[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 125 (Wednesday, October 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1807-E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF THE RAILROAD SECURITY AND PUBLIC AWARENESS ACT OF 
                                  2004

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2004

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, not enough is being invested in improving 
rail and transit security. We have seen massive efforts to shore up 
security in our skies and even on our roads, but efforts to boost rail 
security have not received the same federal commitment.
  At present, rail and transit systems move 14 million passengers a 
day--almost eight times as many passengers as the U.S. aviation system, 
which carries 1.8 million air travelers daily. The federal government 
spends $9.16 per aviation passenger for aviation security yet only $115 
million has been appropriated for transit security over the last 2 
years, or six-tenths of a penny per passenger. Our national homeland 
security strategy is only as strong as our weakest link. This funding 
balance needs to be addressed in any comprehensive legislation 
implementing the 9/11 Commission's recommendations.
  For these reasons, today Representative Kirk and I are introducing 
the Railroad Security and Public Awareness Act of 2004, which would 
enhance rail worker security training; fund station, train and 
infrastructure security projects; and increase passenger awareness of 
railroad security. Rail security is a priority for many Americans, who 
depend on rail for both inter-city travel and commuter service. I know 
that many states, including my own state of Delaware, rely on rail--for 
commuters, personal transportation, economic necessity, or a 
combination of services.
  Few of us doubt that there is a real threat to our transportation 
systems, including the U.S. rail system. On April 2, the FBI and 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sent out an uncorroborated 
bulletin stating that terrorists could attempt this summer to conceal 
explosives in luggage and carry-on bags, such as duffel bags and 
backpacks. The bulletin indicated that such bombs could be made of 
ammonium nitrate fertilizer and diesel fuel, similar to what was used 
to blow up the Oklahoma City federal building in 1995.
  Awareness among workers and riders must continue, so that Americans 
are well educated on the threats to our nation's rail systems, and our 
rail systems are well equipped to respond to an attack. The March 
attacks on Madrid's commuter rail system clearly shows that al Qaeda is 
targeting and will strike rail targets throughout the world using 
simplified methods of delivery.
  Areas of vulnerability within our rail systems and the various 
delivery methods for attacks should be outlined and incorporated into a 
strong plan for employee training, passenger screening, and incident 
response. I realize that the answers to rail security are not the same 
answers to air security. Standard security precautions may not be 
practical for rail, many of which have the potential to drastically 
reduce ridership and cargo use.
  My legislation would do the following:
  (1) Require the Secretary of DHS to develop and issue detailed 
guidance for a rail worker security-training program to prepare front-
line workers for potential threat conditions. Each railroad carrier 
would develop a rail worker security-training program in accordance 
with that guidance and submit it to the Secretary for approval. The 
legislation authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make 
grants to railroads, hazardous materials shippers, owners of rail cars 
used in the transportation of hazardous materials, universities, 
colleges, and research centers, and State and local governments (for 
railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or partial 
reimbursement of costs incurred to implement the program
  (2) The Secretary of Homeland Security would develop and implement a 
national plan for public outreach and awareness. The plan

[[Page E1808]]

would be designed to increase awareness of measures that the general 
public, railroad passengers, and railroad employees can take to 
increase railroad system security.
  (3) The bill authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make 
grants to railroads (including Amtrak), hazardous materials shippers, 
owners of rail cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, 
universities, colleges, and research centers, and State and local 
governments (for railroad facilities and infrastructure) for full or 
partial reimbursement of costs incurred to prevent or respond to acts 
of terrorism, sabotage, or other railroad security threats. As 
examples, these areas can include such steps as securing critical 
communications, electric power (including traction power), computer, 
and train control systems essential for secure railroad operations or 
to continue railroad operations after an attack impacting railroad 
operations; secure passenger railroad stations, trains, and 
infrastructure; and all provisions included in the Railroad 
Transportation Security Directive established by the Transportation 
Security Administration on May 20, 2004.
  The convenience of rail could easily be jeopardized if our security 
and response solutions are not well planned. We must ensure that 
attacks like those committed in Madrid in March are prevented but also 
that proper response training is undertaken to prepare for such an 
incident.

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