officer or employee of the ,commission1 but shall develop its own policies in compliance with federal law4 ,the ,,msc shall1 however1 consider the laws of the ,signatories in devising its employment and discharge policies1 and when it deems it practical1 devise policies consistent with the laws of the ,signatories4 #bi4 ,the ,board may fix and provide policies for the qualification1 appointment1 removal1 term1 tenure1 compensation benefits1 worker's compensation1 pension1 and retirement rights of its employees subject to federal law4 ,the ,board may also establish a personnel system based on merit and fitness and1 subject to eligibility1 participate in the pension1 retirement1 and worker's compensation plans of any ,signatory or agency or political subdivision thereof4 ,,article ,,iv ,,powers ,a4 ,safety ,oversight ,powers #cj4 ,in carrying out its purposes1 the ,commission1 through its ,board or designated employees or agents1 shall1 consistent with federal law3 7a7 ,adopt1 revise1 and distribute a written ,state ,safety ,oversight ,program2 7b7 ,review1 approve1 oversee1 and enforce the adoption and implementation of ,,wmata's ,public ,transportation ,agency ,safety ,plan2 7c7 ,require1 review1 approve1 oversee1 and enforce the adoption and implementation of any ,corrective ,action ,plans that the ,commission deems appropriate2 7d7 ,implement and enforce relevant federal and ,state laws and regulations relating to safety of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system2 and 7e7 ,audit every #c years the compliance of ,,wmata with ,,wmata's ,public ,transportation ,agency ,safety ,plan or conduct such an audit on an ongoing basis over a #c-year time frame4 #ca4 ,in performing its duties1 the ,commission1 through its ,board or designated employees or agents1 may3 7a7 ,conduct1 or cause to be conducted1 inspections1 investigations1 examinations1 and testing of ,,wmata personnel and contractors1 property1 equipment1 facilities1 rolling stock1 and operations of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 including1 without limitation1 electronic information and databases through reasonable means1 which may include issuance of subpoenas2 7b7 ,enter upon the ,,wmata ,rail ,system and1 upon reasonable notice and a finding by the chief executive officer that a need exists1 upon any lands1 waters1 and premises adjacent to the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 including1 without limitation1 property owned or occupied by the federal government1 for the purpose of making inspections1 investigations1 examinations1 and testing as the ,commission may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this ,,msc ,compact1 and such entry shall not be deemed a trespass4 ,the ,commission shall make reasonable reimbursement for any actual damage resulting to any such adjacent lands1 waters1 and premises as a result of such activities2 7c7 ,compel ,,wmata's compliance with any ,corrective ,action ,plan or order of the ,commission by such means as the ,commission deems appropriate1 including1 without limitation1 by3 7#a7 ,taking legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction2 7#b7 ,issuing citations or fines with funds going into an escrow account for spending by ,,wmata on ,commission-directed safety measures2 7#c7 ,directing ,,wmata to prioritize spending on safety-critical items2 7#d7 ,removing a specific vehicle1 infrastructure element1 or hazard from the ,,wmata ,rail ,system2 and 7#e7 ,compelling ,,wmata to restrict1 suspend1 or prohibit rail service on all or part of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system with an appropriate notice period dictated by the circumstances2 7d7 ,direct ,,wmata to suspend or disqualify from performing in any ,safety ,sensitive ,position an individual who is alleged to or has violated safety rules1 regulations1 policies1 or laws2 7e7 ,compel ,,wmata's ,office of the ,inspector ,general1 created under ,,wmata ,board ,resolution #bjjf-ah1 or any successor ,,wmata office or organization having similar duties1 to conduct safety-related audits or investigations and to provide its findings to the ,commission2 and 7f7 ,take such other actions as the ,commission may deem appropriate consistent with its purpose and powers4 #cb4 ,action by the ,board under section #ca7;c77#e7 shall require the unanimous vote of all ,members present and voting4 ,the ,commission shall coordinate its enforcement activities with appropriate federal and ,state governmental authorities4 ,b4 ,general ,powers #cc4 ,in addition to the powers and duties set forth above1 the ,commission may3 7a7 ,sue and be sued2 7b7 ,adopt1 amend1 and repeal rules and regulations respecting the exercise of the powers conferred by this ,,msc ,compact2 7c7 ,create and abolish offices1 employments1 and positions 7other than those specifically provided for in this ,,msc ,compact7 necessary or desirable