(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District – Kansas) this morning met with regional FAA and airport officials to discuss the status of security at Kansas City International Airport.

"Airline security is a matter of national security. Every American who gets on an airplane should know he or she will arrive safely at the destination. I am urging Congress to complete work on the airline security bill this week. Partisan interests must not stand in the way of the safety of the American people," said Moore.

FAA officials told Moore that proposed federal regulations will require fingerprinting of new screeners. The regulations will also require fingerprinting of current employees to be completed within 9-12 months. These regulations are not anticipated to go into effect until tomorrow, November 14.

After the meeting, Moore outlined his priorities for airline security improvements.

"In addition to improving passenger screening by making screeners professional law enforcement officers, we need to scan every checked bag for explosives and perform a positive match between a checked bag and a passenger. Airlines and airports will need help paying for these security measures and I believe Congress should provide that help," said Moore.

Airport officials told Moore that KCI’s revenues are down due to the nationwide travel slump, however its costs have risen due to increased security measures. Officials suggested that the federal Aviation Trust Fund, which can currently only be used for capital improvements, be made available temporarily for security improvements as well.

Since the airlines, and not the airport, are responsible for the actual screening of passengers and bags, Moore is planning to also meet with representatives of the airlines and of the four private security companies that conduct screening at KCI.