WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to protect the millions of Americans who rely on trains, buses, and subways each day, the U.S. Senate last night passed an amendment co-authored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to help provide $3.5 billion in federal funding over the next three years to help safeguard Americas bus, rail, subway, and other transit systems.Transportation systems are among the most frequently attacked terrorist targets worldwide.  It is essential that we do everything we can to strengthen our infrastructure and protect the millions of Americans who use our transit systems every day, said Reed. This amendment offers much needed funding to improve our transit security across the nation.Transportation agencies around the country have identified over $6 billion in unmet transit security needs.  The amendment authorizes funding for projects designed to prevent terrorist attacks and creates a needs-based grant program within the Department of Homeland Security to identify and address vulnerabilities within transit systems across the country.  Specifically, it provides funding through three grant sources:" Capital Grant Program for security infrastructure such as fencing, communications and tracking equipment, as well as for detection systems for chemical, biological, radiological and explosive agents;" Operation Grant Fund for surveillance, workforce training, public awareness campaigns, canine patrols and costs associated with events of national or international importance." Research Grant Fund for the study of chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive detection technologies, imaging technologies, and others which may have the potential to be effective in deterring terrorist threats.Now that the Senate has gone on record in support of authorizing this money, it must be appropriated by Congress and set aside specifically for transit security.The federal government has a responsibility to protect our citizens.  But the President and the Republican majority have consistently shortchanged our transit security needs, said Reed.  Passing this measure is a good first step, but it is essential that my colleagues step up and fully fund this transit security.During debate on the bill earlier this year, Reed cosponsored an amendment to increase funding for transit security by $300 million.  The amendment was defeated on a 50 to 50 vote.  Vice President Cheney, who serves as the President of the Senate and casts the deciding vote when there is a tie, opposed the increase for transit security and defeated the measure.