Bus Security Legislation Unanimously Approved By U.S. House

WASHINGTON, DC, November 17, 2002 - The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that will enhance over-the-road bus security throughout the nation.

H.R. 3429, "The Max Cleland Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act," as passed, reflects an agreement between the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, which reported a companion bill, S. 1739, sponsored by Senator Max Cleland (D-GA). The legislation was originally introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Transportation Committee.

"This Bill Will Significantly Improve Domestic Intercity Bus Security, To The Benefit Of More Than 774 Million Passengers A Year" – Chairman Young

H.R. 3429 – The Max Cleland Over-The-Road Bus Security & Safety Act

H.R. 3429 authorizes $99 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2003 to fund a bus security grant program to be established by the Department of Transportation through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the regulatory agency responsible for over-the-road bus safety.

In addition, $15 million was appropriated in the FY 2002 emergency supplemental for bus security enhancements and an additional $15 million is pending for FY 2003. H.R. 3429 will provide timely Congressional guidance to the Secretary as to how these funds will be spent.

In addition, H.R. 3429 requires an assessment of over-the-road bus security issues to be delivered to the Congress in six months. The Committee will use the report to further examine bus security needs during the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) reauthorization process.

The grants to private operators provided for in the bill may be used to improve security through various means, including:

Constructing or modifying garages, facilities or buses to assure security;

Protecting or isolating the bus driver;

Upgrading, purchasing, or installing ticketing systems;

Training employees in recognizing terrorist threats and evacuation procedures;

Establishing and implementing passenger screening procedures and baggage inspection;

Expanding the hiring of security officers;

Installing cameras and video surveillance equipment;

Creating employee identification and background check programs; and

Establishing emergency communications systems linked to police and emergency personnel.

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U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
U.S. Rep. Don Young, Chairman
Contact: Steve Hansen (Director of Communications) (202) 225-7749 Email: Steve.Hansen@mail.house.gov
Justin Harclerode (Deputy Director of Communications) (202) 226-8767 Email: Justin.Harclerod@mail.house.gov

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Bus Security Legislation Unanimously Approved By U.S. House