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Inslee listens to a constituent.

Montage of Wing Point in Bainbridge Island and the Edmonds Ferry.

Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District

Issues

Baggage Screening Letter to House Leadership

October 2, 2001

Dear Speaker Hastert, Leader Gephardt, Chairman Young, Ranking Member Oberstar, Chairman Mica, and Ranking Member Lipinski:

We would like to thank you for your work to improve airline security in our country. We believe that these efforts are absolutely necessary to avoid future terrorist acts, regain the public’s trust in our commercial aviation system, and help put our economy on solid footing.

We are very concerned that a critical piece of airline security appears to be given inadequate consideration at this time. As you know, currently thousands of pieces of baggage are loaded on airplanes daily – without being inspected. Failing to address this issue will leave a gaping hole in our airline security efforts. As such, we believe that any airline security bill we consider must include a provision that mandates the inspection of all baggage loaded on commercial airlines.

The horrific events of September 11th have shown us that merely ensuring that owners of checked baggage actually board airplanes does not suffice to deter terrorists. Further, the subsequent decline in passengers aboard airlines has clearly had a negative impact on our economy. In order to prevent future terrorists from planting bombs in checked baggage, avert loss of more innocent life, and avoid severely crippling our economy, we strongly urge you to require that all carry-on and checked baggage aboard airplanes be inspected by the most appropriate or practical system or process available.

Airline passengers recognize the importance of increased security, and for safety purposes have been more than willing to spend considerable time in line while their carry-on baggage is examined for any sharp objects. With additional qualified personnel and equipment in our airports, there is no reason that, during this time, checked baggage could not be examined for explosive material. This is required for all international flights, and we believe that in light of recent events, it should be required for all domestic flights.

Without requiring the inspection of all baggage, we are very concerned that while our efforts to improve security on airlines may adequately respond to the recent type of terrorist attacks, we may not be adequately preparing to avoid future possible attacks. Thank you for your attention to this very important and timely issue.

Sincerely,

Jay Inslee

Brad Carson

Earl Pomeroy

Corrine Brown

Tom Barrett

Sherrod Brown

Greg Walden

Bart Stupak

Tim Holden

Joe Baca

Mike Ross

Charlie Gonzales

Jennifer Dunn

Rick Boucher

Juanita Millender-McDonald

Connie Morella

Christopher Shays

Sander Levin

Rob Portman

Peter King

Jim Langevin

Edward Markey

Jim McDermott

Brian Baird