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Yesterday, the U.S. Senate approved a measure to extend the Patriot Act six months. Set to expire Dec. 31, the act would be extended to May 31 if the House OKs the measure today.

Federal Railroad Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation officials had hoped Congress would renew the act before the holiday recess to provide law enforcement officials the tools they need to prevent terrorist acts.

If renewed, Section 110 of the act would add railroad equipment and infrastructure to the list of mass transportation items protected by federal anti-terrorism laws, and prohibit “modern terrorist weapons,” such as the use of biological agents or toxins against railroads. The section also would mandate stiffer penalties for terrorist or criminal acts involving passengers or hazardous materials aboard a train.