Jim Matheson: “Over the past 2 weeks, our airline system has been hurt much more by perception than reality. It is our responsibility…”

“Over the past 2 weeks, our airline system has been hurt much more by perception than reality. It is our responsibility in this Congress not only to provide cash to the airlines, but also to provide reassurance and security to their passengers. Airport and airplane safety should now become the domain of the Federal Government. Before September 11, security was provided by the airlines that usually contracted this service to the lowest bidder. Securing the safety of the traveling public should be a basic function of government. We have the Coast Guard to protect boaters, we make sure the State Police monitor our highways, the skill of government-trained air traffic controllers has all but guaranteed the safety of our space. Why should security in airports and airplane cabins be any different?”