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The 2003 holiday season saw a boost in nearly every sector of our economy, including aviation. The increase is not only a reflection of our improving economy, but also an indication of growing passenger confidence. Since September 11, 2001, Congress has been working hard to make sure that when Americans travel the skies, they are safer than ever.
A few months ago I asked the citizens of Texas about their comfort level when it comes to air travel. Your remarks provided insight into the progress of our aviation security system as seen through the eyes of the traveling public. Texans were almost evenly split on whether they feel safer today than prior to 9/11. Here are some of your comments:
· The small amount of new inconveniences outweighs the possible outcome without these regulations. People need to remember that flying is not a right. If you do not want to deal with the hassles, jump in your car and drive to your destination. Johnny, Odessa
· The TSA should employ passenger profiling to concentrate attention where it needs to be. Joseph, Houston
· The security technology available today should have been utilized long ago… Pilots should be allowed to carry weapons and armed air marshals should be on every flight coming into the U.S. and flying in U.S. borders. Kenneth, Richardson
There is no doubt in my mind the traveling public is considerably safer than we were on September 10, 2001. We have created the Transportation Security Agency under the new Department of Homeland Security, invested heavily in personnel and equipment, and made background checks, training programs and qualifying tests mandatory for all airport screeners. But our work is not done.
While we’ve enhanced security nationwide, if we do not protect our cargo we are still vulnerable to attacks. For this reason I asked our readers: “Air cargo security remains one of my top priorities. Twenty-two percent of cargo that is shipped in the United States travels on passenger planes. Yet, only a tiny percentage is inspected. While we have employed rigorous screening procedures for baggage and passengers, the belly of the plane is still exposed to the threat of terrorism. Twice the Senate has unanimously passed legislation I introduced to close this dangerous loophole, but the House of Representatives has failed to act. What is your opinion on shipping air cargo with passenger flights?”
Texans feel strongly about improving cargo security, with 70 percent saying people who handle cargo should be subject to criminal background checks. Seventy-nine percent agree that handlers should be trained on how to safeguard cargo tampering and that cargo should be kept in a secure area at all times. Below are a few responses from people across the state:
· Unchecked cargo should not be shipped on passenger planes. James, San Antonio
· I believe that air cargo is an important part of our commerce . . . Thus I think that cargo handlers, shippers and carriers should have to meet background checks. I do not believe that airlines should have to bear a higher part of those costs however. Carter, Irving
· All cargo should be searched with dogs or x-rayed at least. Bonnie, Comfort
I share your concern, which is why I proposed the Air Cargo Security Act. My bill would create a reliable, known–shipper program, mandate inspections of cargo facilities, direct the TSA to work with foreign countries on securing incoming cargo, create a training program for handlers, and give TSA the power to revoke the license of a shipper or freight forwarder whose practices are unsound. It makes no sense to inconvenience airline passengers with security screening and baggage checks if we do not safeguard the cargo traveling beneath them.
I appreciate your comments and encourage you to continue making your voice heard. The freedom to speak our minds is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and your opinions help me better serve you in Congress.
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