WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) accepted recognition as one of their 2005 Legislators of the Year from the American Bus Association.  U.S. Senator Kit Bond from Missouri was recognized by the organization as well.  The two worked to establish and fund a federal grant program for bus security administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 

“I’m very proud to receive this recognition from the American Bus Association.  In rural
America, bus transportation is extremely important to travel and commerce between our
communities. Member companies of the ABA serve rural communities well, often providing the vital link between senior citizens and the health care, pharmacies, and other services they depend upon if they can no longer drive.

 

"In addition, bus transportation is the focus of many of my efforts on homeland security.  I’m working hard in Congress to fund bus security programs to ensure that bus travel is safe for those who utilize it.  As a strong supporter of a federal grant program to create security enhancement on board over-the-road buses, I feel we should devote appropriate federal funding to communications systems and driver protections with the safety of passengers in mind,” Emerson said.