[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 1 (Thursday, January 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S171-S179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. INOUYE (for himself, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Lautenberg, Ms. 
        Snowe, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Lieberman. Mrs. Boxer, 
        Mr. Pryor, Mr. Carper, Mr. Biden, Mr. Baucus, Mrs. Clinton, and 
        Mr. Schumer):
  S. 184. A bill to provide improved rail and surface transportation 
security; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, last year we made significant improvements 
to the Nation's transportation security system by enacting the SAFE 
Port Act, which strengthened the security of our Nation's ports and 
maritime vessels. Yet, during the conference on this important bill, 
the Congress failed to seize the opportunity to enact comprehensive 
transportation security legislation that would have provided real 
homeland security for our entire transportation system. The Senate-
passed version of the SAFE Port Act contained essential provisions that 
would have strengthened security in all of the surface modes of 
transportation, including passenger and freight rail, public transit, 
trucking, intercity bus and pipelines. But jurisdictional infighting 
and a lack of political will kept the leadership of the House of 
Representatives from agreeing to, or even attempting to consider, these 
provisions in conference.
  Given the urgent need for surface transportation security 
improvements, Cochairman Stevens and I are introducing the Surface 
Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007, or STARS Act, to once 
again offer the Congress an opportunity to enact a comprehensive 
transportation security bill. We have all seen the possible 
consequences of an attack on critical surface transportation systems in 
Madrid and London. We have all heard about possible threats and foiled 
plots aimed at our rail tunnels and stations here at home. The time has 
come for us to address these vulnerabilities and risks in a 
comprehensive and coordinated way that ensures that in the rush to 
protect one mode of transportation we don't shift vulnerability towards 
other, less secure, transportation modes.
  The STARS Act combines the rail, truck, bus, pipeline and hazardous 
materials security provisions that were included in the Senate-passed 
SAFE Port Act into a stand-alone bill, which the Commerce Committee 
will soon consider. These provisions were endorsed unanimously by the 
Senate during consideration of the SAFE Port Act, and the House of 
Representatives overwhelmingly voted to instruct its conferees to 
include these provisions in the Conference Report--advice the House 
leadership declined to accept. Additionally, the rail security portion 
of this package has already passed the Senate twice in prior Congresses 
and has been endorsed by railroads and rail labor alike. This kind of 
support demonstrates both the necessity of these improvements and the 
distinct possibility that we can finally enact these provisions into 
law this Congress.
  The legislation that we introduce today reflects the Commerce 
Committee's substantial expertise over the issues of transportation 
security. The time has come to advance these improvements, and protect 
the vital surface transportation assets that grant us the quality of 
life and economic health that we all cherish. Our legislation presents 
an opportunity to make immediate progress on transportation security, 
and it is my sincere hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting 
consideration and passage of this measure as soon as possible.
  I ask unanimous consent that the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 184

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Surface Transportation and 
     Rail Security Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

                    Title I--Improved Rail Security

Sec. 101. Rail transportation security risk assessment.
Sec. 102. Systemwide amtrak security upgrades.
Sec. 103. Fire and life-safety improvements.
Sec. 104. Freight and passenger rail security upgrades.
Sec. 105. Rail security research and development.
Sec. 106. Oversight and grant procedures.
Sec. 107. Amtrak plan to assist families of passengers involved in rail 
              passenger accidents.
Sec. 108. Northern border rail passenger report.
Sec. 109. Rail worker security training program.

[[Page S172]]

Sec. 110. Whistleblower protection program.
Sec. 111. High hazard material security threat mitigation plans.
Sec. 112. Memorandum of agreement.
Sec. 113. Rail security enhancements.
Sec. 114. Public awareness.
Sec. 115. Railroad high hazard material tracking.
Sec. 116. Authorization of appropriations.

 Title II--Improved Motor Carrier, Bus, and Hazardous Material Security

Sec. 201. Hazardous materials highway routing.
Sec. 202. Motor carrier high hazard material tracking.
Sec. 203. Hazardous materials security inspections and enforcement.
Sec. 204. Truck security assessment.
Sec. 205. National public sector response system.
Sec. 206. Over-the-road bus security assistance.
Sec. 207. Pipeline security and incident recovery plan.
Sec. 208. Pipeline security inspections and enforcement.
Sec. 209. Technical corrections.
Sec. 210. Certain personnel limitations not to apply.

                    TITLE I--IMPROVED RAIL SECURITY

     SEC. 101. RAIL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Vulnerability and risk assessment.--The Secretary of 
     Homeland Security shall establish a task force, including the 
     Transportation Security Administration, the Department of 
     Transportation, and other appropriate agencies, to complete a 
     vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger 
     rail transportation (encompassing railroads, as that term is 
     defined in section 20102(1) of title 49, United States Code). 
     The assessment shall include--
       (A) a methodology for conducting the risk assessment, 
     including timelines, that addresses how the Department of 
     Homeland Security will work with the entities describe in 
     subsection (b) and make use of existing Federal expertise 
     within the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of 
     Transportation, and other appropriate agencies;
       (B) identification and evaluation of critical assets and 
     infrastructures;
       (C) identification of vulnerabilities and risks to those 
     assets and infrastructures;
       (D) identification of vulnerabilities and risks that are 
     specific to the transportation of hazardous materials via 
     railroad;
       (E) identification of security weaknesses in passenger and 
     cargo security, transportation infrastructure, protection 
     systems, procedural policies, communications systems, 
     employee training, emergency response planning, and any other 
     area identified by the assessment; and
       (F) an account of actions taken or planned by both public 
     and private entities to address identified rail security 
     issues and assess the effective integration of such actions.
       (2) Recommendations.--Based on the assessment conducted 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Transportation, shall develop prioritized 
     recommendations for improving rail security, including any 
     recommendations the Secretary has for--
       (A) improving the security of rail tunnels, rail bridges, 
     rail switching and car storage areas, other rail 
     infrastructure and facilities, information systems, and other 
     areas identified by the Secretary as posing significant rail-
     related risks to public safety and the movement of interstate 
     commerce, taking into account the impact that any proposed 
     security measure might have on the provision of rail service;
       (B) deploying equipment to detect explosives and hazardous 
     chemical, biological, and radioactive substances, and any 
     appropriate countermeasures;
       (C) training appropriate railroad or railroad shipper 
     employees in terrorism prevention, passenger evacuation, and 
     response activities;
       (D) conducting public outreach campaigns on passenger 
     railroads;
       (E) deploying surveillance equipment; and
       (F) identifying the immediate and long-term costs of 
     measures that may be required to address those risks.
       (3) Plans.--The report required by subsection (c) shall 
     include--
       (A) a plan, developed in consultation with the freight and 
     intercity passenger railroads, and State and local 
     governments, for the Federal government to provide increased 
     security support at high or severe threat levels of alert;
       (B) a plan for coordinating existing and planned rail 
     security initiatives undertaken by the public and private 
     sectors; and
       (C) a contingency plan, developed in conjunction with 
     freight and intercity and commuter passenger railroads, to 
     ensure the continued movement of freight and passengers in 
     the event of an attack affecting the railroad system, which 
     shall contemplate--
       (i) the possibility of rerouting traffic due to the loss of 
     critical infrastructure, such as a bridge, tunnel, yard, or 
     station; and
       (ii) methods of continuing railroad service in the 
     Northeast Corridor in the event of a commercial power loss, 
     or catastrophe affecting a critical bridge, tunnel, yard, or 
     station.
       (b) Consultation; Use of Existing Resources.--In carrying 
     out the assessment and developing the recommendations and 
     plans required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security shall consult with rail management, rail labor, 
     owners or lessors of rail cars used to transport hazardous 
     materials, first responders, shippers of hazardous materials, 
     public safety officials, and other relevant parties.
       (c) Report.--
       (1) Contents.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Senate 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the House 
     of Representatives Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure, and the House of Representatives Committee on 
     Homeland Security a report containing the assessment, 
     prioritized recommendations, and plans required by subsection 
     (a) and an estimate of the cost to implement such 
     recommendations.
       (2) Format.--The Secretary may submit the report in both 
     classified and redacted formats if the Secretary determines 
     that such action is appropriate or necessary.
       (d) Annual Updates.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Transportation, shall update the assessment 
     and recommendations each year and transmit a report, which 
     may be submitted in both classified and redacted formats, to 
     the Committees named in subsection (c)(1), containing the 
     updated assessment and recommendations.
       (e) Funding.--Out of funds appropriated pursuant to section 
     114(u) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 
     116 of this Act, there shall be made available to the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this section 
     $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.

