www.castle.house.gov

Castle
Contact:


Castle Praises Initiative for Increased Security on Freight Rail, Calls for Passage of His Comprehensive Rail Security Legislation

Washington, Dec 15 -

Delaware Congressman Mike Castle today praised the new rule proposed
by the Homeland Security Department to require railroads to frequently
track tanker cars for "toxic inhalation hazards" and restrict them from
leaving cars unattended or parked for long periods.

"For far too long rail security has not been a priority in this
country. In Delaware we have a situation where toxic chemicals are
being shipped through heavily populated areas, and while CSX and other
transporters have done their best to ensure the security of these
shipments, it is imperative that we do more. Time and again terrorists
have attacked rail lines around the world and it is up to the federal
government to take the lead in making certain that hazardous rail cargo
is secure. Rail security has been my top security concern and I welcome
today's news that the Department of Homeland Security will begin
requiring freight railroads and chemical makers to cooperate with the
government in formulating rail security strategies.

"It is also crucial that the new Congress act immediately to pass my
comprehensive rail security legislation, which includes increased
funding for security technology and police officers on both freight and
passenger rail lines."

*A summary of Congressman Castle's Rail Security bill is copied below.

Rail Security and Public Awareness Act Congressman Michael N. Castle

• Authorizes $100 million in grants for mandatory rail worker
security-training programs to prepare front-line employees for
potential threat conditions. Rail employees interact with riders and
are aptly placed to identify suspicious passengers and items. This
legislation would teach employees to recognize threatening conditions
and to respond to events once they occur.

• Authorizes $400 million in grants for more police and security
officers, canine units, communications systems, and surveillance
technology. Providing more funding for security personnel and
technology and increasing their visibility can make our railways safer
for travelers and deter those who would do us harm.

• Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop
strategy for increasing and promoting public awareness campaigns to
encourage riders to alert train staff if they observe suspicious
behavior. "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign, and "Is That
Your Bag?" announcements should be replicated and expanded on national
level.

• Requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to come up
with a timeline for developing a comprehensive national rail security
policy that is enforceable and capable of accurately assessing a rail
system's vulnerabilities. TSA has missed deadlines and skirted their
responsibility for protecting passenger rail. TSA needs to work with
other federal agencies and industry stakeholders in coordinating a
clear strategy for identifying risks and securing our railways.

• Requires DHS to study the cost and feasibility of implementing
several rail security practices that have proven effective for foreign
rail operators such as covert testing of security personnel,
information clearinghouses, the integration of security into
infrastructure design, and random passenger and baggage screenings.