WASHINGTON, DC – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today informed Congress that an already-delayed report on transportation security will not be released for several months.  Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, expressed her outrage at this delay and called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to complete and release the study as soon as possible.

“It is incredible that one week after the terrorist bombings of the London transit systems, we are now being told that DHS won’t finish its review of transit security for months yet.  This should have been done long ago and must be completed now,” said Lowey.

Last fall, Congress passed the 9/11 Commission Recommendation Implementation Act which included a provision requiring DHS to undergo a review of transit security needs.  Congress further stipulated that the report be completed by April 1, 2005. 

Today, in responding to questions from Lowey and other Members of the House Homeland Security Committee, Secretary Chertoff acknowledged that the report was not completed and that it would not be completed for several months.  Lowey informed Chertoff that continued delay was simply unacceptable and insisted that DHS make transit security a higher priority.

“It is not even fair to say that the London attacks were a wake-up call – the Madrid bombings illustrated the vulnerability of transit systems, yet DHS seems to be hitting the snooze button,” said Lowey.  “We can and should do better, and I’ll continue to work to make sure this report is completed and implemented quickly.”