     SEC. 102. SYSTEMWIDE AMTRAK SECURITY UPGRADES.

       (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (c) the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security, in consultation with the Assistant 
     Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security 
     Administration), is authorized to make grants to Amtrak--
       (1) to secure major tunnel access points and ensure tunnel 
     integrity in New York, Baltimore, and Washington, DC;
       (2) to secure Amtrak trains;
       (3) to secure Amtrak stations;
       (4) to obtain a watch list identification system approved 
     by the Secretary;
       (5) to obtain train tracking and interoperable 
     communications systems that are coordinated to the maximum 
     extent possible;
       (6) to hire additional police and security officers, 
     including canine units;
       (7) to expand emergency preparedness efforts; and
       (8) for employee security training.
       (b) Conditions.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     disburse funds to Amtrak provided under subsection (a) for 
     projects contained in a systemwide security plan approved by 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security. The plan shall include 
     appropriate measures to address security awareness, emergency 
     response, and passenger evacuation training.
       (c) Equitable Geographic Allocation.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that, subject to meeting the highest security needs on 
     Amtrak's entire system and consistent with the risk 
     assessment required under section 101, stations and 
     facilities located outside of the Northeast Corridor receive 
     an equitable share of the security funds authorized by this 
     section.
       (d) Availability of Funds.--Out of funds appropriated 
     pursuant to section 114(u) of title 49, United States Code, 
     as amended by section 116 of this Act,, there shall be made 
     available to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the 
     Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation 
     Security Administration) to carry out this section--
       (1) $63,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain 
     available until expended.

     SEC. 103. FIRE AND LIFE-SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Life-Safety Needs.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is 
     authorized to make grants to Amtrak for the purpose of making 
     fire and life-safety improvements to Amtrak tunnels on the 
     Northeast Corridor in New York, NY, Baltimore, MD, and 
     Washington, DC.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds 
     appropriated pursuant to section 116(b) of this Act, there 
     shall be made available to the Secretary of Transportation 
     for the purposes of carrying out subsection (a) the following 
     amounts:
       (1) For the 6 New York tunnels to provide ventilation, 
     electrical, and fire safety technology upgrades, emergency 
     communication and lighting systems, and emergency access and 
     egress for passengers--
       (A) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (C) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
       (D) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
       (2) For the Baltimore & Potomac tunnel and the Union 
     tunnel, together, to provide adequate drainage, ventilation, 
     communication, lighting, and passenger egress upgrades--
       (A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       (C) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
       (D) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
       (3) For the Washington, DC, Union Station tunnels to 
     improve ventilation, communication, lighting, and passenger 
     egress upgrades--
       (A) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (B) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;

[[Page S173]]

       (C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
       (D) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.
       (c) Infrastructure Upgrades.--Out of funds appropriated 
     pursuant to section 116(b) of this Act, there shall be made 
     available to the Secretary of Transportation for fiscal year 
     2008 $3,000,000 for the preliminary design of options for a 
     new tunnel on a different alignment to augment the capacity 
     of the existing Baltimore tunnels.
       (d) Availability of Appropriated Funds.--Amounts made 
     available pursuant to this section shall remain available 
     until expended.
       (e) Plans Required.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     not make amounts available to Amtrak for obligation or 
     expenditure under subsection (a)--
       (1) until Amtrak has submitted to the Secretary, and the 
     Secretary has approved, an engineering and financial plan for 
     such projects; and
       (2) unless, for each project funded pursuant to this 
     section, the Secretary has approved a project management plan 
     prepared by Amtrak addressing appropriate project budget, 
     construction schedule, recipient staff organization, document 
     control and record keeping, change order procedure, quality 
     control and assurance, periodic plan updates, and periodic 
     status reports.
       (f) Review of Plans.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     complete the review of the plans required by paragraphs (1) 
     and (2) of subsection (e) and approve or disapprove the plans 
     within 45 days after the date on which each such plan is 
     submitted by Amtrak. If the Secretary determines that a plan 
     is incomplete or deficient, the Secretary shall notify Amtrak 
     of the incomplete items or deficiencies and Amtrak shall, 
     within 30 days after receiving the Secretary's notification, 
     submit a modified plan for the Secretary's review. Within 15 
     days after receiving additional information on items 
     previously included in the plan, and within 45 days after 
     receiving items newly included in a modified plan, the 
     Secretary shall either approve the modified plan, or, if the 
     Secretary finds the plan is still incomplete or deficient, 
     the Secretary shall identify in writing to the Senate 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the House 
     of Representatives Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure, and the House of Representatives Committee on 
     Homeland Security the portions of the plan the Secretary 
     finds incomplete or deficient, approve all other portions of 
     the plan, obligate the funds associated with those other 
     portions, and execute an agreement with Amtrak within 15 days 
     thereafter on a process for resolving the remaining portions 
     of the plan.
       (g) Financial Contribution From Other Tunnel Users.--The 
     Secretary shall, taking into account the need for the timely 
     completion of all portions of the tunnel projects described 
     in subsection (a)--
       (1) consider the extent to which rail carriers other than 
     Amtrak use or plan to use the tunnels;
       (2) consider the feasibility of seeking a financial 
     contribution from those other rail carriers toward the costs 
     of the projects; and
       (3) obtain financial contributions or commitments from such 
     other rail carriers at levels reflecting the extent of their 
     use or planned use of the tunnels, if feasible.

     SEC. 104. FREIGHT AND PASSENGER RAIL SECURITY UPGRADES.

