Political Quotes

“As we discuss the characteristics of an aviation security bill we must not lose focus of our responsibility to the flying public. Airline passengers must feel safe before they return en masse to the skies. Nothing will guarantee their safety until all items placed on an aircraft are thoroughly screened by skilled professionals using the best available technology. As we implement new changes to be aviation security, we must ensure that all baggage entering the plane is properly screened. I want to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) for their untiring efforts to draft the most comprehensive, sensible transportation security legislation possible. Enforcing strict Federal supervision on the Nation's screening programs makes sense. Furthermore, it is a method proven to work. Simply federalizing 28,000 employees will not change the quality of our screening process. Now is the not the time to implement a one-size-fits-all cure. Rather, the security needs of each airport should determine what screening measures work best for their particular situation. It is absurd to think that mere federalization is the answer to such severe structural problems that presently exist. Mr. Speaker, I adamantly believe that the Federal role is to set the standard and enforce it. Then each situation must be met as it dictates. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3150, the Transportation Act of 2001.”