Date: 2012-05-30
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 3140. "Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act." This legislation would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to make it a priority to assign DHS officers and intelligence analysts. including from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). to participating state and urban area fusion centers located in highrisk jurisdictions with mass transit systems to enhance the security of these systems. These officers would help local enforcement authorities identify and investigate any threats to homeland security. The DHS officers and analysts will also be responsible for creating mass transit intelligence products that will: (1) assist law enforcement agencies in deploying their resources most efficiently to help detect and interdict terrorists. weapons of mass destruction. and contraband at U.S. mass transit systems. (2) promote more consistent and timely dissemination of mass transit securityrelevant information among jurisdictions with such systems. and (3) enhance DHSs situational awareness with respect to the threat of terrorist acts at or involving U.S. mass transit systems. As a Ranking Member on the Subcommittee for Transportation. ensuring the safety and security of the nations public transportation system is one of my top priorities. Mass transit systems across the world have continually been a target for terrorist threats. namely the 2004 terrorist attack on a packed commuter train in Madrid. Spain that killed 191 people. There was also the suicide bombing attack in London that left 50 dead in 2005. While we have so far been fortunate to have not had any incidents of terrorism in our mass transit systems. we know of the threat planned by alQaeda to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 by attacking US mass transit systems. Thankfully. a Naval SEALS raid on Osama bin Ladens compound discovered and thwarted this plot. Rising gas prices have caused metro transportation systems to be used now more than ever. creating an additional urgency to keep citizens safe on the daily commute. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Americans made 10.4 billion trips on public transportation in 2011. This is the second highest annual ridership since 1957. Houstons Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County accounted for 5.2 percent of that gain and has seen six consecutive months of increased ridership. In Houston. we understand the importance of a secured public transportation system. Our metro transit system is closely partnered with the US Department of Homeland Security. It is equipped with surveillance capabilities and our officers are trained in counterterrorism measures as well as in the latest law enforcement techniques. In addition officers regularly check bus and rail lines and perform sweeps through the Transit Center as well as through the Park & Ride lots and bus stops. As the city grows and new metro employees are hired. it is my goal that the Houston public transportation system maintains its high level of security and a strong relationship with Homeland Security. I desire this same level of security for all of the public transportation systems in the US. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3140 "Mass Transit Intelligence Prioritization Act."