[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 125 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         AIR TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SYSTEM STABILIZATION ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the airline 
relief legislation currently under consideration. I do so because I 
believe the bill before us does not get to the heart of the problem 
faced by the airline industry aviation security--and fails to include 
compensation for the tens of thousands of workers that have also been 
affected.
  The events of September 11th have had a profound effect on the 
country, economically, psychologically, and militarily. There is no 
doubt that the airline industry has suffered in the aftermath of the 
terrorist attacks. However, while it may be necessary to spend billions 
now to keep the airlines solvent, we will not restore the faith of the 
American people--and in turn the health of the industry--until we 
assure them it is safe to fly. Security enhancements cannot wait. We 
need to radically improve our procedures for ensuring the safety of 
airline passengers.
  To address these concerns, I recently joined with others on the 
Aviation Subcommittee to introduce H.R. 2895. This bill would greatly 
expand the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Air Marshal 
Program, give the FAA or another Federal law enforcement agency control 
over the airport security screening system and limit airline passengers 
to one carry-on bag. I also believe cockpit doors should be secured to 
prevent entry by hijackers.
  Testimony received last week by the Aviation Subcommittee revealed 
that strong measures are indeed necessary. Just last week, former 
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents successfully boarded a 
plane concealing graphite knives. In addition, Department of 
Transportation Inspector General Kenneth M. Mead testified that when 
his office reviewed security procedures at Dulles International Airport 
it found that over 80% of security screeners there were not U.S. 
citizens, which adds to language barriers, and that screeners earn low-
pay and have an extremely high turnover rate. We need a uniform system 
for employing, training, and monitoring the performance of our aviation 
security personnel. Our proposals are not new, but we need to act on 
them with a renewed sense of urgency.
  Also, the lack of provisions in this airline relief package for the 
tens of thousands of workers that have been or will be laid off is 
disturbing. While I understand promises have been made to address these 
issues in the near future, there is no good reason why they cannot be 
included now. Similarly, there is no language to protect the American 
taxpayer. In past instances of industry distress, the Chrysler 
Corporation comes to mind, government aid was tied to stock or some 
other commitment that the company would pay the money back. No such 
provision applies here.
  Mr. Speaker, while I understand that the airline industry has real 
needs after the tragic events of last week, this is not an appropriate 
way to meet them. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against 
this legislation.

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