       (a) Security Improvement Grants.--The Secretary of Homeland 
     Security, through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland 
     Security (Transportation Security Administration) and other 
     appropriate agencies, is authorized to make grants to freight 
     railroads, the Alaska Railroad, hazardous materials shippers, 
     owners of rail cars used in the transportation of hazardous 
     materials, universities, colleges and research centers, State 
     and local governments (for rail passenger facilities and 
     infrastructure not owned by Amtrak), and, through the 
     Secretary of Transportation, to Amtrak, for full or partial 
     reimbursement of costs incurred in the conduct of activities 
     to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or 
     other intercity passenger rail and freight rail security 
     vulnerabilities and risks identified under section 101, 
     including--
       (1) security and redundancy for critical communications, 
     computer, and train control systems essential for secure rail 
     operations;
       (2) accommodation of rail cargo or passenger screening 
     equipment at the United States-Mexico border, the United 
     States-Canada border, or other ports of entry;
       (3) the security of hazardous material transportation by 
     rail;
       (4) secure intercity passenger rail stations, trains, and 
     infrastructure;
       (5) structural modification or replacement of rail cars 
     transporting high hazard materials to improve their 
     resistance to acts of terrorism;
       (6) employee security awareness, preparedness, passenger 
     evacuation, and emergency response training;
       (7) public security awareness campaigns for passenger train 
     operations;
       (8) the sharing of intelligence and information about 
     security threats;
       (9) to obtain train tracking and interoperable 
     communications systems that are coordinated to the maximum 
     extent possible;
       (10) to hire additional police and security officers, 
     including canine units; and
       (11) other improvements recommended by the report required 
     by section 101, including infrastructure, facilities, and 
     equipment upgrades.
       (b) Accountability.--The Secretary shall adopt necessary 
     procedures, including audits, to ensure that grants made 
     under this section are expended in accordance with the 
     purposes of this title and the priorities and other criteria 
     developed by the Secretary.
       (c) Allocation.--The Secretary shall distribute the funds 
     authorized by this section based on risk and vulnerability as 
     determined under section 101, and shall encourage non-Federal 
     financial participation in awarding grants. With respect to 
     grants for intercity passenger rail security, the Secretary 
     shall also take into account passenger volume and whether a 
     station is used by commuter rail passengers as well as 
     intercity rail passengers.
       (d) Conditions.--The Secretary of Transportation may not 
     disburse funds to Amtrak under subsection (a) unless Amtrak 
     meets the conditions set forth in section 102(b) of this Act.
       (e) Allocation Between Railroads and Others.--Unless as a 
     result of the assessment required by section 101 the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security determines that critical rail 
     transportation security needs require reimbursement in 
     greater amounts to any eligible entity, no grants under this 
     section may be made--
       (1) in excess of $45,000,000 to Amtrak; or
       (2) in excess of $80,000,000 for the purposes described in 
     paragraphs (3) and (5) of subsection (a).
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds 
     appropriated pursuant to section 114(u) of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by section 116 of this Act,, there 
     shall be made available to the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     to carry out this section--
       (1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010

     .Amounts made available pursuant to this subsection shall 
     remain available until expended.
       (g) High Hazard Materials Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``high hazard materials'' means quantities of poison 
     inhalation hazard materials, Class 2.3 gases, Class 6.1 
     materials, and anhydrous ammonia that the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, determines 
     pose a security risk.

     SEC. 105. RAIL SECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Establishment of Research and Development Program.--The 
     Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Under Secretary 
     for Science and Technology and the Assistant Secretary of 
     Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration), 
     in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     carry out a research and development program for the purpose 
     of improving freight and intercity passenger rail security 
     that may include research and development projects to--
       (1) reduce the vulnerability of passenger trains, stations, 
     and equipment to explosives and hazardous chemical, 
     biological, and radioactive substances;
       (2) test new emergency response techniques and 
     technologies;
       (3) develop improved freight technologies, including--
       (A) technologies for sealing rail cars;
       (B) automatic inspection of rail cars;
       (C) communication-based train controls; and
       (D) emergency response training;
       (4) test wayside detectors that can detect tampering with 
     railroad equipment;
       (5) support enhanced security for the transportation of 
     hazardous materials by rail, including--
       (A) technologies to detect a breach in a tank car or other 
     rail car used to transport hazardous materials and transmit 
     information about the integrity of cars to the train crew or 
     dispatcher;
       (B) research to improve tank car integrity, with a focus on 
     tank cars that carry high hazard materials (as defined in 
     section 104(g) of this Act); and
       (C) techniques to transfer hazardous materials from rail 
     cars that are damaged or otherwise represent an unreasonable 
     risk to human life or public safety; and
       (6) other projects that address vulnerabilities and risks 
     identified under section 101.
       (b) Coordination With Other Research Initiatives.--The 
     Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the research 
     and development program authorized by this section is 
     coordinated with other research and development initiatives 
     at the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of 
     Transportation. The Secretary shall carry out any research 
     and development project authorized by this section through a 
     reimbursable agreement with the Secretary of Transportation, 
     if the Secretary of Transportation--
       (1) is already sponsoring a research and development 
     project in a similar area; or
       (2) has a unique facility or capability that would be 
     useful in carrying out the project.
       (c) Grants and Accountability.--To carry out the research 
     and development program, the Secretary may award grants to 
     the entities described in section 104(a) and shall adopt 
     necessary procedures, including audits, to ensure that grants 
     made under this section are expended in accordance with the 
     purposes of this title and the priorities and other criteria 
     developed by the Secretary.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of funds 
     appropriated pursuant to section 114(u) of title 49, United 
     States Code, as

[[Page S174]]

     amended by section 116 of this Act,, there shall be made 
     available to the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out 
     this section--
       (1) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     Amounts made available pursuant to this subsection shall 
     remain available until expended.

     SEC. 106. OVERSIGHT AND GRANT PROCEDURES.

       (a) Secretarial Oversight.--The Secretary of Homeland 
     Security may use up to 0.5 percent of amounts made available 
     for capital projects under this Act to enter into contracts 
     for the review of proposed capital projects and related 
     program management plans and to oversee construction of such 
     projects.
       (b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may use amounts available 
     under subsection (a) of this subsection to make contracts to 
     audit and review the safety, procurement, management, and 
     financial compliance of a recipient of amounts under this 
     title.
       (c) Procedures for Grant Award.--The Secretary shall, 
     within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     prescribe procedures and schedules for the awarding of grants 
     under this title, including application and qualification 
     procedures (including a requirement that the applicant have a 
     security plan), and a record of decision on applicant 
     eligibility. The procedures shall include the execution of a 
     grant agreement between the grant recipient and the Secretary 
     and shall be consistent, to the extent practicable, with the 
     grant procedures established under section 70107 of title 46, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 107. AMTRAK PLAN TO ASSIST FAMILIES OF PASSENGERS 
                   INVOLVED IN RAIL PASSENGER ACCIDENTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 243 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 24316. Plans to address needs of families of 
       passengers involved in rail passenger accidents

