Ruppersberger and Maryland First Responders to Announce New Federal Anti-Terrorism Legislation To Protect People Who Travel on Mass Transportation

Baltimore, MD - In the wake of the deadly train attacks last week in Madrid, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) will be joined by Maryland first responders to announce new federal legislation to protect people who travel on mass transportation.

Under this bill, an attack on our nation's trains, buses, ferries, or other forms of mass transportation will be considered an act of terrorism. Anyone who attempts, threatens, or conspires to attack our nation's public transportation network will face the full force of the federal government and its resources. Working together with local and state officials, this legislation provides law enforcement the tools to combat and prevent attacks on our mass transportation systems.

"Americans take almost ten billion trips each year on our trains, buses, ferries, and other modes of mass transportation. They deserve to feel safe. Government needs to do everything it can to make it clear that acts of terrorism will not be tolerated. Not here at home. Not anywhere," said Congressman C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

The measure is sponsored by Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT).

WHO:	Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) Dennis Schrader, Director, Maryland's Office of Homeland Security Maryland State Police Officers Maryland Transit Police Officers
WHAT:	Announcement of New Anti-Terrorism Legislation that Will Protect People Who Travel on Mass Transportation
WHEN:	1:30PM, Friday, March 19, 2004
WHERE:	The MARC/Amtrak Station At BWI Airport MD Route 170 and Amtrak Way

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