Frank Lautenberg: “Over five years since 9/11, much of our Nation's transportation systems remain vulnerable to terror attack. There are…”

“Over five years since 9/11, much of our Nation's transportation systems remain vulnerable to terror attack. There are many reasons for the lack of action by the Federal Government, but we can no longer simply look the other way. Last year, the Congress had an opportunity to make significant strides to improve the security of our freight and passenger rail systems, highways, public transit systems, trucking and intercity bus operations, and pipeline systems. The Senate passed my amendments and amendments by other Senators to the SAFE Ports Act to address the security of these important modes of transportation. In fact, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to instruct its conferees to include these provisions in the final conference report of the SAFE Ports Act. Unfortunately, House Republican leaders stripped them out of the final version of the bill behind closed doors, instead enacting a ban on internet gambling. The actions by the House Republican leaders further delayed real progress in securing our homeland from terror. I believe the Federal Government must take a leadership role in securing our country from terrorism.”