Mark Kirk: “Dave Savini of CBS TV revealed that, since 2004, 3,760 aviation security badges have gone missing at O'Hare. These…”

“Dave Savini of CBS TV revealed that, since 2004, 3,760 aviation security badges have gone missing at O'Hare. These badges are the only identification needed for law enforcement officials, independent contractors, baggage handlers, flight attendants and pilots to enter the airfield. When an employee is fired, some airport contractors are unwilling to reclaim their badges from employees, who retain full access to the airport. This problem is not isolated at Chicago. In early February, officials at Los Angeles International Airport reported 120 missing TSA badges; in Oakland, 500 missing badges; in Buffalo, nearly 40 missing badges; and 42 missing badges in Dallas. Mr. Chairman, the Kirk-Lipinski amendment we offered would require airport contractors to make a reasonable effort to retrieve badges from employees whose employment has ended and notify the local airport authority within 24 hours. Failure to comply would then result in a civil fine of up to $10,000 per day. Hitting contractors where it hurts, in their pocketbooks, can help make our Nation's airports safer.”