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ROCKEFELLER TAKES LEGISLATIVE STEPS TO BOLSTER AIRLINE SECURITY AND RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Senator Says Air Travel is Key to Getting Economy Back on Track

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After an intense week of congressional hearings and meetings with transportation officials, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Aviation subcommittee, joined other senior members of the Commerce Committee in introducing legislation that would require sweeping changes in federal aviation security standards. The legislation was introduced late Friday and is expected to be voted on this week.

"There is no question that there were failures in the way aviation security was handled. We all share the responsibility of developing, implementing, funding, and supporting a fundamentally improved system," Rockefeller said. "By overhauling the way we address aviation security, we will begin to take the steps necessary to restore Americans’ confidence in the safest form of travel."

Among other things, the bill requires stronger cockpit doors and locks, federalized airport security operations, hijack training for flight crew, background checks on students at flight schools, and assessing a $1.00 per passenger security charge. The bill would also increase the number of federal Air Marshals.

Rockefeller said he remains concerned about workers who have lost their jobs, and other industries who have been adversely affected due to the terrorist attacks. He added, "The best way to jump-start our economy and help those industries who are struggling, is to get passengers back in the air."

"Stabilizing the airline industry is central to restoring our economy. The hotel and car rental industry, travel agencies, bus and tour companies, and many others rely on the public’s ability and desire to travel freely. That is why we must focus our energies on increasing security so that Americans will have the confidence to resume their normal travel plans," Rockefeller added.

***fact sheet attached***

The legislation does the following:

• Establishes a Deputy Administrator at the FAA for Aviation Security
• Establishes an Aviation Security Council (comprised of representatives from FAA, DOJ, DOD, & CIA to coordinate national security, intelligence and aviation security information and make recommendations)
• Strengthens cockpit doors and locks
• Limits access to cockpit (no keys for flight attendants)
• Increases the number of federal Air Marshals
• In the interim FAA can use personnel from other Federal Agencies to serve as Air Marshals
• Federalizes Airport Security Operations
• Improved training and testing for screening personnel
• Improves screening procedures for passengers
• Checks passenger name against a coordinated list comprised of criminal, national security, intelligence and INS information
• Provides hijack training for flight crew
• Performs background checks on students at flight schools for large planes
• Increases perimeter security at airports and air traffic facilities
• Assesses a $1.00 per passenger security charge
• Authorizes funds to carry out these security initiatives

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