Thank you, Congresswoman McCarthy!

In the United States, there are several agencies assigned to transportation. Following the events of 9/11, a new federal agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), was authorized to ensure the security of highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems and airports. Like other federal agencies, the TSA is subject to the laws passed by Congress. On March 8th, 2007, a bill called the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (HR 1401) was introduced in the House of Representatives. It is important to note that this bill was passed in the House of Representatives as of March 27, 2007 and is presently being reviewed in the Senate.

Save Our Village is pleased to report that, once again, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy advocated to increase railway security nationwide by voting for HR 1401. By doing so, she actively demonstrates her understanding of the serious issues which impact the quality of life for so many residents living in "mainline" communities within the 4th Congressional District. Her vote supports measures which will improve the safety of rail and public transportation infrastructure as well as the establishment of grants for the local agencies which will provide security for public transit, increase security for railroads and training for railroad, public transit and bus employees. HR 1401 states that these security-related grants will be based on risk which ensures that New York will receive its fair share of the federal funding. Save Our Village positively acknowledges Congresswoman McCarthy's continued dedication to the health, safety and security of her constituents in the 4th Congressional District.

In brief, the proposed Rail and Public Transportation Security Act (HR 1401) directs the Secretary of Homeland Security for the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement a plan called the National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security. It requires the Secretary to assign each railroad carrier, public transportation operator, or bus private operator to a certain risk-based tier and to issue regulations that: (1) require each transportation provider to a high or medium-risk tier to assess their vulnerability to terrorism and to implement a security plan that addresses certain security performance requirements; (2) establish standards for such assessments and plans; and (3) establish a security program for transportation providers not assigned to a high or medium-risk tier. It also imposes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with the requirements of this Act.

Specifically, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act includes:

Section 124 - directs the Secretary to issue regulations that require certain enhanced security measures for shipments of security sensitive materials

Section 126 - directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly assess likely methods of deliberate attacks against rail tank cars used to transport toxic-inhalation-hazard materials, including the degree to which these methods may be successful in causing death, injury, or serious adverse effects to human health, the environment, or public welfare;

Section 127 - directs the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to evaluate systems to detect nuclear or radiological materials on the rails to ensure that these systems are established and a deployment strategy is developed to detect such materials arriving by rail.

Section 130 - requires the Secretary to screen in-bound rail shipments to the United States for terrorists or weapons of mass destruction

Section 134 - directs the Secretary to assess, and report the results to Congress on, the safety and security vulnerabilities of placing high voltage electric transmission lines along active railroad rights-of-way.

Section 136 - directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to coordinate with state and local governments to minimize the need to transport toxic inhalation hazardous materials by rail.

Save Our Village extends its gratitude to Assemblyman Tom Alfano (21st Assembly District) and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (4th Congressional District) for their hard work and dedication.

Save Our Village encourages citizens to check this blogsite for further updates regarding proposed legislation which seeks to improve our safety and security.