Issue Position: Aviation Security

Issue Position

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, I was intimately involved in crafting the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) following the September 11, 2001, attacks. ATSA established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and contained provisions establishing a federal screener workforce and requiring screening of checked baggage using explosive detection systems. In 2001, I also created a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security and Technology. Comprised of Silicon Valley CEOs and executives, the Task Force explored and evaluated the use of cost-effective and sensible technologies to improve security throughout our aviation infrastructure. In the summer of 2002, the Task Force issued a report making recommendations for San Jose Airport and airports around the country. The TSA welcomed the report and implemented many of its recommendations.

Among many technical changes to aviation security, H.R. 1 requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a system to inspect 100% of cargo transported on passenger aircraft. As many people have pointed out, inspecting the baggage of passengers but not the cargo traveling in the hold does not make sense and creates serious vulnerability to terrorist attack. The changes made in H.R. 1 will close a large hole in our aviation security network.

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