Senate Commerce Committee Approves Rail Security Bill
On April 8, 2004, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation amended and approved the Rail Security Act of 2004 (S. 2273). On May 21, 2004, the Committee reported S. 2273 (Senate Report 108-278) and the bill was placed on the Senate legislative calendar.
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(Although the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has approved S. 2273, it is not yet in effect. Generally, in order for a bill to be implemented, identical versions of that bill must be passed by both the House and Senate and then the bill must be approved (enacted) by the President.)
According to a press release issued by Senator Hollings, S. 2273 incorporates the provisions of S. 2216, a bill introduced by Senator Hollings in the wake of the Madrid train bombings, along with a number of other measures that have been raised since the Committee held a hearing on rail security on March 23, 2004.
The purpose of S. 2273 is to improve rail security by requiring the completion of a vulnerability assessment and security plan for the rail system, and by authorizing funds to address immediate security needs.
As approved by the Committee, S. 2273 would (partial list):
Authorize a pilot program for passenger, baggage and cargo screening.
Provide $100 million for research and development initiatives including explosive detection, tamper resistant sealing of freight cars, enhanced communication, and improved emergency response techniques and technologies.
Provide up to $100 million to improve the security of hazardous materials transportation, including structural modification or replacement of rail cars transporting high hazard commodities.
Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment of railroad security risks, and submit the assessment along with prioritized recommendations to Congress within 180 days.
Senate Report 108-278 (dated 05/21/04) available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/T?&report=sr278&dhname=cp108&
S. 2273 as amended and reported available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c108:2:./temp/c1089gAzyq:e1435:
Senator Hollings' press release (dated 04/08/04) available athttp://hollings.senate.gov/hollings/press/2004408B36.html