[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 28991-28992]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           ENHANCING SECURITY TO RAIL AND MASS TRANSIT LINES

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 28) expressing the sense of the 
House of Representatives that the Transportation Security 
Administration should, in accordance with the congressional mandate 
provided for in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission 
Act of 2007, enhance security against terrorist attack and other 
security threats to our Nation's rail and mass transit lines, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 28

       Whereas the Transportation Security Administration is 
     uniquely positioned to lead the efforts to secure our 
     Nation's rail and mass transit systems and other modes of 
     surface transportation against terrorist attack as a result 
     of expertise developed over six years of securing our 
     Nation's commercial air transportation system;
       Whereas the successes of the Transportation Security 
     Administration's National Explosives Detection Canine Team 
     Program has furthered the Transportation Security 
     Administration's ability to secure our Nation's 
     transportation systems against terrorist attack by preventing 
     and protecting against explosives threats;
       Whereas each weekday 11,300,000 passengers depend on our 
     Nation's mass transit systems as a means of transportation;
       Whereas rail and mass transit systems serve as an enticing 
     target for terrorists and terrorist organizations, such as Al 
     Qaeda, as evidenced by the March 11, 2004, attack on the 
     Madrid, Spain, rail system, the July 7, 2005, attack on the 
     London, England, mass transit system, and the July 11, 2006, 
     and November 26, 2008, attacks on the Mumbai, India, rail 
     system;
       Whereas the Transportation Security Administration 
     Authorization Act of 2009, which was passed by the House of 
     Representatives on June 4, 2009, in an overwhelming and 
     bipartisan manner, expresses Congress' commitment to 
     bolstering the security of rail and mass transit systems; and
       Whereas securing our Nation's rail and mass transit systems 
     against terrorist attack and other security threats is 
     essential due to their impact on our Nation's economic 
     stability and the continued functioning of our national 
     economy: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that the Transportation Security 
     Administration should--
       (1) continue to enhance security against terrorist attack 
     and other security threats to our Nation's rail and mass 
     transit systems and other modes of surface transportation, 
     including as provided for in the Implementing Recommendations 
     of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-53) and 
     the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act 
     of 2009 (H.R. 2200 in the 111th Congress);
       (2) continue development of the National Explosives 
     Detection Canine Team Program, which has proven to be an 
     effective tool in securing against explosives threats to our 
     Nation's rail and mass transit systems, with particular 
     attention to the application of its training standards and 
     the establishment of a reliable source of domestically bred 
     canines;
       (3) improve upon the success of the Online Learning Center 
     by providing increased person-to-person professional 
     development programs to ensure those responsible for securing 
     our surface transportation systems against terrorist attack 
     are highly trained in both securing those systems against 
     terrorist attack and professional relations with the 
     traveling public; and
       (4) continue to secure our Nation's mass transit and rail 
     systems against terrorist attack and other security threats, 
     so as to ensure the security of commuters on our Nation's 
     rail and mass transit systems and prevent the disruption of 
     rail lines critical to our Nation's economy.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend 
their remarks and insert extraneous material on the resolution under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 28 expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives that TSA should increase and enhance its efforts to 
secure rail and mass transit systems in ways that are consistent with 
the 9/11 Act and H.R. 2200.
  Let me first of all say, Mr. Speaker, that in addition to this 
legislation, as we stand on the floor today and watch the actions in 
Afghanistan and Pakistan, as we see the world changing from Mumbai to 
Madrid, we recognize the crucialness of national security and homeland 
security. And so this legislation is to emphasize the importance of 
expanding our oversight and response to the idea of mass transit and 
rail transportation.
  I introduced this resolution because deadlines in the 9/11 Act have 
passed without being satisfied, which is inexcusable given the risks 
faced by our Nation's rail and mass transit systems. In addition, I 
authored H.R. 2200, the TSA authorization bill, which included several 
elements that sought to enhance TSA's surface transportation efforts. 
That bill passed in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner earlier this 
year. As we wait for our friends in the Senate to act on H.R. 2200, I 
believe that the House agreeing to this resolution recommits to our 
goal of TSA securing these modes of transportation.
  Let me first of all acknowledge the professional men and women that 
work for the Transportation Security Administration. I am gratified to 
know that progress is being made of a new administrator for that 
agency. I've worked very hard in H.R. 2200 to focus on their 
professionalism. But they need tools and they need the tools that will 
allow us to focus on the security of these important elements of 
transportation, and, as well, the job engine of our community and our 
Nation.
  Many Americans use mass transit. Many Americans use rail. Any 
irreversible, tragic terrorist act can impact the economy of this 
Nation. As we were reminded by the tragic events in Russia over the 
weekend and in other cities around the world over the last several 
years, rail and mass transit systems are prime targets for terrorist 
acts. When they're shut down, the economy can shut down.
  This resolution recognizes TSA as being uniquely positioned to lead 
Federal efforts to secure our Nation's rail and mass transit systems, 
and recognizes the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program as 
a valuable resource, which my friend from Alabama has worked on. I 
might also say that this effort today, this resolution, is also to save 
lives. As such, it is critical that TSA's security efforts share our 
commitment to securing these systems.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and 
send a message about the importance of protecting our people, our 
infrastructure, and our economy.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 28, sponsored by my 
friend and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). We know the 
Nation's surface transportation systems are designed for accessibility 
and efficiency, making them vulnerable to terrorist attack. When 
hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack, we must 
construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection and response 
that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another 
terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce and 
civil liberties.
  In the 9/11 Act of 2007, Congress mandated that DHS take certain 
steps to ensure the security of our Nation's public transportation 
systems. More than 2 years later, a number of mandates have gone unmet 
by the department, and this resolution expresses the sense of Congress 
that DHS should actually implement those mandates. It is time for DHS 
to move beyond the transportation sector-specific plans that identify 
and evaluate risk, to implementing risk reduction measures.