       ``(a) Submission of Plan.--Not later than 6 months after 
     the date of the enactment of the Surface Transportation and 
     Rail Security Act of 2007, Amtrak shall submit to the 
     Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, the 
     Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security a plan for addressing the needs of the families of 
     passengers involved in any rail passenger accident involving 
     an Amtrak intercity train and resulting in a loss of life.
       ``(b) Contents of Plans.--The plan to be submitted by 
     Amtrak under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the 
     following:
       ``(1) A process by which Amtrak will maintain and provide 
     to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Secretary 
     of Transportation, immediately upon request, a list (which is 
     based on the best available information at the time of the 
     request) of the names of the passengers aboard the train 
     (whether or not such names have been verified), and will 
     periodically update the list. The plan shall include a 
     procedure, with respect to unreserved trains and passengers 
     not holding reservations on other trains, for Amtrak to use 
     reasonable efforts to ascertain the number and names of 
     passengers aboard a train involved in an accident.
       ``(2) A plan for creating and publicizing a reliable, toll-
     free telephone number within 4 hours after such an accident 
     occurs, and for providing staff, to handle calls from the 
     families of the passengers.
       ``(3) A process for notifying the families of the 
     passengers, before providing any public notice of the names 
     of the passengers, by suitably trained individuals.
       ``(4) A process for providing the notice described in 
     paragraph (2) to the family of a passenger as soon as Amtrak 
     has verified that the passenger was aboard the train (whether 
     or not the names of all of the passengers have been 
     verified).
       ``(5) A process by which the family of each passenger will 
     be consulted about the disposition of all remains and 
     personal effects of the passenger within Amtrak's control; 
     that any possession of the passenger within Amtrak's control 
     will be returned to the family unless the possession is 
     needed for the accident investigation or any criminal 
     investigation; and that any unclaimed possession of a 
     passenger within Amtrak's control will be retained by the 
     rail passenger carrier for at least 18 months.
       ``(6) A process by which the treatment of the families of 
     nonrevenue passengers will be the same as the treatment of 
     the families of revenue passengers.
       ``(7) An assurance that Amtrak will provide adequate 
     training to its employees and agents to meet the needs of 
     survivors and family members following an accident.
       ``(c) Use of Information.--The National Transportation 
     Safety Board, the Secretary of Transportation, and Amtrak may 
     not release any personal information on a list obtained under 
     subsection (b)(1) but may provide information on the list 
     about a passenger to the family of the passenger to the 
     extent that the Board or Amtrak considers appropriate.
       ``(d) Limitation on Liability.--Amtrak shall not be liable 
     for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court 
     arising out of the performance of Amtrak in preparing or 
     providing a passenger list, or in providing information 
     concerning a train reservation, pursuant to a plan submitted 
     by Amtrak under subsection (b), unless such liability was 
     caused by Amtrak's conduct.
       ``(e) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in 
     this section may be construed as limiting the actions that 
     Amtrak may take, or the obligations that Amtrak may have, in 
     providing assistance to the families of passengers involved 
     in a rail passenger accident.
       ``(f) Funding.--Out of funds appropriated pursuant to 
     section 116(b) of the Surface Transportation and Rail 
     Security Act of 2007, there shall be made available to the 
     Secretary of Transportation for the use of Amtrak $500,000 
     for fiscal year 2007 to carry out this section. Amounts made 
     available pursuant to this subsection shall remain available 
     until expended.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     243 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``24316.  Plan to assist families of passengers involved in rail 
              passenger accidents.''.

     SEC. 108. NORTHERN BORDER RAIL PASSENGER REPORT.

       Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the 
     Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation 
     Security Administration), the Secretary of Transportation, 
     heads of other appropriate Federal departments, and agencies 
     and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, shall 
     transmit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation, the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House 
     of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security that 
     contains--
       (1) a description of the current system for screening 
     passengers and baggage on passenger rail service between the 
     United States and Canada;
       (2) an assessment of the current program to provide 
     preclearance of airline passengers between the United States 
     and Canada as outlined in ``The Agreement on Air Transport 
     Preclearance between the Government of Canada and the 
     Government of the United States of America'', dated January 
     18, 2001;
       (3) an assessment of the current program to provide 
     preclearance of freight railroad traffic between the United 
     States and Canada as outlined in the ``Declaration of 
     Principle for the Improved Security of Rail Shipments by 
     Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway from 
     Canada to the United States'', dated April 2, 2003;
       (4) information on progress by the Department of Homeland 
     Security and other Federal agencies towards finalizing a 
     bilateral protocol with Canada that would provide for 
     preclearance of passengers on trains operating between the 
     United States and Canada;
       (5) a description of legislative, regulatory, budgetary, or 
     policy barriers within the United States Government to 
     providing pre-screened passenger lists for rail passengers 
     traveling between the United States and Canada to the 
     Department of Homeland Security;
       (6) a description of the position of the Government of 
     Canada and relevant Canadian agencies with respect to 
     preclearance of such passengers;
       (7) a draft of any changes in existing Federal law 
     necessary to provide for pre-screening of such passengers and 
     providing pre-screened passenger lists to the Department of 
     Homeland Security; and
       (8) an analysis of the feasibility of reinstating in-
     transit inspections onboard international Amtrak trains.

     SEC. 109. RAIL WORKER SECURITY TRAINING PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security and 
     the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with 
     appropriate law enforcement, security, and terrorism experts, 
     representatives of railroad carriers, and nonprofit employee 
     organizations that represent rail workers, shall develop and 
     issue detailed guidance for a rail worker security training 
     program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat 
     conditions. The guidance shall take into consideration any 
     current security training requirements or best practices.
       (b) Program Elements.--The guidance developed under 
     subsection (a) shall include elements, as appropriate to 
     passenger and freight rail service, that address the 
     following:
       (1) Determination of the seriousness of any occurrence.
       (2) Crew communication and coordination.
       (3) Appropriate responses to defend or protect oneself.
       (4) Use of protective devices.
       (5) Evacuation procedures.
       (6) Psychology of terrorists to cope with hijacker behavior 
     and passenger responses.
       (7) Situational training exercises regarding various threat 
     conditions.
       (8) Any other subject the Secretary considers appropriate.
       (c) Railroad Carrier Programs.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the Secretary of Homeland Security issues guidance 
     under subsection (a) in final form, each railroad carrier 
     shall develop a rail worker security training program in 
     accordance with that guidance and submit it to the Secretary 
     for review. Not later than 30 days after receiving a railroad 
     carrier's program under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     review the program and transmit comments to the railroad 
     carrier concerning any revisions the Secretary considers 
     necessary for the program to meet the guidance requirements. 
     A railroad carrier shall respond to the Secretary's

[[Page S175]]

     comments within 30 days after receiving them.
       (d) Training.--Not later than 1 year after the Secretary 
     reviews the training program developed by a railroad carrier 
     under this section, the railroad carrier shall complete the 
     training of all front-line workers in accordance with that 
     program. The Secretary shall review implementation of the 
     training program of a representative sample of railroad 
     carriers and report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation, the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House 
     of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security on the 
     number of reviews conducted and the results. The Secretary 
     may submit the report in both classified and redacted formats 
     as necessary.
       (e) Updates.--The Secretary shall update the training 
     guidance issued under subsection (a) as appropriate to 
     reflect new or different security threats. Railroad carriers 
     shall revise their programs accordingly and provide 
     additional training to their front-line workers within a 
     reasonable time after the guidance is updated.
       (f) Front-Line Workers Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``front-line workers'' means security personnel, dispatchers, 
     train operators, other onboard employees, maintenance and 
     maintenance support personnel, bridge tenders, as well as 
     other appropriate employees of railroad carriers, as defined 
     by the Secretary.
       (g) Other Employees.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
     shall issue guidance and best practices for a rail shipper 
     employee security program containing the elements listed 
     under subsection (b) as appropriate.

