WASHINGTON, D.C. - Since Congress reconvened in January, two committees in the House and one in the Senate have passed measures designed to improve over-the-road bus security in the U.S.
However, the amount of money requested in each of the bills is pitifully small when compared to other security priorities and the money proposed for them.
For example, the House Appropriations Committee wants to give the Transportation Security Administration $50 million to beef up air cargo security but only $10 million to improve intercity bus security.
The committee also thinks $1.67 billion (yes, billion) should be spent for airline passenger screening, plus another $1.28 billion (yes, billion) for baggage screening.
Of course, $10 million is better than nothing.
Here's a quick rundown on what is being proposed - and by whom - in the way of intercity bus security legislation.
* Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003. Senate Bill 929. Introduced in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. $35 million for fiscal 2003 and $99 million for fiscal 2004. Adopted by the committee last month; awaiting full Senate action.
* Over-the-Road Bus Security and Safety Act of 2003. House Resolution 875. Introduced in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. $99 million for fiscal 2003 and 2004. Adopted by the committee in late February; awaiting full House action.
* Fiscal 2004 appropriation for Transportation Security Administration, the principal agency of the Department of Homeland Security. $10 million for intercity bus security. Approved by House Appropriations Committee last month.
"The motorcoach industry carries 774 million passengers each year - more than the airlines or Amtrak combined. Having the support of the members of the House Appropriations Committee shows the commitment and dedication by Congress to better secure this industry. We applaud those in Congress for their leadership and are encouraged by their direction," said Peter J. Pantuso, President and CEO of the American Bus Association.
ABA is leading the motorcoach industry lobbying effort to work with Congress on bus security authorizing legislation.