Congressman Al Green Secures National Transportation Security Center of Excellence For Texas Southern University

(Washington, DC)--Congressman Al Green (TX-09), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, last week, participated in the joint House-Senate conference to reconcile the 9/11 commission bill.  As a participant in this conference, Congressman Al Green was able to play an integral role in securing a National Transportation Security Center (NTSCE) for Texas Southern University, as part of the 9/11 commission bill.  The Homeland Security Centers of Excellence (HS-Centers) bring together leading experts and researchers to conduct multidisciplinary research and education for homeland security solutions, and are authorized by Congress. Each center is led by a university in collaboration with partners from other institutions, agencies, laboratories, think tanks, and the private sector.  Texas Southern University’s National Transportation Security Center of Excellence will conduct research and education activities, and develop or provide professional security training, including the training of transportation employees and transportation professionals. 

“Houston has one of the largest transportation infrastructures in the country. The establishment of this NTSCE will help to ensure that our city’s transportation infrastructure is also the safest in terms of security. I am honored to have been awarded this opportunity to allow TSU to administer this center which will bring together leading experts and researchers with the goal of developing transportation security solutions,” Congressman Al Green said.  “This NTSCE will allow TSU to harness expertise and knowledge, create jobs, and serve as beacon for the development of transportation security solutions. I could not be more proud to have played an instrumental role, under the leadership of the Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, to bring this NTSCE to a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).  This NTSCE will serve to enhance transportation security for the Houston Metropolitan Area, the State of Texas, and across this great nation.”

Congressman Al Green will host a press conference to commemorate and provide greater details on the awarding of this National Transportation Security Center for Texas Southern University tomorrow, Saturday July 28, 2007.