Posted on 07/16/2005 9:54:00 AM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
The nation's public transportation system is vulnerable to a terrorist attack and measures must be immediately taken to keep trains, subways and buses safe for million of Americans, Rep. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said Saturday.
"The subway and bus bombings in London once again caught the world's attention, but were unfortunately just another reminder that public transportation is a favorite target for terrorists," Menendez said in the Democratic Party's weekly radio address.
In the past four years, Menendez said, the federal government has spent about $9 per flying passenger, but only a penny per transit passenger. President Bush's "refusal to acknowledge this reality in his budget is putting the lives of Americans needlessly at risk," he contended.
Congress needs to pass legislation that would provide "billions of dollars" so transit agencies can hire more police officers, operate more K-9 patrols, install more security fencing and cameras, invest in new screening technologies and explosive sensors, he said.
The administration and the Republican-controlled Congress have opposed many of the Democrats' efforts on transit security by cutting spending, Menendez said.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Thursday that with limited resources, the federal government must set priorities to prevent attacks that would produce the highest number of casualties. He noted that mass transit systems are largely controlled by state and local authorities, which should provide the majority of security measures.
The remarks touched off criticism among Democrats and big-city transit officials when the Senate approved, 96-1, a $31.8 billion Homeland Security Department spending measure for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. As part of the bill, senators rejected a plan to spend $1.16 billion on mass transit security measures, favoring instead a competing $100 million proposal.
The bill now goes to a conference committee to resolve differences with the $150 million House version passed in May.
How about securing our borders first, Sen. Mendez?
Let's bring the TSA to trains and subways!
I mean "Menendez" and not Mendez. It's kind of a dumb name anyway.
I mean "Menendez" and not Mendez. It's kind of a dumb name anyway.
Opsee. I did it again. Sorry for the double post. My putter is slow and thought my nasty remark had not gone through.
What they want, is a Federal union employee on every train car and bus.
Mr Menendez is ignoring the fact that the federal funds spent on airline security are paid by a special tax on airline tickets. There is no such tax on train or bus tickets....yet.
That's how I feel about liberals and problems in general
FYI.In Sunday's NY Times..Metro section..there was a big article about the 55 year old Menendez having an affair with a 33 year old legislative aid of his..now a lobbyist..to whom he has directed hundreds of thousands of $$4 of Dem consulting contracts....It's a BIG hit piece on Bob...question is why?..who doesn't want him to be the next senator from NJ if Corzine wins this fall?..Worth a thread if you have the time..I refuse to link to or post from the Slimes..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.