FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán’s legislation to improve security at our nation’s railways and mass transit systems was passed by the House Committee on Homeland Security. The bill now heads to the floor of the House.
The Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act, H.R. 1870, would improve information sharing by putting more federal intelligence analysts and resources near high-risk surface transportation assets, including public transportation rail and bus systems. The bill would also provide new terrorism-focused training, and improve cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
“Transit systems are a lifeline to our communities, providing mobility to millions of Americans traveling every day. In my district, my constituents rely on L.A. Metro rail and bus systems to get to work, doctor appointments or to visit friends and family. I want them to be safe,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “In Los Angeles and throughout the country, transit systems are designed to be easily accessible for the passengers. That accessibility makes them difficult to protect and potential targets for terrorists – both domestic and foreign. This bill is critical for providing the necessary resources to keep our transit systems, and all who use them, safe and secure.”
Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson is an original co-sponsor of the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act.
“As our state and local law enforcement face a growing range of threats – from domestic terrorism and beyond — we need to ensure that high-risk surface transportation systems have the resources they need to protect their systems and passengers,” Chairman Thompson said. “I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this timely legislation that will provide state and local transit systems with the support they need to keep the public safe. I am pleased that this bill by forwarded by the Committee today with bipartisan support and look forward to seeing it pass the House soon.”
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.