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… created for Amtrak trains after evidence was found in the former Bin Laden compound that attacks were being planned against the train system.
Schumer will also be pushing for more funding for the nations rail security, increased monitoring of stations around the United States, and added funding for more inspections of of passenger and commuters train tracks.
I guess that with the 2012 elections coming just around the corner that it is time to play the “ fear card “ once again.
"Circumstances demand we make adjustments by increasing funding to enhance rail safety and monitoring on commuter rail transit and screening who gets on Amtrak passenger trains, so that we can provide a greater level of security to the public," the New York Democrat said at a news conference.
That is not all of it, folks.
He called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expand the Secure Flight monitoring program, which cross-checks air travelers with the terror watch list in an attempt to prevent anyone on the "no-fly list" from boarding, for use on Amtrak.
This action was recommended back in 2004 by the September 11 Commission but was not adopted. Want to place bets on how fast it implemented this time around? Though it may be a great idea in theory, the headaches that this will cause are not worth it. Just ask anyone who has made it onto the “ no-fly “ list who shouldn’t be on it in the first place.
Schumer noted that rail and port security grant funding was cut by $50 million under last month's federal budget compromise, but he said developments warrant reconsideration and increased rail safety funding.
It was a stupid thing to compromise away that security funding in the first, when it should have been increased regardless of threats to the system.
