[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 28 (Friday, February 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2538-S2539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BREAUX:
  S. 422. A bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to modify the 
provisions relating to drawback claims, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Finance.
  Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I would like to clarify a provision of the 
omnibus appropriations bill that was included as a result of 
legislation I have been working on since the last Congress. In the 
transportation section of the omnibus, language was included to help 
provide for tighter restrictions on the waiver process currently in 
place at the Transportation Security Administration. Specifically, with 
this language I was seeking to make sure that venues, events and 
stadiums across the country are safe for the thousands in attendance. 
However, there are certain airships which are particularly well suited 
to assist law enforcement in providing sustained airborne surveillance 
over and around stadium or other events. It was my intention when 
crafting this language that blimps operating in this capacity should 
not be prevented from applying for a waiver from TSA. In fact, under 
the legislation, the Secretary may grant a waiver for blimps which are 
being operated for event safety or security, including those which are 
capable of providing

[[Page S2539]]

immediate on-call airborne security camera surveillance services at the 
stadium or event. It was never my intention to prevent this type of 
security enhancement from being utilized because these types of 
airships can and do provide significant security protections for large 
venue events. I am in possession of a letter from the city of Anaheim 
which states that these air operations ``were a major component of the 
security plan'' as they hosted the 2002 World Series. I ask unanimous 
consent that this be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                    Anaheim Police Department,

                                   Anaheim, CA, November 19, 2002.
     James Hilton,
     Director of Operations, The Lightship Group, Orlando, FL.
       Dear Mr. Hilton: As you know, the City of Anaheim hosted 
     the 2002 Major League Baseball World Series and the Anaheim 
     Police Department was charged with providing security during 
     the games.
       Air operations were a major component of the security plan. 
     Carl Harbuck, Chief Pilot for the Saturn airship, facilitated 
     a joint aerial plan with our helicopter pilots. Carl arranged 
     for one of our pilots to fly in your airship during each of 
     the four games played in Anaheim. Having one Anaheim officer 
     in your airship, along with the officers in our helicopter, 
     proved to be an effective combination. The Anahiem officer in 
     the airship was able to make observations and convey them to 
     our helicopter crewmembers and officers on the ground in a 
     timely, effective manner. Each of our pilots assigned to your 
     crew during the games had the highest praise for the members 
     of your airship operations team. The members were very 
     professional and informative on how they conduct operations. 
     As you know, having insight in another work mission 
     facilitates a smooth and safe environment for all 
     participants.
       Please convey my sincere appreciation to Carl and Pilot 
     Jeff Capek, as well as all your team members, for their 
     hospitality. Let me extend an invitation to your pilots to 
     observe our air operations. They are welcome any time.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Roger A. Baker,
                                                  Chief of Police.
                                 ______