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Bill107th CongressFiled Dec 20, 2001Transportation and Public Works
S. 1871

Safe Rails Act of 2002

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary reported to senate with amendment(s) (Aug 1, 2002)

Safe Rails Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to: (1) conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and security needs analysis of hazardous materials transportation in the railroad freight transportation industry; (2) assess the security risks associated with such transportation; and (3) develop prioritized recommendations for improving the security of rail tunnels, rail bridges, rail switching areas, and other areas posing significant rail-related risks to human health and public safety and the movement of interstate commerce, and for dealing with the immediate and long-term economic impact of measures that may be required to address those risks. Requires a report to specified congressional committees within 180 days after enactment of this Act.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Rail Security Fund account in the Treasury from which the Secretary of Transportation may make grants of up to $100 million annually to freight railroads, hazardous materials shippers, or owners of tank cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, for full or partial reimbursement of costs incurred on or after September 11, 2001, in the conduct of specified activities to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other security threats. Permits grants to railroads of more than $100 million annually if as a result of the security risk assessment the Secretary determines that critical rail transportation security needs require reimbursement to any eligible entity in such amounts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 and 2004.

What just happenedAug 1, 2002

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV](D-WV)Sponsor
Read on Congress.gov
1committees7actions36subjects
  1. Aug 1, 2002Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540.

  2. Aug 1, 2002Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Hollings with amendments. With written report No. 107-232.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  3. Aug 1, 2002Committee14000

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Hollings with amendments. With written report No. 107-232.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  4. Apr 18, 2002Committee

    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  5. Dec 20, 2001IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  6. Dec 20, 2001IntroReferralB00100

    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13960-13961)

  7. Dec 20, 2001IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)Aug 1, 200201
Safe Rails Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to: (1) conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and security needs analysis of hazardous materials transportation in the railroad freight transportation industry; (2) assess the security risks associated with such transportation; and (3) develop prioritized recommendations for improving the security of rail tunnels, rail bridges, rail switching areas, and other areas posing significant rail-related risks to human health and public safety and the movement of interstate commerce, and for dealing with the immediate and long-term economic impact of measures that may be required to address those risks. Requires a report to specified congressional committees within 180 days after enactment of this Act.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Rail Security Fund account in the Treasury from which the Secretary of Transportation may make grants of up to $100 million annually to freight railroads, hazardous materials shippers, or owners of tank cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, for full or partial reimbursement of costs incurred on or after September 11, 2001, in the conduct of specified activities to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other security threats. Permits grants to railroads of more than $100 million annually if as a result of the security risk assessment the Secretary determines that critical rail transportation security needs require reimbursement to any eligible entity in such amounts. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2003 and 2004.

Introduced in SenateDec 20, 200100
Safe Rails Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment and security needs analysis of hazardous materials transportation in the railroad freight transportation industry; (2) assess the security risks associated with such transportation; and (3) develop prioritized recommendations for improving the security of rail tunnels, rail bridges, rail switching areas, and other areas posing significant rail-related risks to human health and public safety and the movement of interstate commerce, and for dealing with the immediate and long-term economic impact of measures that may be required to address those risks.

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Rail Security Fund account in the Treasury from which the Secretary of the Transportation may make grants of up to $100 million annually to freight railroads, hazardous materials shippers, or owners of tank cars used in the transportation of hazardous materials, for full or partial reimbursement of costs incurred on or after September 11, 2001, in the conduct of specified activities to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism, sabotage, or other security threats.

Safe Rails Act of 2002 — Informed