Ted Poe: “I rise today to discuss national security and public safety for our country and who is responsible for that duty. Public…”

“I rise today to discuss national security and public safety for our country and who is responsible for that duty. Public safety, that is the first duty of government. Local security, local public safety goes to local cities and local law enforcement. National security, national public safety is the responsibility of the Federal Government. But there is an unfunded public safety mandate that is affixiating an already struggling industry: our airline industry. The airline industry is an important sector of the American economy. With increasing fuel costs and taxes, the industry lost $9 billion last year alone and has lost $32 billion since September 11, 2001. Presently, taxes and fees comprise 26 percent of a $200 airline ticket. The flights seem to be at near capacity, yet some airlines are losing money, and I want to mention just one reason why. Although the Federal Government has taken over much of the security for air travel after the terrorist attacks of September 11, airlines are still paying for national security and public safety. The airline industry forks over $777 million a year out of their own pockets for an unfunded Federal security mandate such as catering, security, security for checkpoints and exit lanes, and first class, or first flight cabin sweeps. Specifically, the people who load the peanuts on the airplanes, for example, the airlines are forced to expend $81 million, not only on their salaries, but the security checks on these caterers.…”