Political Quotes

“I lend my support to a very important issue that would provide funding for the permanent installation of explosive detection system, EDS, equipment in airports. This amendment would increase the overall amount of money of EDS installation from $250 million to $325 million. I have been joined by Senator John Ensign of Nevada and a bipartisan group of Senators in this very important effort to enhance security and convenience for our Nation's air travelers. As passengers traveling through St. Louis, Kansas City, and other airports across the country have surely noticed, a number of bulky baggage screening machines sit in crowded terminal buildings where they were temporarily placed in the aftermath of 9/11. I am concerned that the current situation creates safety and security risks and unduly inconveniences the traveling public since passengers are forced to work their way around these obtrusive machines. Additionally, the current in-lobby configuration unnecessarily wastes Federal resources since in-lobby equipment requires additional screening personnel to operate, transfer bags, and the like. The goal of our amendment is to provide additional resources to move EDS equipment from airport lobbies out of the way and behind the scenes as part of an airport's baggage system.”