     SEC. 110. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 201 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
     20117 the following:

     ``Sec. 20118. Whistleblower protection for rail security 
       matters

       ``(a) Discrimination Against Employee.--No rail carrier 
     engaged in interstate or foreign commerce may discharge a 
     railroad employee or otherwise discriminate against a 
     railroad employee because the employee (or any person acting 
     pursuant to a request of the employee)--
       ``(1) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to 
     provide or cause to be provided, to the employer or the 
     Federal Government information relating to a reasonably 
     perceived threat, in good faith, to security; or
       ``(2) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to 
     provide or cause to be provided, testimony before Congress or 
     at any Federal or State proceeding regarding a reasonably 
     perceived threat, in good faith, to security; or
       ``(3) refused to violate or assist in the violation of any 
     law, rule or regulation related to rail security.
       ``(b) Dispute Resolution.--A dispute, grievance, or claim 
     arising under this section is subject to resolution under 
     section 3 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 153). In a 
     proceeding by the National Railroad Adjustment Board, a 
     division or delegate of the Board, or another board of 
     adjustment established under section 3 to resolve the 
     dispute, grievance, or claim the proceeding shall be 
     expedited and the dispute, grievance, or claim shall be 
     resolved not later than 180 days after it is filed. If the 
     violation is a form of discrimination that does not involve 
     discharge, suspension, or another action affecting pay, and 
     no other remedy is available under this subsection, the 
     Board, division, delegate, or other board of adjustment may 
     award the employee reasonable damages, including punitive 
     damages, of not more than $20,000.
       ``(c) Procedural Requirements.--Except as provided in 
     subsection (b), the procedure set forth in section 
     42121(b)(2)(B) of this subtitle, including the burdens of 
     proof, applies to any complaint brought under this section.
       ``(d) Election of Remedies.--An employee of a railroad 
     carrier may not seek protection under both this section and 
     another provision of law for the same allegedly unlawful act 
     of the carrier.
       ``(e) Disclosure of Identity.--
       ``(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this 
     subsection, or with the written consent of the employee, the 
     Secretary of Transportation may not disclose the name of an 
     employee of a railroad carrier who has provided information 
     about an alleged violation of this section.
       ``(2) The Secretary shall disclose to the Attorney General 
     the name of an employee described in paragraph (1) of this 
     subsection if the matter is referred to the Attorney General 
     for enforcement.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     201 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 20117 the following:

``20118. Whistleblower protection for rail security matters.''.

     SEC. 111. HIGH HAZARD MATERIAL SECURITY THREAT MITIGATION 
                   PLANS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
     consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Homeland 
     Security (Transportation Security Administration) and the 
     Secretary of Transportation, shall require rail carriers 
     transporting a high hazard material, as defined in section 
     104(g) of this Act to develop a high hazard material security 
     threat mitigation plan containing appropriate measures, 
     including alternative routing and temporary shipment 
     suspension options, to address assessed risks to high 
     consequence targets. The plan, and any information submitted 
     to the Secretary under this section shall be protected as 
     sensitive security information under the regulations 
     prescribed under section 114(s) of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (b) Implementation.--A high hazard material security threat 
     mitigation plan shall be put into effect by a rail carrier 
     for the shipment of high hazardous materials by rail on the 
     rail carrier's right-of-way when the threat levels of the 
     Homeland Security Advisory System are high or severe and 
     specific intelligence of probable or imminent threat exists 
     towards--
       (1) a high-consequence target that is within the 
     catastrophic impact zone of a railroad right-of-way used to 
     transport high hazardous material; or
       (2) rail infrastructure or operations within the immediate 
     vicinity of a high-consequence target.
       (c) Completion and Review of Plans.--
       (1) Plans required.--Each rail carrier shall--
       (A) submit a list of routes used to transport high hazard 
     materials to the Secretary of Homeland Security within 60 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act;
       (B) develop and submit a high hazard material security 
     threat mitigation plan to the Secretary within 180 days after 
     it receives the notice of high consequence targets on such 
     routes by the Secretary; and
       (C) submit any subsequent revisions to the plan to the 
     Secretary within 30 days after making the revisions.
       (2) Review and updates.--The Secretary, with assistance of 
     the Secretary of Transportation, shall review the plans and 
     transmit comments to the railroad carrier concerning any 
     revisions the Secretary considers necessary. A railroad 
     carrier shall respond to the Secretary's comments within 30 
     days after receiving them. Each rail carrier shall update and 
     resubmit its plan for review not less than every 2 years.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) The term ``high-consequence target'' means a building, 
     buildings, infrastructure, public space, or natural resource 
     designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security that is 
     viable terrorist target of national significance, the attack 
     of which could result in--
       (A) catastrophic loss of life; and
       (B) significantly damaged national security and defense 
     capabilities; or
       (C) national economic harm.
       (2) The term ``catastrophic impact zone'' means the area 
     immediately adjacent to, under, or above an active railroad 
     right-of-way used to ship high hazard materials in which the 
     potential release or explosion of the high hazard material 
     being transported would likely cause--
       (A) loss of life; or
       (B) significant damage to property or structures.
       (3) The term ``rail carrier'' has the meaning given that 
     term by section 10102(5) of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 112. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT.

       (a) Memorandum of Agreement.--Similar to the public 
     transportation security annex between the two departments 
     signed on September 8, 2005, within 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation and 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security shall execute and develop 
     an annex to the memorandum of agreement between the two 
     departments signed on September 28, 2004, governing the 
     specific roles, delineations of responsibilities, resources 
     and commitments of the Department of Transportation and the 
     Department of Homeland Security, respectively, in addressing 
     railroad transportation security matters, including the 
     processes the departments will follow to promote 
     communications, efficiency, and nonduplication of effort.
       (b) Rail Safety Regulations.--Section 20103(a) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``safety'' the 
     first place it appears, and inserting ``safety, including 
     security,''.

     SEC. 113. RAIL SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS.

       (a) Rail Police Officers.--Section 28101 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Under''; 
     and
       (2) by striking ``the rail carrier'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``any rail carrier''.
       (b) Review of Rail Regulations.--Within 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security and the Assistant Secretary of Homeland 
     Security (Transportation Security Administration), shall 
     review existing rail regulations of the Department of 
     Transportation for the purpose of identifying areas in which 
     those regulations need to be revised to improve rail 
     security.

     SEC. 114. PUBLIC AWARENESS.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Transportation, shall develop a national 
     plan for public outreach and awareness. Such plan shall be 
     designed to increase awareness of measures that the general 
     public, railroad passengers, and railroad employees can take 
     to increase railroad system security. Such plan shall also 
     provide outreach to railroad carriers and their employees to 
     improve their awareness of available technologies, ongoing 
     research and development efforts, and available Federal 
     funding sources to improve railroad security. Not later than 
     9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary of Homeland

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     Security shall implement the plan developed under this 
     section.

     SEC. 115. RAILROAD HIGH HAZARD MATERIAL TRACKING.

       (a) Wireless Communications.--
       (1) In general.--In conjunction with the research and 
     development program established under section 105 and 
     consistent with the results of research relating to wireless 
     tracking technologies, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
     consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Homeland 
     Security (Transportation Security Administration), shall 
     develop a program that will encourage the equipping of rail 
     cars transporting high hazard materials (as defined in 
     section 104(g) of this Act) with wireless terrestrial or 
     satellite communications technology that provides--
       (A) car position location and tracking capabilities;
       (B) notification of rail car depressurization, breach, or 
     unsafe temperature; and
       (C) notification of hazardous material release.
       (2) Coordination.--In developing the program required by 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       (A) consult with the Secretary of Transportation to 
     coordinate the program with any ongoing or planned efforts 
     for rail car tracking at the Department of Transportation; 
     and
       (B) ensure that the program is consistent with 
     recommendations and findings of the Department of Homeland 
     Security's hazardous material tank rail car tracking pilot 
     programs.
       (b) Funding.--Out of funds appropriated pursuant to section 
     114(u) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 
     116 of this Act, there shall be made available to the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this section 
     $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

     SEC. 116. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Transportation Security Administration Authorization.--
     Section 114 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end thereof the following:
       ``(u) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security for rail security--
       ``(1) $228,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $183,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(3) $183,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.''.
       (b) Department of Transportation.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to carry 
     out this title and sections 20118 and 24316 of title 49, 
     United States Code, as added by this Act--
       (1) $121,500,000 for fiscal year 2007;
       (2) $118,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (3) $118,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (4) $195,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

 TITLE II--IMPROVED MOTOR CARRIER, BUS, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SECURITY

     SEC. 201. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HIGHWAY ROUTING.

