To express the sense of the Senate regarding rail tunnel security research.

1. Adds SEC. 519. RAIL TUNNEL SECURITY RESEARCH on page 100, between lines 11 and 12

   Adds a sectionPrinted page

   Inserted: SEC. 519. RAIL TUNNEL SECURITY RESEARCH.

   Inserted: (a) Findings.--The Senate finds that--

   Inserted: (1) railroad tunnels, and underground stations have been identified as particularly high risk terrorist targets because of the potential for large passenger volumes, confined spaces, relatively unrestricted access, and the potential for network disruptions and significant economic, political and social impact;

   Inserted: (2) many rail tunnels have safety problems including structural deficiencies, ventilation problems, lack of communications equipment and insufficient emergency access and exits;

   Inserted: (3) there are more than 898 miles of rail tunnels in transit systems across the country;

   Inserted: (4)(A) security experts have identified a number of technology and training needs to prevent attacks on tunnels and to mitigate and remediate the impact of such attacks;

   Inserted: (B) technological needs include detection systems, dispersal control, and decontamination techniques; and

   Inserted: (C) training for emergency response to a variety of scenarios is also needed; and

   Inserted: (5) the Department of Transportations Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado--

   Inserted: (A) is one of the Nation's largest and most advanced rail safety research centers in the Nation; and

   Inserted: (B) offers full-scale testing, dynamic modeling, performance monitoring, technical analyses, feasibility and economic studies as well as training classes to prepare first responders and test new safety technologies.

   Inserted: (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that--

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   Inserted: (1) the Department of Homeland Security is urged to invest in research to promote tunnel rail safety as well as training to ensure first responders are prepared to respond to rail tunnel emergencies; and

   Inserted: (2) employing existing Federal facilities in this effort can result in efficiencies and permit this important research to proceed at decreased cost to the taxpayer and with minimal interference with ongoing passenger and freight rail traffic.

   Original wording

   On page 100, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:

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As printed