James Oberstar: “I include for the Record at this point a summary of the aviation security conference agreement. SUMMARY--Aviation…”

“I include for the Record at this point a summary of the aviation security conference agreement. SUMMARY--Aviation Security Conference Agreement Jurisdiction Airport security will be placed under the jurisdiction of a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the Department of Transportation, headed by an Under Secretary of Transportation. Under Secretary may issue emergency orders or security directives without notice and comment and without a cost-benefit analysis. For non-emergency rulemaking, federal official may waive cost-benefit requirements if such benefits cannot be quantified. Airport Security Screeners All passenger and property screening at all airports will be done by employees of the TSA. The transition from the current system of contract screeners to a completely federal force will be completed within one year of the enactment of this legislation. The TSA will develop a pilot program that will have passenger screening provided by private contractors. The program will involve a total of five airports, one in each security category of airports. The program will begin one- year from enactment (after TSA has certified it has federalized the screening function). The five airports must request participation.”