Legislative Issues

Baggage Screening Amendment

November 2, 2001

Last night, U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee's Baggage Screening amendment, requiring that 100% of checked baggage be screened, was incorporated into the Republican Airport Security bill (HR 3150). House Republicans asked Inslee for use of his language in their bill, and Inslee agreed. The House of Representatives passed HR 3150 last night by a vote of 286-139, including Inslee's vote for passage.

Unfortunately, although Inslee's language was included in HR 3150, the Airport Security bill still had a couple of loopholes:

1. No money to purchase the screening machines was earmarked in this bill
2. No provision to ensure that adequately trained airport personnel operate the million dollar screening machines was included in this bill

Inslee will continue to work to ensure that 100% of our checked baggage is screened for explosive devices.