       (a) Route Plan Guidance.--Within one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall--
       (1) document existing and proposed routes for the 
     transportation of radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous 
     materials by motor carrier, and develop a framework for using 
     a Geographic Information System-based approach to 
     characterize routes in the National Hazardous Materials Route 
     Registry;
       (2) assess and characterize existing and proposed routes 
     for the transportation of radioactive and non-radioactive 
     hazardous materials by motor carrier for the purpose of 
     identifying measurable criteria for selecting routes based on 
     safety and security concerns;
       (3) analyze current route-related hazardous materials 
     regulations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to 
     identify cross-border differences and conflicting 
     regulations;
       (4) document the concerns of the public, motor carriers, 
     and State, local, territorial, and tribal governments about 
     the highway routing of hazardous materials for the purpose of 
     identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities 
     associated with hazardous material routes;
       (5) prepare guidance materials for State officials to 
     assist them in identifying and reducing both safety concerns 
     and security vulnerabilities when designating highway routes 
     for hazardous materials consistent with the 13 safety-based 
     non-radioactive materials routing criteria and radioactive 
     materials routing criteria in Subpart C part 397 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (6) develop a tool that will enable State officials to 
     examine potential routes for the highway transportation of 
     hazardous material and assess specific security 
     vulnerabilities associated with each route and explore 
     alternative mitigation measures; and
       (7) transmit to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation, and the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure a report on 
     the actions taken to fulfill paragraphs (1) through (6) of 
     this subsection and any recommended changes to the routing 
     requirements for the highway transportation of hazardous 
     materials in part 397 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (b) Route Plans.--
       (1) Assessment.--Within one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     complete an assessment of the safety and national security 
     benefits achieved under existing requirements for route 
     plans, in written or electronic format, for explosives and 
     radioactive materials. The assessment shall, at a minimum--
       (A) compare the percentage of Department of Transportation 
     recordable incidents and the severity of such incidents for 
     shipments of explosives and radioactive materials for which 
     such route plans are required with the percentage of 
     recordable incidents and the severity of such incidents for 
     shipments of explosives and radioactive materials not subject 
     to such route plans; and
       (B) quantify the security and safety benefits, feasibility, 
     and costs of requiring each motor carrier that is required to 
     have a hazardous material safety permit under part 385 of 
     title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to maintain, follow, 
     and carry such a route plan that meets the requirements of 
     section 397.101 of that title when transporting the type and 
     quantity of hazardous materials described in section 385.403 
     of that title, taking into account the various segments of 
     the trucking industry, including tank truck, truckload and 
     less than truckload carriers.
       (2) Report.--Within one year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a 
     report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation, and the House of Representatives Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure containing the findings and 
     conclusions of the assessment.
       (c) Requirement.--The Secretary shall require motor 
     carriers that have a hazardous material safety permit under 
     part 385 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
     maintain, follow, and carry a route plan, in written or 
     electronic format, that meets the requirements of section 
     397.101 of that title when transporting the type and quantity 
     of hazardous materials described in section 385.403 of that 
     title if the Secretary determines, under the assessment 
     required in subsection (b), that such a requirement would 
     enhance the security and safety of the nation without 
     imposing unreasonable costs or burdens upon motor carriers.

     SEC. 202. MOTOR CARRIER HIGH HAZARD MATERIAL TRACKING.

       (a) Wireless Communications--
       (1) In general.--Consistent with the findings of the 
     Transportation Security Administration's Hazmat Truck 
     Security Pilot Program and within 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
     through the Transportation Security Administration and in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall 
     develop a program to encourage the equipping of motor 
     carriers transporting high hazard materials in quantities 
     equal to or greater than the quantities specified in subpart 
     171.800 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, with 
     wireless communications technology that provides--
       (A) continuous communications;
       (B) vehicle position location and tracking capabilities; 
     and
       (C) a feature that allows a driver of such vehicles to 
     broadcast an emergency message.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing the program required by 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       (A) consult with the Secretary of Transportation to 
     coordinate the program with any ongoing or planned efforts 
     for motor carrier tracking at the Department of 
     Transportation;
       (B) take into consideration the recommendations and 
     findings of the report on the Hazardous Material Safety and 
     Security Operation Field Test released by the Federal Motor 
     Carrier Safety Administration on November 11, 2004;
       (C) evaluate--
       (i) any new information related to the cost and benefits of 
     deploying and utilizing truck tracking technology for motor 
     carriers transporting high hazard materials not included in 
     the Hazardous Material Safety and Security Operation Field 
     Test Report released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
     Administration on November 11, 2004;
       (ii) the ability of truck tracking technology to resist 
     tampering and disabling;
       (iii) the capability of truck tracking technology to 
     collect, display, and store information regarding the 
     movements of shipments of high hazard materials by commercial 
     motor vehicles;
       (iv) the appropriate range of contact intervals between the 
     tracking technology and a commercial motor vehicle 
     transporting high hazard materials; and
       (v) technology that allows the installation by a motor 
     carrier of concealed electronic devices on commercial motor 
     vehicles that can be activated by law enforcement authorities 
     and alert emergency response resources to locate and recover 
     security sensitive material in the event of loss or theft of 
     such material.
       (b) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this section 
     $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.

     SEC. 203. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SECURITY INSPECTIONS AND 
                   ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
     establish a program within the Transportation Security 
     Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Transportation, for reviewing hazardous materials security 
     plans required under part 172, title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, within 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act. In establishing the program, the Secretary shall 
     ensure that--

[[Page S177]]

       (1) the program does not subject carriers to unnecessarily 
     duplicative reviews of their security plans by the 2 
     departments; and
       (2) a common set of standards is used to review the 
     security plans.
       (b) Civil Penalty.--The failure, by a shipper, carrier, or 
     other person subject to part 172 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to comply with any applicable section of that 
     part within 180 days after being notified by the Secretary of 
     such failure to comply, is punishable by a civil penalty 
     imposed by the Secretary under title 49, United States Code. 
     For purposes of this subsection, each day of noncompliance 
     after the 181st day following the date on which the shipper, 
     carrier, or other person received notice of the failure shall 
     constitute a separate failure.
       (c) Compliance Review.--In reviewing the compliance of 
     hazardous materials shippers, carriers, or other persons 
     subject to part 172 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     with the provisions of that part, the Secretary shall utilize 
     risk assessment methodologies to prioritize review and 
     enforcement actions to the most vulnerable and critical 
     hazardous materials transportation operations.
       (d) Transportation Costs Study.--Within 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security, shall study to what extent the insurance, security, 
     and safety costs borne by railroad carriers, motor carriers, 
     pipeline carriers, air carriers, and maritime carriers 
     associated with the transportation of hazardous materials are 
     reflected in the rates paid by shippers of such commodities 
     as compared to the costs and rates respectively for the 
     transportation of non-hazardous materials.
       (e) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this 
     section--
       (1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     SEC. 204. TRUCK SECURITY ASSESSMENT.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall transmit to the 
     Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 
     Senate Committee on Finance, the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, and the House 
     of Representatives Committe on Ways and Means, a report on 
     security issues related to the trucking industry that 
     includes--
       (1) an assessment of actions already taken to address 
     identified security issues by both public and private 
     entities;
       (2) an assessment of the economic impact that security 
     upgrades of trucks, truck equipment, or truck facilities may 
     have on the trucking industry and its employees, including 
     independent owner-operators;
       (3) an assessment of ongoing research and the need for 
     additional research on truck security; and
       (4) an assessment of industry best practices to enhance 
     security.

