Rep. Salazar Applauds TTCI Recognition In Transportation Security Bill

Bill Passed In House, Moves To Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed a rail security bill that includes the addition of the Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) as the sixth member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), which is an exclusive group of test centers and universities that provides anti-terror training.

U.S. Reps. John Salazar (CO-3) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) have worked together to ensure that TTCI, located east of Pueblo, is nationally recognized as a premier railroad testing complex and becomes the newest member of the national consortium.

The Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 passed by a vote of 299 to 124.  Rep. Salazar voted in support of the bill, his prepared remarks are below.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of HR 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007, and urge swift passage of the measure.

“Horrific terrorist events around the world have forced us to focus on rail security.

“This bill is an important and necessary step in protecting our nation’s rail and surface transportation.

“My district is home to the world-renowned Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado.

“TTCI’s Emergency Response Training Center conducts hands-on hazmat training for first responders and is known in the field as the premier graduate school for surface transportation hazmat training.

“My good friend and fellow Coloradan, Mr. Perlmutter, highlighted in committee the critical role that TTCI plays in advancing rail security, research and development, and hazmat training.

“By making TTCI the sixth member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, it will add a critical component to the consortium that is now missing.

“TTCI is the only facility in the nation that has the experience and assets necessary to test new emergency response and recovery techniques.

“Adding TTCI to the NDPC helps fulfill the goal of HR 1401—making our rail lines safer from homeland security threats—by enabling the facility to accelerate its already outstanding work in the field of rail security.

“I urge my colleagues to support investment in rail and public transportation security and passage of this much needed bill.

“Thank you and I yield back the remainder of my time.”