On The Passage Of H.R. 2200, The Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act

Floor Speech

Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to voice my concerns with the Transpotion Security Administration Authorization Act. While I supported this bill, I would like to make clear that I had concerns with the air cargo security language contained in Section 201 of H.R. 2200 and hope that as the bill moves forward that this provision is changed.

The 9/11 Commission recommended that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) be given the necessary staff and funding in order to screen 100 percent of all air cargo by August, 2010. Currently there are serious deficiencies in the screening of inbound air cargo, which accounts for nearly half of the air cargo carried on passenger airplanes each year. Section 201 of H.R. 2200 creates a significant delay of two years until 100 percent of cargo must be screened from the enactment of this bill, even though there was a year left on the original deadline as passed when Congress implemented the 9/11 Commission recommendations. It makes no sense to grant an extension with over a year until the original deadline.

Outbound passenger air cargo is screened at a much higher rate, but in order to be fully secure, inbound cargo must be thoroughly checked as well. As the United States continues to confront the threats of terrorism since September 2001, we must be as cautious and careful as possible with our transportation security net to ensure that passengers on commercial airplanes are safe, and that cargo on airplanes is thoroughly checked.

Meeting the 100 percent screening mandate presents significant challenges in both funding and manpower, however, Congress should not be diluting the requirements recommended by the 9/11 Commission and should be providing the TSA with the required resources to meet the deadline, instead of extending the deadline into the future. In doing so, we will increase our safety and security as well as fully implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendation for air cargo.

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