New Yorkers woke up to another terrorist scare on Monday, and one New Jersey congresswoman is hoping her legislation can help prevent future attacks.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t put enough focus on mass transit systems the same day an attempted pipe-bomb explosion led to injuries in a walkway at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the second terror-related incident in New York in less than two months.
“We don’t think that TSA has either put enough emphasis on those issues nor have they applied enough resources,” Watson Coleman said told The Hill.
{mosads}If passed, her bill would add $400 million in transportation security grants. The increased funding would help boost the presence of security personnel and canine units, provide more training for transportation employees and promote information sharing practices.
Watson Coleman’s legislation, which was endorsed by the Public Transportation Port Authority shortly after it was introduced, has gained eight Democratic co-sponsors, and she expects GOP lawmakers to sign on as well.
“I have spoken to some Republicans,” she said. “I’m sure they’re going to be there on some of the issues, if not all.”
Watch the video above to hear the lawmaker in her own words.