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Good news for U.S. transit agencies: The House and Senate either have passed or are considering long-term transit security funding bills.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved Improving America’s Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (S. 4), which includes an amendment calling for $3.5 billion in transit security during a three-year period.

The House’s version of the bill does not contain transit security funding provisions. But earlier this week, the House Committee on Homeland Security did approve the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 1401), which would provide $3.4 billion over four years for transit and freight-rail security. And the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee currently is drafting its own legislation that would fund transit security at similar levels, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Appropriations yesterday approved the FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes an additional $225 million for the existing intercity passenger rail, freight rail and transit security grant program. The program originally was funded at $175 million in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FY2007 appropriations bill.