* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Clarke
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
Request For Action - Federal Legislation - Transport of Firearms on Amtrak
FOR the purpose of respectfully urging the Honorable Baltimore City Members of the 111th U.S. Congress to reject the Senate Amendment to the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that will permit Amtrak passengers to transport firearms in checked luggage.
body
Recitals
On September 16, 2009, the U.S. Senate adopted an amendment to the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would permit Amtrak passengers to legally transport weapons in checked baggage. The House version, passed in July, does not include this provision.
The policy that permitted the transport of firearms was changed following the terrorists' attacks of September 11. Amtrak officials oppose the Senate mandate that would reverse the change in policy because the company currently has no uniform system of screening firearms. If the Senate amendment stands and Amtrak does not institute a new system to track firearms so that passengers can transport weapons, the company will lose its federal subsidies.
In addition to the cost-prohibitive aspects of the mandate, there are safety concerns far beyond the security of the cars. Currently the railroad has no secure loading areas, and trains make multiple stops, providing ample opportunity for persons of ill-intent to threaten the safety and welfare of passengers and the integrity of the entire transportation system.
As noted in a statement from our Mayor urging the U.S. House of Representatives to reject the amendment, the City of Baltimore is a major stop along Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor line. Any loosening of laws that prohibit the transport of firearms could lead to an increase in illegal gun traffic and threatens our homeland security.
The Baltimore City Council calls upon our federal delegation to protect the safety of millions of citizens both on and off the rails by petitioning the members of the conference committee to reject the Senate amendment when the Senate and House versions of this legislation are reconciled.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body respectfully urges the Honorable Baltimore City Members of the 111th U.S. Congress to reject the Senate Amendment to the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that will permit Amtrak passengers to transport firearms in checked luggage.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Baltimore City Members of the 111th U.S. Congress, the President of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
dlr 09-0886~intro/30Sep09
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dlr 09-0886~intro/30Sep09
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