Thursday,
November 15, 2001
DOT
119-01
Contact:
Chet Lunner
Tel.:
(202) 366-4570
Statement
of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
Concerning
Bipartisan Legislative Agreement on the Aviation Security Bill
“Today’s
bipartisan legislative agreement is a major milestone in the creation of a
consistent, high-quality, nationwide aviation security force.
I congratulate all the parties involved who came together to make this
happen.
“Members of Congress in conference have worked hard to reach agreement on a strong new aviation security bill. It provides direct federal control, and will allow us to raise standards and insist on high performance.
“When this new program is implemented, the confidence of the American traveler will be further restored.
“As
Secretary of Transportation, I look forward to playing a role in the development
of a system that will feature professionalism, accountability, and
– most importantly -- a level of safety that will restore confidence in
our national transportation system.
“At the direction of the President, I have begun a series of meetings with key stakeholders to map out a structure and schedule of “next steps.” In fact, just minutes ago I met with the top leadership of the entire airline industry.
“We had a wide-ranging discussion on security matters, the upcoming holiday travel season, and how we must continue to work together to create a Transportation Security Administration which will reflect the high standards the American traveling public expects and deserves.
“Since September 11, the federal government has taken action to raise safety standards. We have made funds available to the aviation industry to fortify cockpits. More federal air marshals ride our planes – and more fighter jets patrol our skies. In uniform and in plain clothes, brave men and women watch over us all.
“With this new legislation we take the next important step. For the first time, airport safety will become a direct federal responsibility, overseen by a new undersecretary of transportation for aviation security. There will be tightened procedures for screening checked bags and the safeguarding of all areas of airports.
“New federal agents will be hired to inspect passengers and screen baggage. These officers will not be permitted to strike – they can be quickly removed if they neglect their work, and they must be U.S. citizens.
“At the same time, today’s agreement gives the federal government the flexibility to do whatever it takes to improve on what is a safe system in order to ensure a safe transition to this new security system.
“Safety remains our highest priority. And when it comes to safety, we will set high standards – and we will enforce them.
“These have been difficult days for American aviation. A proud American industry has been hit hard. But we have seen the dedication and spirit of our pilots and our flight crews, our FAA air traffic controllers and the tens of thousands of hardworking people who keep America flying. We know they will endure. And we know their industry will grow and prosper.
“As the holidays approach, we have much to mourn. But we also have much for which to be thankful. We have a great country – and a great people. And thanks to this bill, Americans who travel to celebrate with their loved ones – will do so in greater security.”
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