GovernmentExecutive.com

The Transportation Security Administration has missed a deadline for issuing a new regulation for screening air cargo, prompting a quick rebuke from House Democrats.

The intelligence reform bill signed into law by President Bush last December gave TSA until Aug. 15 to finalize a new rule to improve the screening of cargo that travels in the belly of commercial airplanes.

TSA spokeswoman Deirdre O'Sullivan said the agency plans to publish an final rule within the next few weeks.

"This is a very complex process," she said. "TSA is not going to rush through it. Rather, we are going to do it right the first time."

Democratic members on the House Homeland Security Committee expressed frustration over the missed deadline.

"We recognize that the challenges of developing of an air cargo rule are complex and multifaceted," they wrote in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "We believe that the implementation of an air cargo rule is essential to securing the air cargo supply chain and creating a layered security system for the over 23 billion pounds of cargo that is carried by air."

The lawmakers asked for a firm date regarding when the final rule will be issued.

COMMENTS

• So the TSA misses a deadline, why am I not surprised? Despite problems and identity issues, in my opinion the TSA is FAR superior to private screeners. Oops, I forgot, they want to disband the TSA and go back to the same shoddy screening pre-9/11. Well, perhaps that will free up the government screeners to look at air cargo! After spending several years at a major airport looking at incoming cargo in the old Customs agency, good luck...It's a very difficult job (if done properly)w/occasional danger due to weather, equipment, and sometimes critters along for the ride. I seriously doubt that the TSA has the database and experience to do this. Well, if they need a highly-paid consultant, have them call me. GovExec.com reader Posted August 30, 2005 10:26 AM
• Lucky for us this is all just a bunch of political stuff! If the "terrorists" want to blow up this county they would find little resistance in the form of TSA policies and procedures. For that matter, they would find little resistance from any government group. I wish these politicians would stop wasting my money on this ridiculous stuff! Just talk the talk like you do on most things and stop throwing my money after this worthless stuff. Lucky Posted August 23, 2005 6:35 AM