for the purposes of the ,commission2 7d7 ,determine a staffing level for the ,commission that is commensurate with the size and complexity of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 and require that employees and other designated personnel of the ,commission1 who are responsible for safety oversight1 be qualified to perform such functions through appropriate training1 including1 without limitation1 successful completion of the ,public ,transportation ,safety ,certification ,training ,program2 7e7 ,contract for or employ consulting attorneys1 inspectors1 engineers1 and such other experts necessary or desirable and1 within the limitations prescribed in this ,,msc ,compact1 prescribe their powers and duties and fix their compensation2 7f7 ,enter into and perform contracts1 leases1 and agreements necessary or desirable in the performance of its duties and in the execution of the powers granted under this ,,msc ,compact2 7g7 ,apply for1 receive1 and accept such payments1 appropriations1 grants1 gifts1 loans1 advances1 and other funds1 properties1 and services as may be transferred or made available to it by the ,united ,states government or any other public or private entity or individual1 subject to the limitations specified in section #db2 7h7 ,adopt an official seal and alter the same at its pleasure2 7i7 ,adopt and amend by-laws1 policies1 and procedures governing the regulation of its affairs2 7j7 ,appoint one or more advisory committees2 and 7k7 ,do such other acts necessary or desirable for the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under this ,,msc ,compact4 #cd4 ,consistent with this ,,msc ,compact1 the ,commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this ,,msc ,compact4 ,,article ,v ,,general ,,provisions ,a4 ,annual ,safety ,report #ce4 ,the ,commission shall make and publish annually a status report on the safety of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 which shall include1 among other requirements established by the ,commission and federal law1 status updates of outstanding ,corrective ,action ,plans1 ,commission directives1 and on-going investigations4 ,a copy of each such report shall be provided to3 7a7 ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,transit ,administration2 7b7 ,the ,governor of ,virginia1 the ,governor of ,maryland1 and the ,mayor of the ,district of ,columbia2 7c7 ,the ,chairman of the ,council of the ,district of ,columbia2 7d7 ,the ,president of the ,maryland ,senate and the ,speaker of the ,maryland ,house of ,delegates2 7e7 ,the ,president of the ,virginia ,senate and the ,speaker of the ,virginia ,house of ,delegates2 and 7f7 ,the ,general ,manager and each member of the board of directors of ,,wmata4 #cf4 ,the ,commission may prepare1 publish1 and distribute such other safety reports that it deems necessary or desirable4 ,b4 ,annual ,report of ,operations #cg4 ,the ,commission shall make and publish an annual report on its programs1 operations1 and finances1 which shall be distributed in the same manner provided by section #ce4 #ch4 ,the ,commission may also prepare1 publish1 and distribute such other public reports and informational materials as it deems necessary or desirable4 ,c4 ,annual ,independent ,audit #ci4 ,an independent annual audit shall be made of the financial accounts of the ,commission4 ,the audit shall be made by qualified certified public accountants selected by the ,board1 who shall have no personal interest1 direct or indirect1 in the financial affairs of the ,commission or any of its officers or employees4 ,the report of audit shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles and shall be distributed in the same manner provided by section #ce4 ,members1 employees1 agents1 and contractors of the ,commission shall provide access to information necessary or desirable for the conduct of the annual audit4 ,d4 ,financing #dj4 ,the ,commission's operations shall be funded1 independently of ,,wmata1 by the ,signatory jurisdictions and1 when available1 by federal funds4 ,the ,commission shall have no authority to levy taxes4 #da4 ,the ,signatories shall unanimously agree on adequate funding levels for the ,commission and make equal contributions of such funding1 subject to annual appropriation1 to cover the portion of ,commission operations not funded by federal funds4 #db4 ,the ,commission may borrow up to #e of its last annual appropriations budget in anticipation of receipts1 or as otherwise set forth in the appropriations budget approved by all of the ,signatories1 from any lawful lending institution for any purpose of this ,,msc ,compact1 including1 without limitation1 for administrative expenses4 ,such loans shall be for a term not to exceed #b years1 or at such longer term approved by each ,signatory pursuant to its laws as evidenced by the written authorization by the ,mayor of the ,district of ,columbia and the ,governors of ,maryland and ,virginia1 and at such rates of interest as shall be acceptable to the ,commission4 #dc4 ,with respect to the ,district of ,columbia1 the commitment or obligation to render financial assistance to the ,commission shall be created1 by appropriation or in such other manner1 or by such other legislation1 as the ,district of ,columbia shall determine2 provided1 that any such commitment or obligation shall be approved by ,congress pursuant to the ,district of ,columbia ,home ,rule ,act1 approved ,december #bd1 #aigc 7#hg ,stat4 #ggd2 ,d4,c4 ,official ,code #a-bja4ja et seq474 #dd4 ,pursuant to the requirements of #ca ,u4,s4,c4 #acda1 #acdb1 #acdi to #acea1 and #aeaa to #aeai1 and ,d4,c4 ,official ,code #dg-aje and #dg-cee4ja to #cee4jh 7collectively1 the ,anti-,deficiency ,acts71 the ,district cannot obligate itself to any financial commitment in any present or future year unless the necessary funds to pay that commitment have been appropriated and are lawfully available for the purpose committed4 ,thus1 pursuant to the ,anti-,deficiency ,acts1 nothing in the ,,msc ,compact creates an obligation of the ,district in anticipation of an appropriation for such purpose1 and the ,district's legal liability for the payment of any amount under this ,,msc ,compact does not and may not arise or obtain in advance of the lawful availability of appropriated funds for the applicable fiscal year4 ,e4 ,tax ,exemption #de4 ,the exercise of the powers granted by this ,,msc ,compact shall in all respects be for the benefit of the people of the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland and for the increase of their safety1 commerce1 and prosperity1 and as the activities associated with this ,,msc ,compact shall constitute the performance of essential governmental functions1 the ,commission shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon the services or any property acquired or used by the ,commission under the provisions of this ,,msc ,compact or upon the income therefrom1 and shall at all times be free from taxation within the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland4 ,f4 ,reconsideration of ,commission ,orders #df4 ,,wmata shall have the right to petition the ,commission for reconsideration of an order based on rules and procedures developed by the ,commission4 #dg4 ,consistent with section #af1 the filing of a petition for reconsideration shall not act as a stay upon the execution of a ,commission order1 or any part of it1 unless the ,commission orders otherwise4 ,,wmata may appeal any adverse action on a petition for reconsideration as set forth in section #dh4 ,g4 ,judicial ,matters #dh4 ,the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,eastern ,district of ,virginia1 ,alexandria ,division1 the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,maryland1 ,southern ,division1 and the ,united ,states ,district ,court for the ,district of ,columbia shall have exclusive and original jurisdiction of all actions brought by or against the ,commission and to enforce subpoenas under this ,,msc ,compact4 #di4 ,the commencement of a judicial proceeding shall not operate as a stay of a ,commission order unless specifically ordered by the court4 ,h4 ,liability and ,indemnification #ej4 ,the ,commission and its ,members1 ,alternate ,members1 officers1 agents1 employees1 or representatives shall not be liable for suit or action or for any judgment or decree for damages1 loss1 or injury resulting from action taken within the scope of their employment or duties under this ,,msc ,compact1 nor required in any case arising or any appeal taken under this ,,msc ,compact to give a supersedeas bond or security for damages4 ,nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage1 loss1 injury1 or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person4 #ea4 ,the ,commission shall be liable for its contracts and for its torts and those of its ,members1 ,alternate ,members1 officers1 agents1 employees1 and representatives committed in the conduct of any proprietary function1 in accordance with the law of the applicable ,signatory 7including1 without limitation1 rules on conflict of laws7 but shall not be liable for any torts occurring in the performance of a governmental function4 ,the exclusive remedy for such breach of contract or tort for which the ,commission shall be liable1 as herein provided1 shall be by suit against the ,commission4 ,nothing contained in this ,,msc ,compact shall be construed as a waiver by the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 or the ,state of ,maryland of any immunity from suit4 ,i4 ,commitment of ,parties #eb4 ,each of the ,signatories pledges to each other faithful cooperation in providing safety oversight for the ,,wmata ,rail ,system1 and1 to affect such purposes1 agrees to consider in good faith and request any necessary legislation to achieve the objectives