June 22, 2009
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House, Senate Appropriations Committees Reduce Transit Security Funding
The House Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that significantly reduces funding for transit security grants. The bill provides $250 million for Rail and Transit Security Grant Programs: $150 million less than the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriated level, excluding the $150 million for the program included in the American Recovery and Reauthorization Act (ARRA), and well below the $900 million authorized by the 9/11 Commission Act.
The committee report cites ARRA funds and their late grant guidance as the rationale for the FY 2010 funding level. Most aspects of the committee report pertaining to public transportation security matters appear supportive and generally positive.
In the Senate, the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee bill provides $356 million for Rail and Transit Security Grants, also less than the FY 2009 appropriation but more than the House Committee level.
Both the House and Senate are scheduled to consider the Homeland Security spending bill on their respective floors next week, ahead of the Independence Day recess.
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