NEWSROOM

Washington, D.C.- The Senate Commerce Committee today passed four key provisions by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) that will help improve Amtrak rail security in California and across the country.

Boxer's first provision ensures that funding for Amtrak security will be available for California and other states outside the Northeast Corridor. Boxer said, "Most people don't realize that California has the second highest number of Amtrak riders in the nation. That is why we added language to ensure that passenger volume is used as a primary factor in determining these grants."

Boxer's second provisions ensures that state and local entities who own rail stations and tracks used by Amtrak would be eligible for the security grants as well. Amtrak does not own the majority of the tracks or stations it uses outside of the Northeast corridor. Boxer said, "Amtrak trains run on tracks and stop in stations across this country that our leased by Amtrak and they are badly in need of resources to make our rail system more secure. This provision is essential for California."

Boxer's third provision ensures that Amtrak Security grant funds can be used to purchase interoperable communications equipment, as well as hire additional police officers and canine units to patrol our rail stations and trains. Boxer said, "The terrible bombings in Madrid remind us that we need to remain vigilant against terrorism on all fronts. We need to have a strong law enforcement presence to protect our rail passengers."

Finally, Boxer's request for a "Grade Crossing Security Study" was included in the bill. This provision directs the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with state and local government officials, to study the extent to which roads and highways are made inaccessible to emergency responders because of rail crossings.

This provision had previously passed both the Committee and the full Senate before.