U.S. Senator John McCain

MCCAIN ISSUES STATEMENT ON AVIATION SECURITY ACT

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct 10, 2001

Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Ranking Republican of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today made the following statement on the Aviation Security Act, S. 1447:

"I rise in support of the Aviation Security Act, S. 1447. This bill would significantly enhance aviation security by making the federal government directly responsible and accountable for the screening of airline passengers and their baggage. Although there are many other parts of this bill that are intended to improve security, the shift in responsibility for passenger screening is the most profound. But nothing less is required given that the events of September 11 have forever changed how we view air travel. Unfortunately, we have learned a hard lesson that we face an enemy that is willing to sacrifice itself and thousands of innocents to obtain its ends. Aviation security has now become a critical element of national security, and this requires a fundamental change in our approach. Congress must act to ensure that safety and security remain our foremost concern.

"To handle and coordinate all aviation security matters for the federal government, including the new screening functions, the bill creates a new, high-level position within the Department of Transportation (DOT). Nevertheless, there would be close coordination with other federal agencies, particularly those involved in law enforcement, intelligence and national security. Cooperation among federal agencies will be just as important to our effort to safeguard aviation as it will be in our larger battle to root out and destroy terrorist networks. Accountability is also important, and when it comes to aviation security, there will now be one federal official to serve as the focal point for all our efforts.

"This bill includes numerous other provisions designed to improve aviation security. For example, the federal air marshal program is broadly expanded, and airports are required to strengthen control over access points to secure areas. In addition, cockpit doors must be strengthened and flight crews would be given up-to-date training on how to handle hijacking situations. The bill would also take steps to ensure that our nation's flight schools are not being used by terrorists. For the current fiscal year, airports would be given the flexibility to use federal airport grants to pay for increased costs associated with new security mandates.

"I know that some of my colleagues may have concerns about the federal government assuming the burden of screening hundreds of millions of airline passengers each year. As a proud fiscal conservative, I do not advocate this move lightly. But the attack last month was an act of war, and we must respond accordingly. As a matter of national security, passenger screening can no longer be left to the private sector. I am one of the most ardent proponents of free enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit of America. However, this is not an area where decisions should be driven by the bottom line. The federal government does not contract out the work of Customs Agents, the Border Patrol, the INS, and many other agencies that perform functions similar to the screening that we are dealing with here. We should not contract out the screening of airline passengers.

"It is important to point out that this bill gives DOT the authority to fire or suspend any screener and prohibit him or her from returning to screening duties regardless of any civil service employment laws to the contrary. Furthermore, screeners would also be prohibited from striking. To offset some of the additional costs to government, airlines would be charged a security fee based upon the number of passengers they carry.

"Because there are many small airports across the country that may not need a full complement of screeners throughout the day, DOT would have the option of requiring smaller airports to contract out the screening work to State or local law enforcement officials. This could only be done if the screening services and training of local officers are the same and the federal government reimburses the airport. There would also be some flexibility for DOT to adopt different security measures at smaller airports depending upon airport conditions and the level of airline activity.

"I know that some people may be concerned about the transition period if we do move to full federal control over the screening process. Some believe that screening services may suffer if current employees and companies know that they will be phased out in the coming months. The bill addresses this concern by giving DOT the flexibility to make whatever arrangements are necessary to ensure security in the interim. For example, DOT could enter into new, short-term contracts with screening companies that provide for upgraded services while at the same time compensating the companies, and perhaps employees, for the temporary nature of the new arrangement.

"The Commerce Committee has held several aviation security hearings over the last few years, including one three weeks ago. We have repeatedly been told by the DOT Inspector General, the General Accounting Office, and many others that there are flaws in our aviation security systems, especially in the area of passenger and baggage screening. Although we addressed some of these concerns in legislation enacted last year, we clearly must go much farther now. Anything approaching the status quo is no longer acceptable. It is vital that aviation security be provided by professional individuals who are well paid, well trained, and well motivated.

"The events of the past few days underscore the need for us take action immediately. Our military strike against terrorist bases increases the risk of another terrorist attack on our own soil. While more than aviation is threatened, we know all too well it is an area that terrorists have targeted before and something they have gone to great lengths to learn about.

"Aviation is more important than ever to our economic and social well-being. We cannot avoid the tough choices when it comes to security. The traveling public needs to have its confidence restored in the safety of flying. Federal control of the passenger screening process and greater oversight of other aspects of aviation security can get our aviation industries back on track. Anything less than a full federal effort would be an abrogation of our duty as lawmakers."

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