During Senate consideration of HR 4954, a bill to improve security at U.S. ports, an amendment that affects pipeline security was adopted.  To see it, go to http://thomas.loc.gov. This amendment is based on a bill, S 1052, which would have required the Department of Homeland Security to issue pipeline security regulations with very little input either from industry or the Department of Transportation.  As adopted, the amendment no longer requires DHS to issue pipeline security regulations.  Rather, HR 4954 requires DHS to send pipeline operators and DOT security recommendations that could become regulations if DHS determines regulations are appropriate.  The bill directs that any regulations developed by DHS incorporate the guidance provided in the Sept. 5, 2002, DOT pipeline security circular.  The House has already passed a port security bill without provisions addressing pipeline security.  The House and Senate will now meet to reconcile the differences between the two bills.