     SEC. 205. NATIONAL PUBLIC SECTOR RESPONSE SYSTEM.

       (a) Development.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
     conjunction with the Secretary of Transportation, shall 
     consider the development of a national public sector response 
     system to receive security alerts, emergency messages, and 
     other information used to track the transportation of high 
     hazard materials which can provide accurate, timely, and 
     actionable information to appropriate first responder, law 
     enforcement and public safety, and homeland security 
     officials, as appropriate, regarding accidents, threats, 
     thefts, or other safety and security risks or incidents. In 
     considering the development of this system, they shall 
     consult with law enforcement and public safety officials, 
     hazardous material shippers, motor carriers, railroads, 
     organizations representing hazardous material employees, 
     State transportation and hazardous materials officials, 
     private for-profit and non-profit emergency response 
     organizations, and commercial motor vehicle and hazardous 
     material safety groups. Consideration of development of the 
     national public sector response system shall be based upon 
     the public sector response center developed for the 
     Transportation Security Administration hazardous material 
     truck security pilot program and hazardous material safety 
     and security operational field test undertaken by the Federal 
     Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
       (b) Capability.--The national public sector response system 
     to be considered shall be able to receive, as appropriate--
       (1) negative driver verification alerts;
       (2) out-of-route alerts;
       (3) driver panic or emergency alerts; and
       (4) tampering or release alerts.
       (c) Characteristics.--The national public sector response 
     system to be considered shall--
       (1) be an exception-based system;
       (2) be integrated with other private and public sector 
     operation reporting and response systems and all Federal 
     homeland security threat analysis systems or centers 
     (including the National Response Center); and
       (3) provide users the ability to create rules for alert 
     notification messages.
       (d) Carrier Participation.--The Secretary of Homeland 
     Security shall coordinate with motor carriers and railroads 
     transporting high hazard materials, entities acting on their 
     behalf who receive communication alerts from motor carriers 
     or railroads, or other Federal agencies that receive security 
     and emergency related notification regarding high hazard 
     materials in transit to facilitate the provisions of the 
     information listed in subsection (b) to the national public 
     sector response system to the extent possible if the system 
     is established.
       (e) Data Privacy.--The national public sector response 
     system shall be designed to ensure appropriate protection of 
     data and information relating to motor carriers, railroads, 
     and employees.
       (f) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the 
     Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 
     the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure, and the House of Representatives Committee on 
     Homeland Security a report on whether to establish a national 
     public sector response system and the estimated total public 
     and private sector costs to establish and annually operate 
     such a system, together with any recommendations for 
     generating private sector participation and investment in the 
     development and operation of such a system.
       (g) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this 
     section--
       (1) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

     SEC. 206. OVER-THE-ROAD BUS SECURITY ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
     establish a program within the Transportation Security 
     Administration for making grants to private operators of 
     over-the-road buses or over-the-road bus terminal operators 
     for system-wide security improvements to their operations, 
     including--
       (1) constructing and modifying terminals, garages, 
     facilities, or over-the-road buses to assure their security;
       (2) protecting or isolating the driver;
       (3) acquiring, upgrading, installing, or operating 
     equipment, software, or accessorial services for collection, 
     storage, or exchange of passenger and driver information 
     through ticketing systems or otherwise, and information links 
     with government agencies;
       (4) training employees in recognizing and responding to 
     security threats, evacuation procedures, passenger screening 
     procedures, and baggage inspection;
       (5) hiring and training security officers;
       (6) installing cameras and video surveillance equipment on 
     over-the-road buses and at terminals, garages, and over-the-
     road bus facilities;
       (7) creating a program for employee identification or 
     background investigation;
       (8) establishing and upgrading an emergency communications 
     system linking operational headquarters, over-the-road buses, 
     law enforcement, and emergency personnel; and
       (9) implementing and operating passenger screening programs 
     at terminals and on over-the-road buses.
       (b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost for which 
     any grant is made under this section shall be 80 percent.
       (c) Due Consideration.--In making grants under this 
     section, the Secretary shall give due consideration to 
     private operators of over-the-road buses that have taken 
     measures to enhance bus transportation security from those in 
     effect before September 11, 2001, and shall prioritize grant 
     funding based on the magnitude and severity of the security 
     threat to bus passengers and the ability of the funded 
     project to reduce, or respond to, that threat.
       (d) Grant Requirements.--A grant under this section shall 
     be subject to all the terms and conditions that a grant is 
     subject to under section 3038(f) of the Transportation Equity 
     Act for the 21st Century (49 U.S.C. 5310 note; 112 Stat. 
     393).
       (e) Plan Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may not make a grant under 
     this section to a private operator of over-the-road buses 
     until the operator has first submitted to the Secretary--
       (A) a plan for making security improvements described in 
     subsection (a) and the Secretary has approved the plan; and
       (B) such additional information as the Secretary may 
     require to ensure accountability for the obligation and 
     expenditure of amounts made available to the operator under 
     the grant.
       (2) Coordination.--To the extent that an application for a 
     grant under this section proposes security improvements 
     within a specific terminal owned and operated by an entity 
     other than the applicant, the applicant shall demonstrate to 
     the satisfaction of the Secretary that the applicant has 
     coordinated the security improvements for the terminal with 
     that entity.
       (f) Over-the-Road Bus Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``over-the-road bus'' means a bus characterized by an 
     elevated passenger deck located over a baggage compartment.
       (g) Bus Security Assessment.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the 
     Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 
     the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure, and the House of Representatives Committee on 
     Homeland Security a preliminary report in accordance with the 
     requirements of this section.

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       (2) Contents of preliminary report.--The preliminary report 
     shall include--
       (A) an assessment of the over-the-road bus security grant 
     program;
       (B) an assessment of actions already taken to address 
     identified security issues by both public and private 
     entities and recommendations on whether additional safety and 
     security enforcement actions are needed;
       (C) an assessment of whether additional legislation is 
     needed to provide for the security of Americans traveling on 
     over-the-road buses;
       (D) an assessment of the economic impact that security 
     upgrades of buses and bus facilities may have on the over-
     the-road bus transportation industry and its employees;
       (E) an assessment of ongoing research and the need for 
     additional research on over-the-road bus security, including 
     engine shut-off mechanisms, chemical and biological weapon 
     detection technology, and the feasibility of 
     compartmentalization of the driver; and
       (F) an assessment of industry best practices to enhance 
     security.
       (3) Consultation with industry, labor, and other groups.--
     In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult 
     with over-the-road bus management and labor representatives, 
     public safety and law enforcement officials, and the National 
     Academy of Sciences.
       (h) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this 
     section--
       (1) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       (2) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       (3) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.
     Amounts made available pursuant to this subsection shall 
     remain available until expended.

