Thompson Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on 'Front-Line Defense: Security Training for Mass Transit and Rail Employees'
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Today, the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity held a hearing to examine “Front-line Defense: Security Training for Mass Transit and Rail Employees." What follows is the prepared opening statement of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Full Committee on Homeland Security:
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“Two years ago, terrorist bombs exploded on Madrid’s rail system, killing and maiming hundreds of innocent civilians who were beginning their day like any other. The world watched in horror, and we all vowed never to let a similar attack happen again.
“Last July, terrorist bombs exploded simultaneously throughout London’s Underground Tube system and aboard London Transit Buses. Hundreds of people were killed and maimed.
Thousands more were confined to their homes without access to public transportation. We vowed never to let a similar attack happen again.
“Then this summer, a number of bombs were exploded on India’s rail system, terrorizing thousands. Our nation vowed never to let a similar attack happen here. There’s a lot of terror history here, but no homeland security action.
“This Administration has failed to take basic steps to mandate security training for rail and mass transit employees. We all know that the first few minutes after an attack will be critical. Without security training, front line rail and mass transit employees will not be able to respond properly to save lives.
“History tells us that rail and mass transit in America is a target. The Transportation Security Administration’s failure to address this known vulnerability is beyond me. Congress specifically created the Transportation Security Administration as a one stop shop to secure ALL our modes of transportation.
“Instead of developing security training guidelines, the Transportation Security Administration dropped the ball and passed the buck, funneling $1.5 million dollars to the Federal Transit Administration, which has no responsibility for a program like this.
“Congress gave this money to the Transportation Security Administration for one reason – to develop these necessary security guidelines.
“Today, our Country still vow’s to never let an attack like Madrid, London, or India happen here. How many more people need to be victims before this Administration will take these obvious and simple steps to better secure our rail and mass transit systems?
"It saddens me that as recently as yesterday, the House, in discussing the port security bill with the Senate, refused to provide funding for protecting subways, trains, and buses across our nation."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Gaziano or Todd Levett at (202) 226-2616.
