    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 19, 2001]
    [Pages 1421-1422]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Signing the Aviation and Transportation Security Act
    November 19, 2001

        Thank you all very much. Today we take permanent and aggressive
    steps to improve the security of our airways. The events of September
    the 11th were a call to action, and the Congress has now responded.
        The law I will sign should give all Americans greater confidence
    when they fly. All Members of Congress care deeply about this issue.
    Despite divergent views, the Congress worked closely with my
    administration to develop a bipartisan conclusion that will help protect
    American air travelers.
        I want to thank the House and Senate leadership for their patience
    in this issue. I want to thank the Speaker
    and the minority leader, the leader of
    the Senate, Senator Lott, for working hard to
    make sure this bill came to fruition.
        I also want to thank Chairman Don Young and
    John Mica and Jim Oberstar who have joined us today from the House. I want to thank
    you for your hard work. And I want to thank Members of the United States
    Senate: Chairman Hollings and John
    McCain and Kay Bailey Hutchison for their hard work.
        I appreciate so very much the Secretary of Transportation and his steadiness and his ability to bring
    confidence to the process. I picked a good man in Norm Mineta, who is
    rising to the occasion.
        I also want to thank his deputy, Michael Jackson, for his hard work. As well, I appreciate Jane
    Garvey joining us up here today. I see other
    Members of Congress who are here. Thank you all for coming. I appreciate
    you doing the right thing for America.
        I also want to thank the pilots and flight attendants and the people
    of the airline industry who have joined us today. I want to thank you
    for your courage in the face of terror. I want to thank you for
    inspiring confidence amongst the American people.
        The broad support for this bill shows that our country is united in
    this crisis. We have our political differences, but we're united to
    defend our country. And we're united to protect our people. For our
    airways, there is one supreme priority: security.
        Since September the 11th, the Federal Government has taken action to
    raise safety standards. We've made funds available to the aviation
    industry to fortify cockpits. More Federal air marshals now ride on our

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    airplanes. The Department of Transportation instituted a zero-tolerance
    crackdown on security breaches.
        Our National Guard protects us in our airports. And I want to thank
    the National Guards men and women who will be working the holiday
    season. I want to thank them for being away from their families, thank
    them for providing more security for people who travel.
        I appreciate the work the airlines have done with the Federal
    Aviation Administration. The airlines have started intense nighttime
    security sweeps of aircraft. They've tightened background checks for
    employees and implemented nondiscriminatory government-approved
    criterion for identifying passengers who require additional security.
        Now, we take the next important step. For the first time, airport
    security will become a direct Federal responsibility overseen by a new
    Under Secretary of Transportation for Security. Additional funds will be
    provided for Federal air marshals, and a new team of Federal security
    managers, supervisors, law enforcement officers, and screeners will
    ensure all passengers and carry-on bags are inspected thoroughly and
    effectively. The new security force will be well trained, made up of
    U.S. citizens. And if any of its members do not perform, the new Under
    Secretary will have full authority to discipline or remove them.
        At the same time, we will adopt strict new requirements to screen
    checked baggage, to tighten security in all other areas of airports, and
    to provide greater security for travelers by bus and by train. This bill
    sets a one-year deadline for the transition to the new system. It gives
    my administration the flexibility we need to make that transition work.
        Ultimately, this bill offers local authorities the option to bring
    in outside experts--a method that's worked well in Israel and Western
    Europe--provided those outside experts can meet our rigorous new safety
    standards and requirements.
        Security comes first. The Federal Government will set high
    standards, and we will enforce them. These have been difficult days for
    Americans who fly and for American aviation. A proud industry has been
    hit hard. But this Nation has seen the dedication and spirit of our
    pilots and flightcrews and the hundreds of thousands of hard-working
    people who keep America flying. We know they will endure. I'm confident
    this industry will grow and prosper.
        The holidays will soon be here. Even after the last few months, we
    have much to be thankful for. We have a great country. We're a great
    people. We have our faith, our families, and our friends. And, thanks to
    this bill, we have a new commitment to security in the air. And that's
    good news, as Americans travel to celebrate this season with their loved
    ones.
        It is now my honor to sign this important piece of legislation.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:53 a.m. in the lobby of Terminal A at
    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. S. 1447, approved November
    19, was assigned Public Law No. 107-71.