of this ,,msc ,compact4 ,j4 ,amendments and ,supplements #ec4 ,amendments and supplements to this ,,msc ,compact shall be adopted by legislative action of each of the ,signatories and the consent of ,congress4 ,when one ,signatory adopts an amendment or supplement to an existing section of this ,,msc ,compact1 that amendment or supplement shall not be immediately effective1 and the previously enacted provision or provisions shall remain in effect in each jurisdiction until the amendment or supplement is approved by the other ,signatories and is consented to by ,congress4 ,k4 ,withdrawal and ,termination #ed4 ,any ,signatory may withdraw from this ,,msc ,compact1 which action shall constitute a termination of this ,,msc ,compact4 #ee4 ,withdrawal from this ,,msc ,compact shall be by a ,signatory's repeal of this ,,msc ,compact from its laws1 but such repeal shall not take effect until #b years after the effective date of the repealed statute and written notice of the withdrawal being given by the withdrawing ,signatory to the governors or mayor1 as appropriate1 of the other ,signatories4 #ef4 ,prior to termination of this ,,msc ,compact1 the ,commission shall provide each ,signatory3 7a7 ,a mechanism for concluding the operations of the ,commission2 7b7 ,a proposal to maintain state safety oversight of the ,,wmata ,rail ,system in compliance with applicable federal law2 7c7 ,a plan to hold surplus funds in a trust for a successor regulatory entity for #d years after the termination of this ,,msc ,compact2 and 7d7 ,a plan to return any surplus funds that remain #d years after the creation of the trust4 ,l4 ,construction and ,severability #eg4 ,this ,,msc ,compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes for which it is created4 #eh4 ,if any part or provision of this ,,msc ,compact or the application thereof to any person or circumstances be adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction1 such judgment shall be confined in its operation to the part1 provision1 or application directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of this ,,msc ,compact or the application thereof to other persons or circumstances1 and the ,signatories hereby declare that they would have entered into this ,,msc ,compact or the remainder thereof had the invalidity of such provision or application thereof been apparent4 ,m4 ,adoption2 ,effective ,date #ei4 ,this ,,msc ,compact shall be adopted by the ,signatories in the manner provided by law therefor and shall be signed and sealed in #d duplicate original copies4 ,one such copy shall be filed with the ,secretary of ,state of the ,state of ,maryland1 the ,secretary of the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,secretary of the ,district of ,columbia in accordance with the laws of each jurisdiction4 ,one copy shall be filed and retained in the archives of the ,commission upon its organization4 ,this ,,msc ,compact shall become effective upon the enactment of concurring legislation by the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,state of ,maryland1 and consent thereto by ,congress and when all other acts or actions have been taken1 including1 without limitation1 the signing and execution of this ,,msc ,compact by the ,governors of ,maryland and ,virginia and the ,mayor of the ,district of ,columbia4 ,n4 ,conflict of ,laws #fj4 ,any conflict between any authority granted herein1 or the exercise of such authority1 and the provisions of the ,,wmata ,compact shall be resolved in favor of the exercise of such authority by the ,commission4 #fa4 ,all other general or special laws inconsistent with this ,,msc ,compact are hereby declared to be inapplicable to the ,commission or its activities4 4 #b4 ,right to alter1 amend1 or repeal ,the right to alter1 amend1 or repeal this joint resolution is expressly reserved4 ,the consent granted by this joint resolution shall not be construed as impairing or in any manner affecting any right or jurisdiction of the ,united ,states in and over the region that forms the subject of the ,compact4 #c4 ,construction and severability ,it is intended that the provisions of this ,compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof4 ,if any part or application of this ,compact1 or legislation enabling the ,compact1 is held invalid1 the remainder of the ,compact or its application to other situations or persons shall not be affected4 #d4 ,inconsistency of language ,the validity of this ,compact shall not be affected by any insubstantial differences in its form or language as adopted by the ,state of ,maryland1 the ,commonwealth of ,virginia1 and the ,district of ,columbia4 #e4 ,effective date ,this joint resolution shall take effect on the date of enactment of this joint resolution4 ,passed the ,house of ,representatives ,july #ag1 #bjag4,karen ,l4 ,haas1,clerk4 ,july #ah1 #bjag ,received2 read twice and placed on the calendar