9/11 Commission Bill Passes Senate

9/11 Commission Bill Passes Senate

Three Key Security Provisions Developed by Commerce Committee

The Senate today fulfilled its promise to the American people by passing legislation set to enact the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The legislation includes three bills authored and unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, relating to surface and rail transportation security, aviation security, and interoperable emergency communications.

"The provisions included in the Commerce Committee title reflect the Committee's relentless efforts to tackle emerging security and safety issues, not only in the transportation sector but also in emergency communications," said Chairman Daniel K. Inouye. "Providing vital communications equipment for our first responders that is interoperable in emergencies and establishing a strategic reserve to restore communications in the immediate aftermath of a disaster are essential to protecting the physical and economic welfare of the American people."

"Since September 11, we have made many improvements to our nation's transportation security infrastructure and ensured communications interoperability. With the passage of S. 4, we are taking another step forward," said Vice Chairman Ted Stevens. "I am aware of the criticisms surrounding this bill, and will work to improve it in conference. Our job is far from over. We must not become complacent - as our enemies adapt, so must we."

The Surface Transportation and Rail Security (STARS) Act of 2007, S. 184, is included in Title XIII of the 9/11 Bill. It authorizes new surface transportation and rail security assessments, grant programs, research and development initiatives, and security measures for the nation's major surface transportation modes. The provision proposes new programs to address known risks and authorizes ongoing efforts already underway at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It also provides a statutory framework for the TSA's surface transportation and rail security efforts, for the first time, setting specific goals, tasks, and timelines for security improvements in these critical areas.

The Aviation Security Improvement Act, S. 509, also is included in that title with two amendments. This provision addresses the aviation security recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission in the areas of cargo and baggage screening, explosive detection at airport checkpoints, passenger pre-screening and general aviation security. One amendment increases the size of the national explosives detection and canine teams and the other requires the TSA to report on progress in developing a passenger pre-screening program.

The Commerce Committee title of the 9/11 Bill also includes the Interoperable Emergency Communications Act, S. 385. This provision gives the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) greater direction regarding how to use the $1 billion interoperability fund created by the Commerce Committee in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=248772&Month=3&Year=2007