Legislative Issues

Inslee Votes Against Extending Baggage Screening Deadline

Thursday, 25 July 2002

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee voted against an amendment to extend the baggage screening deadline tonight in the House of Representatives. Citing the importance of the safety of the American flying public, Inslee said the following:

"Last year, Congress and the President decided to make the baggage screening deadline into law, in order to show the urgency and seriousness of passenger safety. Unfortunately, the administration sat on the issue for seven months-- they never placed orders for more than a few explosive detection machines, they did not communicate their plans to those who need to implement new baggage screening measures, and now they want another whole year extension to get the job done. The Transportation Security Administration has been grossly incompetent to date.

"We hope the new Undersecretary for Transportation Security Admiral James Loy will help us move forward. The TSA must develop a screening protocol whereby explosive trace detections systems can effectively swab all bags proficiently while avoiding long lines.Seatac Airport will install explosive trace detection technology in order for this to be accomplished, but ultimately, we must have the safety guarantees that come with full explosive detections systems. In the long term, this interim measure of ETD machines is what the best that is available given the agency’s failure.

"We need greater passenger safety, not more extensions and excuses. Boeing is optimistic that the original screening deadline can be met, and I have faith that the creativity and diligence of the American people can make this happen. I am confident that Congress will support the Transportation Security Administration with additional resources if we are told that is what is necessary to get this thing done. The TSA is going to have to show more flexibility if we are going to avoid long lines.We in Congress will insist it do so."