WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate late last night approved the 9/11 Commission recommendations conference report by a vote of 85-8. The conference report for H.R. 1 enhances homeland security by implementing the unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Increasing transportation and port security and improving interoperable communications – key provisions in the measure – originated from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

“For first responders, the ability to quickly and effectively communicate saves lives,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). “By approving the 9/11 Commission recommendations, these hard working men and women are given the communication tools they need to get their job done right.”

Senator Inouye continued, “Together, our ports, and aviation, motor carrier, and rail systems make up the backbone that sustains our nation’s economy. This bill creates a comprehensive and coordinated approach to keep all of these vital systems safe and secure from coast to coast, and border to border.”

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For Immediate Release July 27th, 2007

SENATE APPROVES 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BILL Commerce Committee Provisions Increase Rail, Maritime, Aviation Security, Improve First Responder Interoperability

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate late last night approved the 9/11 Commission recommendations conference report by a vote of 85-8. The conference report for H.R. 1 enhances homeland security by implementing the unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Increasing transportation and port security and improving interoperable communications – key provisions in the measure – originated from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “For first responders, the ability to quickly and effectively communicate saves lives,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). “By approving the 9/11 Commission recommendations, these hard working men and women are given the communication tools they need to get their job done right.” Senator Inouye continued, “Together, our ports, and aviation, motor carrier, and rail systems make up the backbone that sustains our nation’s economy. This bill creates a comprehensive and coordinated approach to keep all of these vital systems safe and secure from coast to coast, and border to border.” Commerce Committee provisions in H.R.1: Improve Interoperability of Public Safety Communications. The bill provides Congressional guidance for the $1 billion grant program run by the Department of Commerce to improve communications between first-responders. The grants support the planning, training, and design of emergency communications. The bill also improves the capability of states to restore communications following natural disasters by allowing states to use funds in support of strategic technology reserves. Intensify Cargo Security Screening. The bill requires the implementation of a system to screen all cargo loaded onto passenger aircraft within three years of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires within five years the implementation of a system to scan all maritime cargo bound for the United States from foreign ports. Improve Airport Security. The bill ensures funding for critical aviation security programs, including $250 million to strengthen passenger checkpoint screening and $250 million annually for improved checked baggage screening. The bill also authorizes $450 million annually to maintain baggage screening systems and $50 million annually to advance aviation security research and development. Fund Increased Rail and Surface Transportation Security. The bill authorizes new security assessments, grant programs, and security measures for the nation’s major surface modes, including passenger and freight railroads, trucks, intercity buses, and pipelines. This bill also authorizes increased funding for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) surface transportation and rail security efforts. ###