Homeland Security

The Committee meets today to consider the state of rail security in the United States. The recent attacks on Madrid's commuter rail system demonstrated all too vividly that our own transit system, Amtrak, and the freight railroads could be vulnerable to terrorist attack. The attacks in Spain were carried out with horrifying precision and apparent ease, killing over 200 and injuring more than 1,800.

. Only modest resources have been dedicated to maritime and land security over the past two and one-half years compared to the investments made to secure the airways. The good news is that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), individual commuter agencies, Amtrak, and the freight railroads have, on their own initiative, taken steps to safeguard passengers, facilities, and cargo. These efforts, accomplished at a very small cost to the federal government, have helped make our rail system safer.

. But rail security efforts remain fragmented. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has still not signed memorandums of agreement (M-O-As) with the Department of Transportation (DOT) as recommended by the General Accounting Office (GAO) to make clear each department's roles and responsibilities with respect to rail security. Further, the Transportation Security Administration's Maritime and Land Security Division has yet to complete a threat and vulnerability assessment for the rail system and prepare an integrated security plan that reflects the unique characteristics of passenger and freight rail operations. The Maritime and Land Division is pursuing a number of individual projects, but does not appear to have an overall strategy for improving rail security.

. We are fortunate that we are not in the position today of having to make decisions about rail security in the wake of a terrorist attack here at home. The efforts of the freight railroads, DHS, FTA, and FRA can help Congress and the Administration target additional resources that may be needed effectively. With our nation facing a half-trillion dollar deficit, we must use the taxpayers' money wisely.

. Shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Commerce Committee reported rail security legislation co-sponsored by myself and Senator Hollings. That proposal was aimed primarily at Amtrak and included a number of projects that were part of Amtrak's original request that even Amtrak has since discredited. Unfortunately, the full Senate has not acted on rail security legislation. I hope that following this hearing, the Committee can develop a bi-partisan bill to address rail security needs and the fire and life-safety work in the Penn Station tunnels.

. I want to welcome our witnesses. I look forward to their statements and hearing their recommendations about how best to improve our nation's rail security.