Letter to Congressional Leaders Urging the Federalization of the Aviation Security System |
October 30, 2001 Hon. Dennis Hastert
Hon. Richard Gephardt
The Capitol
RE: Aviation Security Legislation Dear Congressional Leaders: On September 11th , 19 foreign terrorists (including eight with pilot training) armed with knives and box cutters hijacked four airliners within an hour, destroying the World Trade Center, part of the Pentagon, killing over 3,000 persons (most of them on the ground), and causing untold damage to the U.S. economy and domestic peace of mind. This shocking event showed the inadequacy of the present aviation security system and the deadly consequences of having a weak, uncoordinated and largely privatized aviation security system. Since September 11th, the terrorist threat has only grown with a war being declared on international terrorist organizations, military action initiated in Afghanistan, top national leaders warning the public of the likelihood of more attacks, and the onset of mailed anthrax letters. In our view, the current aviation security system operated by airlines, airports and private security companies under FAA oversight and regulation cannot deal with terrorist threats of the magnitude America now faces. Even with closer federal supervision and support, the current system cannot realistically meet the threat of a new aviation terrorism by educated, well-financed teams of terrorists with pilot training, who are supported by certain foreign governments and are willing to commit suicide. The current system has failed to secure against aviation bombings such as the 1988 terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, which was previously thought to be the most serious form of aviation terrorism. Aviation security was the subject of major legislation in 1990 and has been criticized by two presidential commissions [the President s Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism (1990) and the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security (1997)]. But the US DOT has failed to reform and meet even the known threats of the past, such as matching baggage to passengers, screening cargo, mail, and luggage for explosives, and securing cockpit doors. The restoration of public confidence in air travel, which was deeply shaken by the attacks of September 11th, is essential to the stabilization and recovery of air travel and related industries. This requires strong national leadership and prompt action by the Congress on pending aviation security legislation that has been stalled in the House of Representatives for nearly three weeks. We need dramatic and visible improvements in aviation security. Never again should U.S. civilian aircraft be able to be used as weapons of mass destruction. Even with improvements made since September 11th, the current system is vulnerable and this situation is likely to continue unless Congress acts appropriately. Moreover, some post September 11th aviation security restrictions have been lifted by the FAA without other good security measures to replace the emergency measures. It is high time to recognize that the private sector operation of the nation s aviation security system under government regulation in operation over the past 30 years has failed and must be replaced with a federal government operated system. We need a unified U.S. government aviation security system, with standardized procedures, using the best available technology, operated by highly trained and motivated security personnel. All security personnel must pass both criminal history and national security background checks, and the agency must have access to the best information available to the nation s intelligence and law enforcement agencies. European aviation security systems relying on a minority of government personnel are of dubious value in the U.S. as each country is typically dealing with only a few airports and a few hundred screeners versus the U.S. situation with 450 airports, almost 30,000 aviation security employees and a very high threat level. Law enforcement and national security are normally the responsibilities of government, and most particularly the federal government in defending against terrorism. Airlines, airports and their employees are in the business of providing public transportation. The U.S. DOT and FAA are not national security or primarily law enforcement agencies. Tinkering with the present system by adding another layer of federal supervision and regulation in the Transportation Department or FAA is likely to fail. We should not even consider retaining a system which could again risk U.S. national security and the lives of thousands of Americans to even more devastating aviation terrorist attacks in the future. Accordingly, we urge that a nonpartisan aviation security bill be forged and enacted in the next week as consensus leadership legislation. This is a matter of the highest national importance that requires your leadership in close consultation with the White House. Such legislation should provide for a strong federal aviation security agency to both operate the security system and to work with the aviation industry and other agencies responsible for homeland defense. Unless we learn from past mistakes we may be doomed to repeat them. Sincerely,
s/Patricia Friend, President
s/John Ward, President
s/Capt. Robert M. Miller, President
s/Joan Claybrook, President
s/Kevin Mitchell, President
s/Nancy McKinley, Manager of Consumer and
s/Bob Monetti, President
s/ Paul Hudson, Executive Director
cc: Senator Tom Daschle, Majority Leader Senator Trent Lott, Minority Leader All Members of House and Senate |