Statement by APTA President William Millar

"We are greatly heartened by the message sent yesterday by the House calling on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance the security of our Nation’s rail and mass transit lines.  The action by the House (H.Res. 28 – a sense of the House Resolution) this week emphasizes the importance of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) programs, especially those that need to address the security on modes of transportation other than aviation.  The action is particularly timely in light of the recent tragic bombing of a passenger rail line in Russia this past weekend.

The resolution, introduced by Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Houston, TX), and advanced by the House Committee on Homeland Security, correctly recognizes that the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act provided clear statutory direction to DHS and TSA to focus on the security assistance needs of rail and public transportation providers.  While the Department, TSA and FEMA have made important strides in this regard, legislative “reminders” such as this Resolution serve an important role in maintaining focus and highlighting the priorities of our Nation’s policymakers.

APTA applauds Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee, the House Committee on Homeland Security, and the 417 members of the House who supported passage of the Resolution.