The Federal Transportation Security Administration Commits To Mayors That Security Deadlines Will Be Met
By Ron Thaniel
July 1, 2002
On Friday, June 14, Department of Transportation Under Secretary John Magaw said that the November 19 deadline for having federal screeners in place and the December 31 deadline for screening of all checked baggage will be met.
Introducing Magaw, Conference President Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino stated, "The nation's mayors are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our airports and are willing, able and ready to assist the Transportation Security Administration in meeting the laws tight deadlines. Through conference calls or in person, we have worked well together over the last number of months and look forward to continuing our work with you."
Magaw also said that federal security directors are being hired to oversee security efforts at airports around the nation, and each airport is being studied to make sure it has the right configuration of equipment, because each airport is unique. "When you've seen one airport, you've seen one airport," he said.
Magaw pledged that the TSA will be a "flat" organization, with few layers of bureaucracy, and it will be ethnically diverse.
The TSA has been charged by Congress to protect all the nation's transportation systems.
Immediately after the 9-11 attack, the U.S. Conference of Mayors called for and helped successfully lobby for federalization of the airport security screening. In addition to calling for federalization of airport security screening, the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted A National Action Plan for Safety and Security In America's Cities during the 70th Winter Meeting that increased aviation security by calling for:
A fully federalized force at points of passenger, baggage and cargo inspections;
Immediate funding to pay for increased airport security;
Federal assistance and guarantees to ensure airport financial stability;
Airline workforce protection and relief for affected businesses;
Airside improvements;
Imposed airspace restrictions and heightened security on all general aviation and charter flights throughout the U.S.;
Resumption of full operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; and
Screening of 100 percent of checked luggage.
Now, mayors are working with federal transportation officials to seek implementation of all mandated airport security deadlines, full and accurate reimbursement to local governments for airport security costs and extension of federal liability insurance for use of local law enforcement officers at airport checkpoints.
In Madison, the U.S. Conference of Mayors approved Resolution #48: Support For Increased Aviation Security that calls upon the Transportation Security Administration to meet deadlines in the aviation security law, including 100 percent federalized screening workforce by November 2002 and 100 percent checked bags for explosives by year-end. In addition, the nation's mayors addressed the need that all cargo on commercial aircraft be 100 percent inspected for explosives, a security issue often overlooked in the area of aviation security. The adopted resolution also request Congress and the Transportation Security Administration to provide direction and the means that will allow all airports to accomplish the daunting task of meeting deadlines.
Accomplishments of the TSA since its Inception on November 19, 2001 include:
TSA took over civil aviation security, and is in the process of establishing federal security operations in the nation's commercial airports. TSA will deploy federal passenger screeners to all 429 commercial airports by Nov. 19, 2002, and federal baggage screeners will screen all checked baggage by Dec. 31, 2002.
Rolled-out new federal passenger screeners at BWI. Continue to actively recruit more than 50,000 federal security personnel needed to perform airport screening duties and other functions for all of the 429 commercial airports.
Completed the initial phase to reinforce commercial aircraft cockpit doors. TSA continues to administer the $100 million federal grant program to help the U.S. airline and cargo industry finance aircraft cockpit doors modifications.
Ordered background checks of an estimated 750,000 airport and airline employees who could enter secured areas of airports.
Expanded the Federal Air Marshal program.
Assumed Responsibility for Security at Airports on Feb. 17.
Developed a new training curriculum for passenger screeners that includes more than 40 hours of classroom training and 60 hours of on-the-job training. In addition, TSA hired Lockheed Martin to provide the classroom training.
Returned Reagan National Airport to its pre-9-11 status.
Released guidelines for what to expect at the airport, and an updated list of "prohibited items" that cannot be carried on-board planes.
Examining the process of ensuring that pilots and flight crews are better trained for hijacking scenarios.
Currently, TSA has nearly 3,000 employees.
TSA has announced 30 Federal Security Directors. TSA received over 10,000 applicants for these positions.
In closing, Menino said, "We see as Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta noted that the law's tight deadlines as promises made to the American people, and we know you will do everything humanly possible to keep these promises."
|
