Congressman Lynch believes that ensuring the safety and security of every American citizen is the most fundamental responsibility of our government. Regrettably, the terrorist attacks of September 11th and the failed federal response to Hurricane Katrina underscored that we must enhance our government's ability to prevent and take action against terrorist threats as well as respond to natural disasters. As a member of the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform's Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Congressman Lynch continues to lead congressional efforts to improve America's homeland security readiness.
First Responders
The events of September 11th again demonstrated that our brave law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service personnel are always on the front lines in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency. As noted by the 9/11 Commission, we also learned that our first responders called to duty on this day lacked sufficient protective gear and interoperable radio communication equipment, among other necessary resources. Accordingly, Congressman Lynch remains committed to ensuring that our first responders are sufficiently funded and trained, as well as equipped with the resources they need to safeguard our communities.
In 2006, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a critical amendment offered by Congressman Lynch during consideration of the FY2007 Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill. The Lynch Amendment provided an additional $12 million for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program, through which state and local law enforcement agencies obtain life-saving bulletproof vests for their officers. In addition, in cooperation with local first responder agencies and community groups throughout the 9th Congressional District, Congressman Lynch has succeeded in securing additional federal funding for our first responders, including 32 Federal Fire Grants for the Ninth District's Fire Departments in 2006 - a total of more than $3.3 million in federal assistance.
Rail & Port Security
As noted by the 9/11 Commission in its Final Report, while our commercial airlines remain a potential terrorist target, "opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime or surface transportation." Accordingly, Congressman Lynch continues to focus on safeguarding our rail and mass transit systems, as well as our seaports, against a potential terrorist attack.
Specifically, Congressman Lynch has introduced several key pieces of legislation designed to improve America's rail security. In the 110th Congress, he reintroduced The Rail Transit Safety and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 534), legislation to provide approximately $5 billion to enhance rail security nationwide. Congressman Lynch has also reintroduced The Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2007 (H.R. 535), a bill to ensure that America's rail workers receive basic and essential emergency and terrorism prevention and response training.
Additionally, the House of Representatives has passed two critical amendments offered by Congressman Lynch in the area of rail security. On May 25, 2006, the House passed the Lynch Amendment to the FY2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, providing an additional $50 million in rail and transit security funding. On March 28, 2007, the House also passed an amendment authored by Congressman Lynch requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a thorough review of the progress that rail and transit transportation providers make in providing basic security training to their front-line workers.
In the area of port security, Congressman Lynch, the Member of Congress representing the Port of Boston, recently requested that the Department of Homeland Security reevaluate its low security and risk rating for the Port. The Port of Boston handles almost 16 million tons of cargo annually and massive deliveries of volatile and dangerous liquefied natural gas (LNG) each year. Following an October 2006 letter sent by Congressman Lynch and Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the Department elevated its ranking for the Port of Boston from a "Tier 4" to a "Tier 2" seaport, making the Port eligible for additional port security grant funds in 2007.
Disaster Preparedness
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Congressman Lynch took part in the first Congressional Delegation to visit the Gulf Coast and examine the economic, structural, and environmental damage caused by one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history. In addition, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Congressman Lynch continues to participate in the Committee's ongoing investigation to examine the failed federal response to Hurricane Katrina and determine necessary improvements to our disaster response capabilities.