[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Page 1679]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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.