Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I support funding AMTRAK fully and ensuring that Americans are safe on our nation's railways and mass transit systems. 11.3 million passengers use rail and mass transit in the United States everyday.

Despite this, rail and mass transit security have been neglected over aviation security. For example, since the September 11, 2001, we have spent $7 on security for every airline passenger, and only one cent on security for every mass transit or rail passenger.

What I have supported

Requiring the Homeland Security Department (DHS) to develop and implement a required plan for rail, bus and public transit systems, called the "National Strategy for Rail and Public Transportation Security".

Requiring the DHS to issue regulations that would require rail, transit and bus providers that have been deemed "high-risk" or "medium-risk" to complete vulnerability assessments and implement security plans.

Creating three new grant programs: a rail security grant program, a public transportation security grant program, and a bus security grant program.

Requiring rail and public transportation systems to train their employees on how to prepare for, prevent, and respond to a terrorist attack.

Requiring DHS to issue regulations to require enhanced security measures for shipments containing security sensitive materials.

Additionally, I am most pleased that I was able to help secure $5 million per year over the next four years, to fund urgent safety/security upgrades in the tunnels around Baltimore, including the Baltimore & Potomac and the Union Tunnels.

Maritime Transportation

As I represent the Port of Baltimore and am the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I commend the tireless work of the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, who ensure the safety and security of our nation's ports, who protect our economic interests in the maritime environment around the world, and who save the lives of thousands of mariners in distress.

I also appreciate the critical role that our Merchant Marines continue to play in responding to national emergencies. Most recently, U.S. Merchant Mariners helped evacuate an estimated 160,000 people from Manhattan on September 11, 2001, and provided aid and emergency assistance for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita along the Gulf Coast.

There are 361 ports throughout the United States, of which, according to the American Association of Port Authorities, approximately 150 are publicly owned. These ports - and our nation's inland and coastal waterways - support nearly 5 million jobs and handle some 2 billion tons of cargo.

In my capacity, I will continue to support the development of a comprehensive maritime policy that will protect the integrity of the Jones Act, which requires that all vessels being used to transport cargo and passengers between ports in the United States are owned by US citizens, built at US shipyards and manned by crews that are US Citizens. I also support the Maritime Security Program, and promote the growth of the U.S.-flagged fleet competing in foreign trade.

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