    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 3, 1996]
    [Page 1750]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Federal Aviation Reauthorization
    Legislation
    October 3, 1996

        In passing the Federal Aviation Authorization Act today, Congress
    has responded to my request to act quickly on the recommendations of the
    Gore commission and approved an important piece of legislation that will
    improve the security of our airports and airlines.
        Because of this legislation, criminal background checks can now be
    conducted on airport personnel, new explosives detection technology can
    be deployed, baggage will be checked more thoroughly, passenger
    profiling will be instituted, and families who lose a loved one in an
    accident will be able to get the help that they need.
        I congratulate the Congress and I thank the Vice President, as well
    as Secretary Pena and his team, for making this important legislation a
    reality which I look forward to signing into law.