Homeland Security Committee Members Ask GAO to Review Implementation of New Air Cargo Screening Requirements
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New Requirements for 100% Screening of Cargo on Passenger Planes Passed into Law Last Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to fully review the Transportation Security Administration’s implementation of a new requirement for 100% screening of air cargo on passenger planes. Congress’s first act in the 110th Congress was to implement outstanding 9/11 Commission recommendations, which included a requirement to screen 100% of air cargo carried on passenger planes by 2010.
“Congress mandated 100% screening of air cargo on passenger planes to close known security weaknesses and our work continues to ensure that TSA is held accountable for implementing the intent of Congress,” said Rep. Thompson. “Only a comprehensive review can assure us, as the Congressional oversight committee, that TSA’s cargo screening program will address systemic weaknesses that have kept us all vulnerable.”
Rep. Markey said, “Last year we achieved a major homeland security victory by changing the law to screen all cargo carried on passenger planes. TSA is in the early stages of developing a system to comply with these new mandates. The GAO’s review will help Congress ensure that TSA’s system will meet the strong security safeguards required in the new law that are needed to protect airline passengers and crew members.”
Specifically, Reps. Thompson and Markey’s request asks the GAO to examine TSA plans for ensuring that the 100% screening mandate is fulfilled “in a manner consistent with Congressional intent.” The law defines screening to mean a physical examination or non-intrusive method (e.g., through the use of x-ray systems and TSA-certified canine teams) as well as additional methods, to ensure that the cargo does not pose a threat to transportation security. The request also asks GAO to review several other questions, including:
To what extent is TSA’s approach to meeting the law’s air cargo mandates designed to provide a level of security for air cargo screening that is “commensurate with the level of security for the screening of passenger checked baggage”, as required by the Act?
What challenges, if any, does TSA face in meeting the legislative mandates within the timelines set forth in the Act?
Please identify the milestones and estimated costs associated with meeting the requirement of screening 100 percent of air cargo, as established by TSA and the Department of Homeland Security.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chairman Thomspon: Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978.
Representative Markey: Jessica Schafer at (202) 225-2836
