"I was briefed this morning by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff who informed me that DHS was raising the alert level to orange for the public transit transportation sector, including intercity mass transit systems and Amtrak. Under an Orange Alert, more federal homeland security dollars can be devoted by urban areas to pay for increased security on public transportation systems, such as overtime costs associated with providing increased security at critical infrastructure sites, including mass transit.
"These attacks remind us how high the stakes are in the global war against terrorism. We must remain vigilant and continue working with our international partners to stop those who target innocent civilians and commit mass murder.
"We will support the people of the United Kingdom as they stood by us when our country was attacked on September 11th. We must maintain a unified front against those who intend to harm the countries and people who support freedom and democracy. My hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families."
Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
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