Thomas Mott Osborne: “I have been surprised and amazed that nearly all the debate over airport security has focused on one issue, and that is…”

“I have been surprised and amazed that nearly all the debate over airport security has focused on one issue, and that is the federalization of airport screening personnel. In my mind, three critical issues have been largely ignored. These issues are probably more important than any other. Number one, the Senate bill applied to only 142 of the largest airports in the country. Hundreds of airports were not regulated. In the State of Nebraska only one airport would have been regulated under that bill. The compromise bill applies to all airports in the United States regarding standards and personnel. Secondly, the Senate bill did not address the screening of checked baggage. The compromise bill requires 100 percent screening of all checked baggage. Thirdly, the Senate bill did not regulate baggage handlers, caterers and mechanics. The compromise bill does. Closing these loopholes has been critical. The American public will be much safer due to these changes. I think it is very important that we pass this bill.”