[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION STATEMENT PASSENGER SAFETY ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, now is not the time to return to private 
airline screeners, now is the time to continue to focus on passenger 
safety.
  Last November, airports were given the option to start the process to 
opt-out of having Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 
screeners in favor of hiring private screeners. Thankfully, no airport 
has opted out. If this is allowed to happen, it will be a step 
backwards in airline security.
  TSA has only been in existence for a few years and has certainly 
suffered through some growing pains. Because of this, we should be 
focused on ensuring the success of TSA rather than adding the new 
challenge of privatization that could jeopardize their future and 
potentially endanger the security of airline passengers. That is why I 
am introducing the Passenger Safety Act which will repeal the opt-out 
language in the law that created the TSA. I urge my colleagues to 
support this important initiative to protect passenger safety.

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