Copyright 2002 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution  

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
September 19, 2002 Thursday Home Edition
SECTION: News; Pg. 6A

LENGTH: 339 words

HEADLINE: Screening extension proposed;
Airports would get more time to install devices

BYLINE: MARY LOU PICKEL

SOURCE: AJC

BODY:
A powerful senator backs an extension of the deadline for the government to screen bags checked on airliners.

Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), head of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced legislation this week to give as many as 40 airports, including hubs such as Hartsfield International, an extension of the Dec. 31 deadline to screen all checked bags for bombs.

The Transportation Security Administration would have to approve the extensions and submit a report to Congress every 30 days describing the progress made at each airport to install the machines. No airport could receive more than six extensions.

The TSA was created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to oversee aviation security nationwide.

Hartsfield General Manager Ben DeCosta is among airport chiefs who favor an extension.

There aren't enough truck-sized bomb detecting machines for all the nation's airports to meet the Dec. 31 deadline, and DeCosta opposes an interim government plan to place more than 160 smaller explosive trace detection machines in Hartsfield's lobby. He said they would take up too much space and push passengers out to the curb.

DeCosta favors a $120 million plan to integrate 26 truck-sized bomb-detecting machines in the airport's existing baggage-handling system, which is below ground.

James Loy, head of the TSA, last week said about 35 airports probably would not make the baggage screening deadline. The U.S. House passed a bill last month extending the deadline for about 100 airports.

Hollings' bill, the Aviation Security Improvement Act, also calls for a plan to "screen, inspect or otherwise ensure" the safety of all air cargo, and for a study of blast-resistant cargo containers.

The bill would toughen the penalty for anyone who knowingly breaches airport security, with a larger fine of up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison. The bill also gives the TSA permission to test and install new ways to verify identity at airports, such as fingerprints, eye-scans and face-scans.

GRAPHIC: Photo: Hartsfield International Airport apparently would be affected by legislation introduced by Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.).

LOAD-DATE: September 19, 2002