[[Page 28992]]

  This resolution resolves that TSA should continue to enhance the 
security of mass transit and rail transportation systems, continue the 
development of the canine explosive detection program, and enhance on-
line training programs. The resolution also takes special note that 
more attention is needed for school transportation systems.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to vote for this, 
and yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I'd like to thank the staff of the Homeland Security Committee, and 
as well, the staff director of the Transportation Security Committee, 
Mike Beland, and acknowledge the chairman of the committee for working 
with me and acknowledging the importance of this particular amendment 
and this bill.
  Let me just say, as I close, we have already enunciated the 
parameters of securing mass transit and rail. We understand that we are 
behind in that effort.

                              {time}  1330

  I know there are committed, dedicated members of the Homeland 
Security Department and efforts that are ready to go. We need to give 
them the tools that they can work with. Even over the last couple of 
days as we look at actions that may be at first glance perceived to be 
innocent individuals intruding into the parameters of the White House, 
we know that we have to be on alert, because no action should be taken 
in a simple or, if you will, non-serious manner.
  So I stand today to say that this legislation, though a resolution, 
is serious because it emphasizes a commitment for tools and saving 
lives. I am delighted that my colleagues on the committee, in a 
bipartisan manner, have supported this. I'd like to acknowledge the 
ranking member of this committee, Mr. Dent; and I'd ask my colleagues 
to support this legislation, Mr. Speaker.
  I believe this is a critical issue. H. Res. 28 addresses the critical 
issue of surface transportation, and I encourage my colleagues to vote 
``aye.''
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, for a second consecutive 
year, while Americans gathered with family and friends to celebrate the 
Thanksgiving holiday, terrorists executed deadly attacks on innocent 
people that were in transit, on foreign rail systems.
  Just last week, two separate bombings in Russia underscored that 
passenger rail systems remain enticing targets for acts of terrorism.
  It has been nearly six months since this body overwhelmingly passed 
the legislation to authorize TSA's rail and mass transit security 
activities (H.R. 2200).
  Unfortunately, to date, the Senate has failed to move on H.R. 2200.
  The Senate also has yet to confirm a new TSA Assistant Secretary to 
fulfill the rail and mass transit security mandates that Congress 
overwhelmingly approved in 2007, with the passage of the Implementing 
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act.
  Plainly, there is still much to be done to secure rail and mass 
transit systems in the United States from bombings like the ones that 
occurred in Russia over the weekend, and other acts of terrorism.
  In remembrance of those events, as well as the bombings of passenger 
rail and mass transit systems in Madrid, Spain; London, England; and 
Mumbai, India that occurred in recent years, H. Res. 28 instructs TSA 
to strengthen its efforts to secure rail and mass transit systems 
across the country and to build on existing programs that have shown 
promise.
  This resolution recognizes TSA as being uniquely positioned to lead 
Federal efforts to secure rail and mass transit systems in the United 
States, and identifies the National Explosives Detection Canine Team 
Program as an effective and valuable resource.
  House passage of both the 9/11 Act in 2007 and H.R. 2200 earlier this 
year by overwhelming majorities has emphasized the House of 
Representatives' commitment to strengthening security of rail and mass 
transit systems.
  I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this resolution 
and reaffirming our strong commitment to strengthening the security of 
our rail and mass transit systems.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 28, which expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 
should increase and enhance its efforts to secure rail and mass transit 
systems in ways that are consistent with the 9/11 Act and H.R. 2200.
  I would like to acknowledge Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Thompson for 
their leadership in bringing this important resolution to the floor. I 
would also like to thank my colleague Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, 
who authored this resolution recognizing TSA and its programs and 
urging the Administration to continue its efforts protecting the 
infrastructure of our Nation.
  11,300,000 passengers depend on our Nation's mass transit lines as a 
means of transportation, and more than 25 million children depend on 
the school transportation system. My district, the 37th district of 
California, is a key transportation hub as well. Nearly 45 percent of 
all U.S. imports travel through the District. As such, it is critical 
that TSA shares our commitment to securing these systems.
  H. Res. 28 recognizes TSA for leading Federal efforts to secure our 
Nation's rail and mass transit systems, the National Explosives 
Detection Canine Team Program as a valuable resource, and the 
successful Online Learning Center that ensures those responsible for 
securing against terrorist attacks on our transportation systems are 
highly trained. So I am happy to stand in support of H. Res. 28.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution because we 
cannot take the safety of our Nation's infrastructure for granted. We 
need to urge TSA to take all the action necessary to adequately protect 
our Nation and expand upon programs with a proven record of success, 
such as the Online Learning Center.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res 28.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 28, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________