[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9809-S9810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DURBIN:
  S. 1461. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require 
that the screening of passengers and property on flights in air 
transportation be carried out by employees of the Federal Aviation 
Administration, and to assist small- to medium-size airports with 
security enhancements; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I rise today to introduce a very timely 
and important piece of legislation, the Airline Passenger Safety 
Enhancement Act of 2001.
  This legislation would require the Federal Government to operate 
passenger and carry-on baggage security checkpoints and screening 
operations in airports. The federalization of the screening process, 
and the Federal Government's role, will be accomplished by using FAA or 
U.S. DOT personnel, security personnel detailed by other Federal 
agencies, or by establishing a government or government-controlled 
corporation to screen carry-on baggage and the traveling public. 
Additionally, the FAA will have the authority under this Act to make 
changes and adjustments in screening policy to assure safety.
  This legislation would require the FAA Administrator to immediately 
make arrangements with airport operators for armed, uniformed law 
enforcement personnel at passenger, carry-on baggage and employee 
security checkpoints. O'Hare and Lambert Airports have already posted 
such personnel at passenger and carry-on baggage checkpoints.
  The Airline Passenger Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 also would 
require the FAA Administrator to conduct a comprehensive study to 
determine how best to organize the security

[[Page S9810]]

operations at airports in cooperation with air carriers and local 
airports in order to secure the safety of passengers and workers. A 
report to Congress would be required no later than 30 days after the 
enactment of this legislation. This report would include 
recommendations for legislation to assure greater airport security.
  I've heard from a number of Downstate Illinois airports that support 
stronger airport security procedures. However, these airports will be 
asked to shoulder a heavy financial burden. For example, the Central 
Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington-Normal will likely need to 
spend as much as $30,000 per month for additional security measures. 
These funds are above and beyond what has been budgeted and could 
create a financial hardship for the airport. The Department should 
explore ways to help smaller airports by providing resources and 
technical assistance to upgrade security and enhance passenger safety. 
My legislation would provide for additional support to these small-to-
medium size airports by providing them with added financial and 
technical support which would enhance, upgrade and improve security 
operations.
  I am hopeful that these upgrades and improvements of a federalized 
security system can be paid for through an added fee of up to $1.00 per 
domestic flight segment.
  While this concept generally appears to be supported by the airlines 
and by some in the Administration, I think it's important for Congress 
to act swiftly to codify these important changes.
  In closing, together, we can craft common-sense solutions that 
protect passengers, secure our airports, and ensure that our aviation 
system is the safest in the world and I believe this legislation can 
make that happen.
                                 ______