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Bill to protect transit from terrorists passes House of Representatives

June 6, 2013

An amendment that guarantees funding to protect mass transit systems like BART from terrorist attacks passed the House of Representatives Wednesday.

The amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Funding Bill, introduced by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Pleasanton), ensures that $97.5 million of the department's budget will be allocated to mass transit security programs.

"BART's broad security needs remain in the range of $200 million, so assuring a greater amount for transit security funding can assist in our efforts to be vigilant," BART Police Chief Kenton W. Rainey said.

If the bill passes into law, the funds will be available through the Department of Homeland Security's Transit Security Grant Program. The amendment passed the House of Representatives by voice vote.