WASHINGTON, DC – Citing the economic necessity of stronger transportation security, U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) introduced legislation today to amplify security across all modes of transportation. Placing particular emphasis on enhancements to port and rail security, the Senators sought to usher in the next phase of development for the nation’s transportation security efforts.

“The Commerce Committee is committed to fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the security of all major modes of transportation,” said Senator Stevens, Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “The bill that we introduce today recognizes transportation security as a national security function and an economic necessity. The legislation would address security vulnerabilities that exist within our aviation, maritime, rail, and surface transportation systems. This is an important first step toward bolstering our nation’s security with respect to transportation and I look forward to working with Senator Inouye, Members of our Committee, the Administration and industry on this legislation.”

Senator Inouye, co-chairman of the Committee, said, “Four years after the enactment of landmark aviation and maritime security laws, it is time to build upon that foundation, make needed improvements and enhancements to our transportation security efforts across all modes, and reestablish the requisite funding levels. Most importantly, we need to restore the sense of urgency that is essential if we are to keep our transportation systems, and our economy, strong, vibrant, and secure.”

The comprehensive legislation, which has bipartisan support, makes significant advances in port, rail, aviation, and motor carrier security, as well as the security of shipping hazardous materials. It reasserts the importance of transportation security to the nation’s physical and economic health and reestablishes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as the lead agency in this area. Since its creation, TSA’s responsibilities and its priority have been diminished, following numerous reorganizations. The bill renews the federal commitment to transportation security and authorizes a total of $19.34 billion for TSA over the next 3 years.

The bill combines many proposals previously approved by both the Commerce Committee and the full Senate, including the Rail Security Act of 2004, and incorporates new concepts as well.

“September 11th taught us that transportation security is a matter of national security,” said Senator Rockefeller, Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation. “Since then, we have made significant progress, particularly in strengthening our aviation system. We must now take the next step by helping fulfill the responsibility of TSA and the Coast Guard in overseeing security on other modes of transportation. Terrorists used airplanes on 9/11, but we must do everything possible to make sure that the next attack does not involve a train or barge carrying hazardous materials.”

PORT SECURITY

The legislation enhances cargo security by improving the examination of shipments before they reach U.S. shores. The bill calls upon the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to develop standards for the evaluation, screening, and inspection of cargo destined for the U.S. prior to loading in a foreign port. High-risk cargo will also receive greater targeting and scrutiny under the legislation by requiring importers to file entry 24-hours prior to loading at a foreign port.

The bill’s co-sponsors pay particular attention to the resumption of commerce in the event of a seaport attack. The bill clarifies the requirements for expedited clearance of cargo through the Secure Systems of Transportation Program, and it directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to give vessels with U.S. Coast Guard-certified security plans preference for port access following an incident.

The success of Joint Operations Command Centers (JOCC) at the ports of Charleston, South Carolina, and San Diego, California, prompted the bill’s sponsors to expand their use at all Tier 1 strategic ports. Having proven to enhance interagency cooperation and coordination, the JOCCs are prototypical of the unified response that will be required in the event of a seaport attack. Additionally, the bill directs DHS to make port security grants more risk-based and allows for multiple year funding of projects.

RAIL SECURITY

Following the attacks on passenger trains in Madrid, Spain, and train accidents in the U.S., rail security vulnerabilities receive particular attention under the legislation. The bill requires TSA to conduct a railroad sector threat assessment and submit prioritized recommendations for improving rail security, and it calls for the TSA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to clarify respective roles for rail security.

Consistent with the Rail Security Act passed in 108th Congress, the legislation introduced today provides grants through TSA to Amtrak, freight railroads, and others to upgrade security across the entire railroad system. It provides funding through DOT to make needed security and safety enhancements to Amtrak railroad tunnels in New York, Washington, and Baltimore. The bill authorizes a pilot program for passenger, baggage, and cargo screening, and it authorizes the General Accounting Office (GAO) to study rail transportation security programs in foreign countries.

With regard to hazardous shipments, the legislation creates a rail security research and development program through DOT and encourages the deployment of rail car tracking equipment for high-hazard materials rail shipments. The bill also requires railroads shipping high-hazard materials to create threat mitigation plans. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations to improve track and tank car safety are codified in the bill.

AVIATION SECURITY

The bill makes notable changes to aviation security policy. It prohibits the Administration from increasing passenger fees without the approval of Congress. It lifts the existing cap of 45,000 full time equivalent, aviation security screening employees, allowing airports to bolster security forces and reduce wait times. Given the legislation enacted last year to expedite the deployment of new technologies and GAO’s recent findings that technology is critical to improve security screening efficiencies and effectiveness, the security screening workforce could be reduced over the long term. In an effort to better understand the current training regimen for security screeners, the bill requires the TSA to review the adequacy of existing training program and report to Congress.

BUS AND MOTOR CARRIER SECURITY T

he bill makes improvements to bus and motor carrier security. It subjects foreign commercial drivers transporting hazardous materials in the U.S. to security background checks (as is current practice for all U.S. drivers), and requires motor carriers of high-hazard material shipments to have wireless tracking and communications capabilities and written plans for highway routes of certain high hazard shipments. The legislation also provides grants through TSA to improve intercity bus security. Inouye noted that the Committee would work with the DHS as the bill moved through the legislative process. “We recognize that [DHS] Secretary Chertoff has had only a short time to make changes and that his comprehensive review is pending,”

Inouye noted. “Our legislation provides the flexibility necessary to address his findings and prerogatives. However, it is incumbent upon Congress to provide guidance and clarify the expectations.”

ADDITIONAL INFO: Detailed summary of the “Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2005”