Mark Kennedy: “September 11 was a call to action to strengthen our security. Today, we have a chance to respond to a bipartisan request…”

“September 11 was a call to action to strengthen our security. Today, we have a chance to respond to a bipartisan request from our President and our Democratic Secretary of Transportation to pass legislation that focuses on security and nothing else. The American people deserve nothing less. The President and Secretary have asked us to follow a proven path that has long been successful in Europe and in Israel, and we should. The Young-Mica bill expands Federal air marshals, strengthens cockpits, allows pilots to protect themselves and, therefore, the plane, strengthens the screening of checked bags, federalizes supervision of bag screening, federalizes background checks and training of baggage screeners, and federalizes assuring the qualifications and performance of baggage screeners. But it does more, more than the alternative bill. It expedites rule-making. We have been waiting 5 rac{1}{2} ext{ years for better, more comprehensive Federal rules on baggage screening. We cannot wait any longer. It also deals with all areas of aviation security, not just baggage screening, including those that are providing food service and cleaning services in the airplanes and comprehensive security in the airports. We need to support our President, we need to support our Secretary of Transportation and pass the comprehensive Young-Mica bill. We owe America nothing less.”