On the Issues
|
AIRLINE SECURITY Our airline passengers and crews deserve the safest aviation system in the world. Since the horrific attacks of September 11th, Congress has taken a number of steps to improve the safety of the flying public. On November 19, 2001, the President signed into law the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (P.L.107-71), which Senator Levin supported. P.L.107-71 transferred much of the responsibility for airport and airline security to the federal government and established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The federal government has worked with private contractors to train screeners, managers, security and federal law enforcement personnel. Since December 31, 2002, the TSA has screened all checked baggage at national airports. On January 1, 2003, the TSA was transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Homeland Security Department. P.L.107-71 included several other measures that tightened flight security. More than 6,000 U.S. planes and 1,900 foreign planes that travel to the U.S. have installed stronger flight deck doors. Air marshals are now mandatory on all “high risk” flights as determined by the Undersecretary for Transportation Security. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also required to develop a mandatory program that trains flight attendants concerning their response in the event of a hijacking. This law also provided funding for other new and expanded aviation security programs. Congress has enacted a number of additional laws to strengthen aviation security. For example, the Homeland Security Act (P.L.107-296) allows participating pilots, who receive the required training, to carry a firearm. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L.108-458) improves airport screening checkpoint technology for the detection of explosives. Additionally, the Aviation Streamlining Approval Process Act of 2003 (P.L.108-176) authorizes up to $500 million per year through fiscal year 2007 to help airports integrate explosive detection equipment for baggage screening. While Senator Levin is hopeful that these major security improvements will help restore America’s confidence in our aviation system, he believes we must continue to diligently monitor and strengthen, where necessary, airline security measures. |
LEGISLATION
COMMITTEES
TASK FORCES
