Landmark Rail and Mass Transit Bill Passes House
March 26, 2007 – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN), Chairman on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced House passage of H.R. 1401, “The Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007”. This legislation closes the security gaps facing rail and public transit and focuses on training, grants, security planning, research and development, worker whistleblower protections, and hazardous materials transportation.
Chairman Thompson issued the following statement regarding the legislation:
“After years of debate and numerous attacks around the world, the longstanding security gaps that have left this nation’s rail and mass transit systems vulnerable will finally be closed. This is a great victory that will increase the safety and security for the millions of men and women who use these systems daily.”
Chairman Oberstar added the following:
“Investments to enhance the security of our nation’s surface transportation systems have not kept pace with the needs. Last year, the Federal Government invested $4.7 billion in aviation security improvements, while spending only $136 million on transit and rail security, even though five times as many people take trains as planes every day,” Oberstar said. “Passage of a robust rail and public transportation security bill by the House of Representatives is long overdue.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Homeland Security: Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 225-9978
Transportation and Infrastructure: Jim Berard at (202) 226-5064
