    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 15, 2001]
    [Pages 1418-1419]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Aviation Security Legislation
    November 15, 2001

        I commend the House and Senate conferees for reaching an agreement
    that puts the Federal Government in charge of aviation security, making
    airline travel safer for the American people.
        This agreement improves upon the Senate-passed legislation in
    several important ways, including putting responsibility for all modes
    of transportation security at the Department of Transportation, where it
    belongs. Today's agreement also gives the Federal Government the
    flexibility to ensure a safe transition to a new aviation security
    system and will ultimately offer local authorities an option to employ
    the highest

    [[Page 1419]]

    quality workforce--public or private. In addition, the compromise will
    help ensure security by requiring that all screeners be U.S. citizens
    and by guaranteeing the screening of all checked bags.
        Safety comes first. And when it comes to safety, we will set high
    standards and enforce them. I congratulate the conferees and look
    forward to signing this important legislation into law.