After the Senate surprisingly turned back attempts to boost funds to upgrade security on U.S. subway and bus systems, transit advocates are regrouping to try again when House and Senate conferees meet on a final 2006 homeland security spending bill. But if transit backers do win a hike, it may be smaller than some proposals that the Senate rejected.
After the July 7 terrorist subway and bus bombings in London, transit proponents hoped Congress would increase security aid for U.S. systems. But three Senate floor amendments to add money for transit to a homeland security spending measure failed on July 14. The bill, which the Senate passed that day, 96-1, has $100 million for rail and transit grants, down $50 million from 2005.