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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2002
 

ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCES KEY AVIATION SAFETY AND SECURITY BILLS CLEAR COMMERCE COMMITTEE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) announced today that three key bills aimed at improving the nation’s aviation safety and security were cleared by the Senate Commerce Committee today. As Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, Rockefeller was instrumental in drafting legislation that improves aviation safety and puts new security guidelines in place for air cargo, improves the safety and efficiency at airports, and gives the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) more funding to improve transportation safety and accident investigations. The three bills will now go to the full Senate for a vote.

"Over the past 12 months we have worked every day to improve security in our airports and on our airplanes," Rockefeller said. "While we set in place unprecedented improvements in aviation security last year, not all requirements have been met, and clear gaps remain. Today’s legislation is aimed at filling security gaps, addressing EDS delays, and providing the TSA and other agencies with the resources they need to implement new security and safety standards."

A detailed summary of the three bills are below.

 

I. AVIATION SECURITY IMPROVEMENT ACT
(Amends the Transportation and Aviation Security Act of 2001)

Sponsored by Senators Hollings, Rockefeller, Hutchison, and Boxer

Explosive Detection System (EDS) Deadlines. This provision addresses up to 40 airports that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has indicated may not have EDS equipment properly installed by the December 31, 2002 deadline. As a result, TSA must: submit a plan to Congress detailing how and when it will meet the requirements; provide interim security measures to check all baggage; and submit status reports to Congress every 30 days, while submitting no more than 12 reports at any one airport, until the equipment is installed. In addition, airports will be required to devote certain federal funds to equipment installation until deadlines are met.

Air Cargo. This provision requires TSA to establish a system to screen, inspect, or otherwise ensure security of all cargo transported by air and to establish a system for regular inspection of airport and cargo shipping facilities. Included in the air cargo provisions are:

Known Shipper Program: This provision will require TSA to establish a pilot program that creates a database of "known shippers" (shippers that have made a certain number of shipments within a two year time frame on a particular carrier, and are verified by that carrier.) Since September 11, only "known shippers" have been able to ship on passenger aircraft.

Random Screening and Audits: TSA will be required to submit a classified report to Congress on random screening, audits and investigations of carriers and shippers, as well as to develop a training program for cargo handlers.

Freight Forwarders: This provision will direct TSA to conduct random audits, investigations, and inspections of freight forwarders -- entities that expedite the shipment of goods by air carriers. TSA must notify the Department of Transportation (DOT) if freight forwarders don’t meet security standards, and DOT must suspend or revoke indirect shippers’ license upon TSA’s recommendation. TSA must also assess the indirect shipper program and report to Congress within 45 days.

Cargo-only Carriers: This provision directs TSA to develop a security program for all cargo-only carriers (carriers that do not transport passengers). It also requires such carriers to submit individual security plans based on TSA’s guidelines.

War Risk Insurance: Airlines have found it extremely difficult to obtain war risk insurance from commercial providers at reasonable rates. Through this provision, DOT is directed to extend the existing war risk program for 9 months, giving the airlines time to make other arrangements.

Stadium Overflights: Offered by Senator John Breaux (D-LA), this provision extends for six months the current moratorium on low-altitude flights over major sporting events, and directs TSA to strengthen security procedures related to stadium overflights.

II. FAA AVIATION RESEARCH, ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

Sponsored by Senators Rockefeller, Hollings, McCain, and Hutchison

This bill reauthorizes FAA's civil research and development programs, and significantly increases funding totaling $822 million over three years. R&D funding plays a critical role in increasing safety and capacity, and gives the FAA the tools and technologies it needs to improve the nation’s aviation system. It also directs FAA, NASA and TSA to better coordinate and integrate their civil aviation R&D programs; directs FAA and NASA to develop an air traffic control management system of the future; and directs FAA to work with the National Research Council to conduct a wake turbulence and research program. In addition, the bill allows FAA to conduct research on: improvements in the aircraft certification process; cabin air quality; and airfield pavement improvement.

III. NTSB REAUTHORIZATION

Sponsored by Senators Hollings, McCain, Rockefeller, Hutchison, Breaux, and Smith

This bill reauthorizes $261 million for NTSB’s operations over 3 years, a substantial funding increase over the last authorization. It also provides additional funding for the new state-of-the-art NTSB Academy which will enable NTSB to train both its own investigators and non-NTSB transportation professionals in accident investigation techniques.

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