Cord Byrd: “I thank the Chair. We must harden infrastructure, install intrusion and detection systems, and procure cameras, locks…”

“I thank the Chair. We must harden infrastructure, install intrusion and detection systems, and procure cameras, locks, gates, canine teams, and other tools. The Gregg amendment provides an increase of only $100 million for rail and transit security. That level simply will not be enough. It will help some, but it would not be enough to help transit and rail agencies in their efforts to deter a potential attack. For transit alone the estimate of need is $6 billion. I am also concerned that the amendment reduces first responder funds by $100 million. This is a $100 million cut on top of the $467 million cut already in the bill. We should not be cutting funds to equip and train our police and our fire and emergency medical personnel by 24 percent. With regard to the Shelby amendment, I am concerned that it includes only $100 million for securing rail systems. With 25 million passengers riding Amtrak and 1.7 million carloads of hazardous materials being carried on the rails, we must do more. We must do more to secure our rail system. My amendment includes $265 million for rail security. Our thoughts, our prayers are with the victims of the London bombing. The horrific events the world witnessed a few days ago ought to serve as a call to action, a call to action by this Government, our Government, to protect our citizens from future attacks. It is time to act. I urge all Senators to support my amendment. I yield the floor. Mr.…”