Rail-Transit Security Bill Moves Forward, Davis Applauds

March 13, 2007

WASHINGTON D.C. - Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., hailed today's passage by the Homeland Security Committee of legislation that would address the security needs of our railroads and public transit systems as "a carefully crafted bill that addresses critical national challenges."

The Rail and Public Transportation Security Act, HR 1401, approved, 30-0, by the committee on Tuesday, would require medium- and high-risk railroad and public-transit systems to assess their security vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive security plans to be approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Terror groups consistently targeted rail and mass transit for attacks. The 2004 bombings in Madrid killed nearly 200 and wounded nearly 2,000 passengers on a commuter train system, and, in 2005, four bombs exploded in the London Underground and on a bus.

In addition, the legislation would authorize grants for rail, public transportation and over-the-road bus carriers to improve physical and passenger security. It also would provide grants for fire and life-safety improvements for New York, Maryland and D.C. and for research and development for improved security.

The legislation authorizes grants for railroads, including the Virginia Railway Express and other commuter lines, totaling $600 million per year for FY 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. It authorizes grants of $775.5 million for FY '08 and $825 million per year for the next three years to assist transit systems, including Washington's Metro subway system. It also includes $20 million over four years for improving security at Washington's Union Station.

"It's not a perfect bill, but it is a good step toward securing our nation's rail and mass-transit facilities," said Davis, a senior member of the committee. "I'm especially pleased with the assistance going to mass transit in our own region. The threat from al Qaeda and other terrorist groups is not going to go away. We have to address it aggressively, and this legislation does that."