Legislation To Further Protect U.S. Aviation System Approved By House Subcommittee
Washington, D.C. - Legislation to enhance U.S. aviation security - including major aviation recommendations of the 9/11 Commission - was unanimously approved by a U.S. House subcommittee.
The House Aviation Subcommittee met to consider legislation "To Further Protect the U.S. Aviation System from Terrorist Attacks." The legislation includes two previous aviation security bills that were introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members earlier this year, the 9/11 Commission recommendations, and other provisions.
"Aviation Security Must Continue To Evolve Into A Smarter, Thinking System"
"Over the last three years, the U.S. has made progress in winning the war on terrorism," said U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-FL), Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee. "However, after spending billions on a new airline passenger screening system, I remain concerned that our nation's airports and airways are still vulnerable.
"The classified performance failure rates of the current system are alarming and demand immediate reform.
"Intelligence reports indicate that al Qaeda continues to probe our aviation system for security weaknesses. We cannot afford to let down our guard. The safety and security of the flying public depends on making the best use of precious resources and addressing the highest security risks. Aviation security must continue to evolve into a smarter, thinking system in order to remain one step ahead of those who would do us harm.
"This bill takes many of the necessary steps needed to refine our aviation security system," Mica said, adding that he expects the legislation to be included in comprehensive 9/11 legislation being developed by House Leadership.
Highlights Of Aviation Security Legislation
The legislation contains a provision that elevates the current Office of State and Local Coordination to the Under Secretary level by creating an Under Secretary for Local Government and Tourism at DHS. The provision was included at the request of Aviation Subcommittee member Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV). "The new DHS Undersecretary would have the influence and oversight to better serve local communities when it comes to homeland security concerns," Porter said.
In addition, the bill includes provisions which:
- Establishes a common biometrics standard and promotes the use of biometrics technologies to identify terrorists and confirm the identity of passengers travelers and traveling law enforcement officers. These provisions were originally introduced in H.R. 4914, "Aviation Biometric Technology Utilization Act".
- Expedites deployment of integrated, in-line explosive detection systems for checked baggage through the use of innovative, non-Federal financing, such as leasing contracts.
- Provides an additional $250 million annually of mandatory spending for installation of integrated, in-line explosive detection systems through the Aviation Security Capital Fund.
- Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare a transportation sector specific plan and transportation modal security plans. Requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to screen individuals against watch-lists before they are certificated by FAA, or issued access credentials for airport secure areas or air operations areas.
- Requires the Federal takeover of passenger pre-screening against the "automatic selectee" and "no fly" lists. Requires air carriers to provide Passenger Name Record data to the Federal government.
- Directs TSA to give priority to deploying technology at airport screening checkpoints to detect nonmetallic weapons and explosives, and requires that TSA develop a strategic plan for deployment and use of explosive detection equipment at airport screening checkpoints.
- Creates a pilot program to encourage airlines to participate in the testing of blast-resistant cargo and baggage containers.
- Directs TSA to develop technology to better identify, track, and screen air cargo.
- Establishes the Checkpoint Screening Security Fund to expedite the deployment of checkpoint screening explosive detection technology at U.S. airports and provides $30 million for this program.
- Directs TSA to develop and conduct a pilot program to deploy next generation security checkpoint screening technology at not less than 5 airports in the United States.
- Establishes penalties for non-compliance with the rules requiring that the cockpit door be closed and locked during flight.
- Requires the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service to continue to develop operational procedures that ensure the anonymity of Federal air marshals.
- Directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Air Marshal Service (in coordination with TSA) to make available appropriate in-flight counterterrorism procedures and training to Federal law enforcement officers who fly while on duty.
- Creates a Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Weapon Carriage Pilot Program that will allow pilots in the FFDO Program to transport their firearms on their persons.
- Encourages the President to pursue international agreements with foreign governments to allow the maximum deployment of Federal Air Marshals and Federal Flight Deck Officers on international flights.
- Directs TSA to expedite implementation of the registered traveler program.
- Directs TSA and FAA to study the viability of providing methods (including wireless) to enable a flight crew to discreetly notify the pilot of a security breach or safety issue in the cabin.
- Requires TSA to report on the costs and benefits of secondary flight deck barriers.
- Allows the Federal Air Marshal Service to provide training to law enforcement personnel of foreign countries, after required personnel screening.
- Requires TSA to report on airport perimeter security, including feasibility of access control technology and procedures and the feasibility for screening all individuals entering an airport secure area.
- Encourages the President to pursue diplomatic efforts to limit the proliferation of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and to seek the destruction of excess, obsolete and illicit MANPADS. Requires FAA to expedite their airworthiness certification of the missile defense systems. Requires DHS to report on the vulnerability assessment reports they are conducting at U.S. airports. These provisions were originally introduced in H.R. 4056, the "Commercial Aviation MANPADS Defense Act of 2004."