 The Transportation Security Administration already shares intelligence it collects with airports. Now a House bill would expand TSA's intel sharing to local mass transit systems as well. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), the bill's sponsor, said the legislation is a "common sense approach" to fighting terrorism. The House passed the bill May 30 and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is now considering the bill.
| I'm comfortably certain they wouldn't make the Chicago Transit Authority any worse; but every time I think the CTA can't get worse the CTA proves me wrong... |
In an interview with The Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Emily Kopp, Speier said the bill creates "fusion centers," where TSA can provide intel to local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
| I'm waiting for the screeners and the X-ray machines on every L platform... |
"We have put in place through TSA a very elaborate system [in airports]. We all go through those metal detectors and those secondary searches. And we've put a lot of focus on the airlines for good reason. But we have neglected the mass transit components, generally speaking," she said.
| For which America thanks you. Now go back to sleep... |
Speier said 2 million people fly each day, compared with more than 5 million who ride the subway each day in New York City alone.
| And about 100 million car rides in NYC each day. Are they going to screen each car? Wait, let me pull that back... |
She pointed out that the most recent terrorist attacks have been on mass transit. Also, when U.S. Special Forces raided Osama Bin Laden's compound last year, intelligence gathered revealed the next attack was intended for mass transit.
"The writing is on the wall. We need to be better prepared than we are right now," Speier said.
Transit riders probably won't see more TSA agents in subways or bus stops, though, Speier said. The expanded TSA role falls more on analysts, she said.
| Unless they can get away with putting the TSA into the subways and busses... |
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