James Oberstar: “I have not been a supporter of the Federal Flight Deck Officer program because I believe it creates safety problems…”

“I have not been a supporter of the Federal Flight Deck Officer program because I believe it creates safety problems which outweigh any security benefits. Without any disrespect for the individuals participating in the program, I rise to remind my colleagues that there is still a lot of work left to do to improve aviation security. On Monday, the 9/11 Commission released its Final Report on Commission Recommendations. The Commission gave aviation security low to failing grades ranging from ``C'' to ``F''. Three priority issues we must work expeditiously to address in the coming months include: suicide bombers at the checkpoint, checked baggage screening and screener staffing. suicide bombers Probably the greatest threat facing aviation is the threat of a suicide bomber getting past airport checkpoint security. We know that we have vulnerabilities at passenger checkpoints, and we need to give our screeners the tools to get the job done. Earlier this year Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS IG) released a report indicating that our airport screening system still needs improvement.…”