GovernmentExecutive.com

The Homeland Security Department continues to devote a disproportionate level of resources to air security, leaving domestic rail and mass transit vulnerable, according to a report issued Tuesday by a House panel.

The report, prepared by the House Homeland Security Committee, found that for every air travel passenger, the Transportation Security Administration spends $9 for security, compared with one cent per rail passenger. Next week, the committee will introduce legislation based on the report's findings.

"Here we are almost a year after terrorists attacked London's transit system and, despite the many promises from the Department of Homeland Security, Americans are still not secure in their morning commute," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., ranking member of the committee. "How much longer will Secretary Michael Chertoff ignore the casualties of Madrid, London and other transit bombings before he understands the seriousness of the threat?"

The report also criticized DHS and TSA for failure to cooperate thoroughly enough on rail and mass transit protections with state and local governments. It recommended eight improvements, including mandatory training for rank and file employees, further development of regulations, completion of a national security plan and establishment of a better definition of what is expected of local and state authorities. It also called for more funding.

At a hearing last week on the administration's terrorist watch lists, Bill Gaches, TSA's assistant administrator for intelligence, told a Homeland Security subcommittee that rail security is a "concern" for officials. When pressed further, Gaches deflected lawmakers' questions, saying he would need to answer them in a private session because of classified data involved.

Meanwhile, one TSA air security initiative reported a setback Tuesday. The agency announced a delay in implementation of the Registered Traveler program to expedite screening for frequent fliers.

"We anticipate implementation later this year," said TSA spokeswoman Amy Kudwa. She said 10 to 20 pilot programs are going to be tested at airports around the country; sites are still being selected.

COMMENTS

• Taxpayer, I usually agree with your comments, but must respectfully disagree on this one! I spent several years at a major East Coast airport, and feel that the TSA is doing a better job than the "square badges" ever did. Are they perfect, no, but still better than the cheap labor procured by the airlines at minimal wages. But there are virtually no TSA folks monitoring the trains, ships, and other forms of intrastate travel today. Also, don't forget that the original Sept. 11 terrorists were in America before hijacking those planes. If you want to take an increased risk yourself, fine, but most of us feel that our government should at least try to protect us. Tough statements and a cynical attitude toward any security measures do not compensate any American for the loss of a family member when perhaps something could have been done! GovExec.com reader Posted June 22, 2006 4:31 PM
• "Here we are almost a year after terrorists attacked London's transit system and, despite the many promises from the Department of Homeland Security, Americans are still not secure in their morning commute," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., ranking member of the committee. " Hey Bennie - here is one commuter that is secure in his daily transit. I may get blown up but I would rather take that chance than divert the funding used to stop terrorists from entering the country on airplanes. There aren't any subways under the Atlantic or Pacific as far as I know. I also believe there are none between the United States and Canada or Mexico either. You congressional types need to stop wasting our money on ridiculous propositions simply to get re-elected. There always is a risk in freedom and most commuters are willing to take that risk. If you need added security to subway systems then increase subway fares to pay for it. Why should someone in Iowa pay for security in the New York subway, the Chicago subway, the San Francisco area or Washington, D.C.? Same thing applies to trains between Washington, D.C., and New York, and New York and Boston and those commuter trains around Chicago and other cities. Regardless of how much you spend anyone can blow up a train anytime they want -- there is no practical way to stop them so do not waste my money. Congress likes to make this a give me your money or your life argument, but it really is a question of freedom and its cost! I hate the police state we already are subject to since Sept. 11 and do not want to see more security to protect a life that is becoming less and less advantageous compared with other countries. Taxpayer Posted June 21, 2006 7:30 AM