Enhancing Security To Rail And Mass Transit Lines

Floor Speech

Enhancing Security To Rail And Mass Transit Lines

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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.

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.

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