Levin Hails Senate Passage of Bill to Bolster Airport Security

WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., today hailed the unanimous Senate passage of the Aviation Security Act, which will enhance security in our nation's airports and on our airplanes.

"In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the American people and government are united in our determination to deter future terrorist acts and ensure that air travel is safe," Levin said. "Guaranteeing the security of our airports is a key component to our homeland defense efforts, and today's unanimous bipartisan Senate vote for this legislation shows the unity in Congress behind this effort."

"I regret that the legislation passed today does not provide assistance to the airline workers displaced in the aftermath of the attacks, but I am hopeful that the Senate will address this great need in separate legislation," Levin continued.

The Aviation Security Act, S. 1447, creates a Deputy Secretary of Transportation for Transportation Security who would oversee the day-to-day security operations of all modes of transportation and work with the Attorney General in hiring and training security screening personnel at all U.S. airports. Additionally, the bill does the following:

• Requires DoT to take steps that would lead to the strengthening of cockpit doors.
  
  
• Expands the Federal Air Marshal program to allow DoT to place marshals on every flight.
  
  
• Permits DoT to order the deployment of more law enforcement personnel to improve airport access security.
  
  
• Requires DoT to develop enhanced anti-hijacking training for flight crews.
  
  
• Requires DoT to develop programs for the hiring and training of security screening personnel.
  
  
• Requires the Department of Justice to conduct a background check of any alien attempting to receive training in the U.S. for operation of any jet-propelled aircraft.
  
  
• Requires the Department of Transportation (DoT) to review ways to detect chemical and biological weapons as well as additional measures to enhance security.
  
  
• Requires DoT to report to Congress in six months on how to improve aviation security with respect to general aviation and air charter operations.