“Mr. Chairman, today I wish to thank my colleagues for addressing the important issue of airline security, and I urge passage of legislation that will provide the strongest safeguards to those who fly our nation’s airways.  Because tourism is Rhode Island’s second largest industry, my constituents have been particularly affected by the slowdown in air travel since September 11.  I have heard the concerns of airline employees and passengers, hotel workers, rental car companies, travel agents, and restaurant owners, and we can all agree that Congress must restore confidence in air travel in order to boost our nation’s flagging economy.

Three weeks ago, the Senate unanimously passed an airline security bill, offered today as a substitute to H.R. 3150.  The House and Senate bills have many points in common and both recognize the need to improve the structural security of our planes, place federal air marshals on flights, and provide airports with the best technology to screen 100% of baggage and passengers.  However, I firmly believe the Senate’s provision to federalize airport security is one of the most important commitments we can make to guarantee the safety of the flying public, and I urge my colleagues to support the substitute amendment.  We must act in the best interests of the nation and work together to restore full confidence in our nation’s air system.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

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