Hal Rogers: “this bill contains $3.85 billion to continue operations and activities of the Transportation Security Administration for…”

“this bill contains $3.85 billion to continue operations and activities of the Transportation Security Administration for the remainder of fiscal year 2002. I am pleased to report that this is the same level as approved by the House in its version of the supplemental. The Senate wanted almost $1 billion more for this start-up agency compared to the House level, with no limit on staffing, and we held the line against that proposal. Members should know that we have upheld the position of the House in this agreement, and it is adequate. The Department of Transportation has raised objections to specific security items in this bill. What are they objecting to? They are objecting to funds for airport modifications to ensure the timely installation of explosive detection systems, an additional $225 million, for a total of $738 million. This will lessen the likelihood of chaos later this year when bomb detection machines are delivered and installed in airports. They are objecting to grants to improve port security, an issue of great vulnerability, $125 million. They are objecting to systems for air marshals to communicate with the pilots and officials on the ground, $15 million. They are objecting to funds to address airport terminal security, a critical issue, since the attack on El Al in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, $17 million. And they are objecting to funds for immediate replacement of the outdated metal detectors at all commercial airports, $23 million.”