Jay Rockefeller: “I rise in support of S. 165, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act. This legislation is another critical piece in our…”

“I rise in support of S. 165, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act. This legislation is another critical piece in our ongoing efforts to increase the security of our aviation system. I commend my colleagues, Senator Hutchison and Senator Feinstein, for their continued leadership on this critical issue. Over the past 18 months, we have worked every day to improve security in our airports and on our airplanes. While we set in place unprecedented improvements in aviation security, clear gaps remain. Today's legislation is aimed at filling security gaps in the vast and economically vital air cargo network by providing the Transportation Security Administration and related security agencies with the authority and resources they need to implement new air cargo security requirements. This important legislation, which passed the Senate last year as part of S. 2949, the Aviation Security Improvement Act, requires TSA to establish a system to screen, inspect, or otherwise ensure security of all cargo transported by air and to establish a system for regular inspection of airport and cargo shipping facilities. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives did not act on this legislation last year. Improving the security of our nation's air cargo system must be addressed this year, and I am pleased that the Senate has acted quickly to pass this vital legislation again in the 108th Congress.”