     SEC. 207. PIPELINE SECURITY AND INCIDENT RECOVERY PLAN.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
     Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and 
     in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding Annex 
     executed on August 9, 2006, shall develop a Pipeline Security 
     and Incident Recovery Protocols Plan. The plan shall 
     include--
       (1) a plan for the Federal Government to provide increased 
     security support to the most critical interstate and 
     intrastate natural gas and hazardous liquid transmission 
     pipeline infrastructure and operations as determined under 
     section 208--
       (A) at high or severe security threat levels of alert; and
       (B) when specific security threat information relating to 
     such pipeline infrastructure or operations exists; and
       (2) an incident recovery protocol plan, developed in 
     conjunction with interstate and intrastate transmission and 
     distribution pipeline operators and terminals and facilities 
     operators connected to pipelines, to develop protocols to 
     ensure the continued transportation of natural gas and 
     hazardous liquids to essential markets and for essential 
     public health or national defense uses in the event of an 
     incident affecting the interstate and intrastate natural gas 
     and hazardous liquid transmission and distribution pipeline 
     system, which shall include protocols for granting access to 
     pipeline operators for pipeline infrastructure repair, 
     replacement or bypass following an incident.
       (b) Existing Private and Public Sector Efforts.--The plan 
     shall take into account actions taken or planned by both 
     private and public entities to address identified pipeline 
     security issues and assess the effective integration of such 
     actions.
       (c) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with 
     the Secretary of Transportation, interstate and intrastate 
     transmission and distribution pipeline operators, pipeline 
     labor, first responders, shippers of hazardous materials, 
     State Departments of Transportation, public safety officials, 
     and other relevant parties.
       (d) Report.--
       (1) Contents.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security 
     shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland 
     Security of the House of Representatives, and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report containing the plan required by 
     subsection (a), along with an estimate of the private and 
     public sector costs to implement any recommendations.
       (2) Format.--The Secretary may submit the report in both 
     classified and redacted formats if the Secretary determines 
     that such action is appropriate or necessary.

     SEC. 208. PIPELINE SECURITY INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of enactment 
     of this Act the Secretary of Homeland Security, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall 
     establish a program for reviewing pipeline operator adoption 
     of recommendations in the September, 5, 2002, Department of 
     Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration 
     Pipeline Security Information Circular, including the review 
     of pipeline security plans and critical facility inspections.
       (b) Review and Inspection.--Within 9 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act the Secretary shall complete a 
     review of the pipeline security plan and an inspection of the 
     critical facilities of the 100 most critical pipeline 
     operators covered by the September, 5, 2002, circular, where 
     such facilities have not been inspected for security purposes 
     since September 5, 2002, by either the Department of Homeland 
     Security or the Department of Transportation, as determined 
     by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Transportation.
       (c) Compliance Review Methodology.--In reviewing pipeline 
     operator compliance under subsections (a) and (b), the 
     Secretary shall utilize risk assessment methodologies to 
     prioritize vulnerabilities and to target inspection and 
     enforcement actions to the most vulnerable and critical 
     pipeline assets.
       (d) Regulations.--Within 1 year after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to pipeline 
     operators and the Secretary of Transportation security 
     recommendations for natural gas and hazardous liquid 
     pipelines and pipeline facilities. If the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security determines that regulations are 
     appropriate, the Secretary shall promulgate such regulations 
     and carry out necessary inspection and enforcement actions. 
     Any regulations should incorporate the guidance provided to 
     pipeline operators by the September 5, 2002, Department of 
     Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration's 
     Pipeline Security Information Circular and contain additional 
     requirements as necessary based upon the results of the 
     inspections performed under subsection (b). The regulations 
     shall include the imposition of civil penalties for non-
     compliance.
       (e) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out this 
     section--
       (1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
       (2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.

     SEC. 209. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Hazmat Licenses.--Section 5103a of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``of Homeland Security'' after 
     ``Secretary'' each place it appears in subsections (a)(1), 
     (d)(1)(b), and (e); and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i) and 
     inserting the following after subsection (g):
       ``(h) Relationship to Transportation Security Cards.--Upon 
     application, a State shall issue to an individual a license 
     to operate a motor vehicle transporting in commerce a 
     hazardous material without the security assessment required 
     by this section, provided the individual meets all other 
     applicable requirements for such a license, if the Secretary 
     of Homeland Security has previously determined, under section 
     70105 of title 46, United States Code, that the individual 
     does not pose a security risk.''.

     SEC. 210. CERTAIN PERSONNEL LIMITATIONS NOT TO APPLY.

       Any statutory limitation on the number of employees in the 
     Transportation Security Administration of the Department of 
     Transportation, before or after its transfer to the 
     Department of Homeland Security, does not apply to the extent 
     that any such employees are responsible for implementing the 
     provisions of this Act.

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, over five years since 9/11, much of 
our Nation's transportation systems remain vulnerable to terror attack. 
There are many reasons for the lack of action by the Federal 
Government, but we can no longer simply look the other way. Last year, 
the Congress had an opportunity to make significant strides to improve 
the security of our freight and passenger rail systems, highways, 
public transit systems, trucking and intercity bus operations, and 
pipeline systems. The Senate passed my amendments and amendments by 
other Senators to the SAFE Ports Act to address the security of these 
important modes of transportation. In fact, the House of 
Representatives overwhelmingly voted to instruct its conferees to 
include these provisions in the final conference report of the SAFE 
Ports Act.
  Unfortunately, House Republican leaders stripped them out of the 
final version of the bill behind closed doors, instead enacting a ban 
on internet gambling. The actions by the House Republican leaders 
further delayed real progress in securing our homeland from terror. I 
believe the Federal Government must take a leadership role in securing 
our country from terrorism. States cannot on their own be left 
responsible for securing these interstate modes of transportation.
  That is why I am proud to be an author of the Surface Transportation 
and Rail Security Act of 2007. I have worked with my committee co-
chairmen--Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens--to ensure this bill gets 
quickly considered. Its provisions are not new to anyone. They were 
considered, and agreed to, merely four months ago by the Senate. I am 
hopeful that they will again be quickly considered and adopted.
  This bill specifically requires accountability from the Department of 
Homeland Security, by ensuring that our rail systems have been analyzed 
for security risk. It authorizes necessary funding for making these 
security improvements and specifically includes $400 million for tunnel 
security improvements in the New Jersey/New

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York region. I will seek further Federal funding for improving security 
of the New Jersey/New York region's tunnels and bridges in additional 
legislation to be introduced this month, by working with my colleagues 
on the appropriate committees in the Senate.
  Last month, the Bush Administration proposed certain improvements to 
our nation's rail systems, but these proposals fell far short of what 
is needed to secure our country. For instance, the Administration 
proposal fails to take specific actions to improve the security of 
railroad stations, bridges, and tunnels. More people use Amtrak's Penn 
Station in New York City than use all three major New Jersey-New York 
region airports, Newark Liberty International, JFK, and LaGuardia 
airports, every day. This bill takes a much more comprehensive 
approach, by authorizing the funding needed to make these important 
security improvements.
  Our Nation's freight rail systems move some 12 billion tons of cargo, 
but we are not doing enough to protect those systems. Some of this 
cargo includes hazardous chemicals and other dangerous materials which 
travel within feet of our schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, and snake 
right through the middle of our cities. The potential for disaster 
looms large, as the misuse of these shipments can produce an effect 
that a weapon of mass destruction would on our communities. Clearly 
much more thought needs to be put into how we move this dangerous 
cargo, and the Federal Government must be involved. The Bush 
Administration must agree with this assessment, as their proposal would 
strictly forbid states or communities from acting on their own to 
protect their residents from these risks.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this 
important legislation gets considered and enacted soon. We cannot 
afford to delay any further these vital security improvements to our 
country.
                                 ______