Transportation Security Administration gets funding boost

The new Transportation Security Administration appears to have received the boost it has been seeking in the current continuing resolution that provides temporary funding for agencies whose fiscal 2003 appropriations have not been approved by Congress.

The bill would provide a $5.1 billion baseline for the agency, as opposed to an earlier $3.6 billion level, partly because of a transfer of funds to TSA from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"We're making good on our commitments with that number," said a TSA spokesman, adding that the agency has been in daily contact with Congress throughout the process.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta had raised concerns in a U.S. Chamber of Commerce speech last week that the lack of completion of the appropriations process could jeopardize TSA's ability to meet baggage screening and passenger screening deadlines set by Congress in an earlier law.