According to media reports and statements by leading congressional officials, it is expected that the Bush Administration will propose the elimination of all federal funding for public transit security in the next federal budget proposal for FY 2009.  

"If this is true, this is an outrage," said APTA President, William W. Millar in a statement. "Transit security is a national security issue and national security is the responsibility of the federal government."  

Millar continued by urging the Bush administration to not only include federal funding for public transit security, but to increase the amount for FY 2009. "Eliminating public transit security federal funding would have a devastating impact on the nation’s public transportation systems’ ability to secure their systems, and directly undercut Congress’ efforts to provide resources for this purpose," concluded Millar.  

Millar sent a letter to OMB Director James Nussle last week conveying his 'serious concern' about this matter and requested a meeting with him about the crucial need for federal security funding for transportation systems.