House panel beefs up air cargo security
A House committee approved enhanced air security measures Wednesday that include the arming of cargo pilots and the return of private and charter aircraft to Reagan National Airport.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure panel approved the bill (H.R. 2144) on a voice vote. The measure incorporates a Transportation subcommittee plan to train and arm cargo pilots in a program similar to pilots on commercial passenger planes.
The panel's ranking Democrat, James Oberstar of Minnesota, objected to the cargo security provision. He said cargo plane companies should foot the bill for weapons training and not pass the tab to taxpayers.
An amendment by Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., whose state makes private aircraft, would return general aviation aircraft, to Reagan National Airport. Private flights were banned at the airport after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The committee also adopted by voice vote a manager's amendment that would delay implementation of a plan to screen air passengers for security risks until the Homeland Security Department can develop criteria for the program known as CAPPS II.
Other provisions in the bill would:
- Repeal of a law preventing airplanes from flying over stadiums with advertising banners if the pilots undergo security checks.
- Direct the Transportation Security Administration to develop equipment to detect plastic weapons and explosives at screening sites.
- Allow airline frequent flyers to get through screening faster if they clear background checks.
- Require screening of airport employees entering secure areas and government inspections of foreign aircraft repair stations.