[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE RAIL AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, like all Americans, I am 
alarmed at the lack of security for rail and public transportation 
systems around the country. Each weekday, 11.3 million passengers in 22 
States use commuter, heavy, or light rail. History has shown that 
terrorists view rail and public transportation systems as potential 
targets. March 11 will be the 3-year anniversary of the terrorist 
bombings of Madrid's rail system, which killed and maimed hundreds of 
innocent civilians. This July marks the second anniversary of the 
terrorist bombings throughout London's public transportation system. 
Last summer, a number of bombs tore through Mumbai's rail system. Just 
last month, a passenger train outside New Delhi caught fire when 
suitcases filled with flammable liquids were exploded as the train 
headed for Pakistan.
  Despite all of these attacks, rail and public transportation security 
remains a secondary issue to aviation security. In the fiscal year 2008 
budget, the President only requested an additional $4 million for TSA's 
surface transportation budget. TSA's entire surface transportation 
budget is less than 1 percent of the amount the President requested for 
aviation security. I am alarmed by the lack of training for frontline 
rail and public transportation workers. I am also worried about 
security issues surrounding the transportation of hazardous materials 
through high-threat urban areas.
  This Committee has taken action to close the gaps on rail and mass 
transit security. We have been working on a bipartisan basis to develop 
the ``Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007.'' This bill 
requires rail and public transportation systems to complete security 
plans and vulnerability assessments. The bill also mandates training 
for frontline rail and public transportation system employees. It also 
gives them whistleblower protections to encourage reporting of security 
risks, and provides a redress process for employees who are terminated 
as a result of a background check. This legislation makes security 
grants available to rail, transit, and bus systems. Finally, it makes 
substantial investments in the research and development we need to find 
new ways to secure these systems.
  My hope is that through these provisions, this comprehensive 
legislation will address most of the glaring gaps that currently exist 
in surface transportation security.

                          ____________________