{
  "id": "RL31969",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "RL31969",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 101648,
      "date": "2004-02-06",
      "retrieved": "2016-04-08T14:28:02.984256",
      "title": "Aviation Security: Issues Before Congress Since September 11, 2001",
      "summary": "The events of September 11, 2001 heightened concerns regarding aviation security in the United\nStates. The ensuing debate in Congress focused on the degree of federal involvement needed to\nimprove aviation security and restore public confidence in air travel. The Aviation and\nTransportation Security Act (ATSA,  P.L. 107-71 , 115 Stat. 597) established the Transportation\nSecurity Administration (TSA) and contained provisions establishing a federal screener workforce\nand requiring screening of checked baggage using explosive detection systems. ATSA also\nsignificantly expanded the federal air marshal program, required that all cockpit doors be\nstrengthened, and provided for various other aviation security measures. The Homeland Security\nAct of 2002 ( P.L. 107-296 , 116 Stat. 2135) established the Department of Homeland Security\n(DHS), and placed the TSA within DHS. \n \n Funding for aviation security programs remains a central issue especially since passenger and\nair carrier security fees fall well short of fully funding these programs. Funding for airport security\nimprovements also remains a key issue because costly projects to place explosive detection systems\nin baggage handling facilities are placing a strain on Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds. A\nprovision in the FAA reauthorization act (Vision 100,  P.L. 108-176 , 117 Stat. 2490) establishes a\ncapital fund for installing explosive detection equipment in airport baggage handling facilities. Up\nto $500 million per year through FY 2007 is authorized for this purpose, and $250 million was\nappropriated in FY 2004 (see  P.L. 108-90 , 117 Stat. 1137,  H.Rept. 108-280 ). Other ongoing issues\nfor Congress include funding for aviation security programs, oversight of aviation security activities,\nand consideration of legislative measures to enhance aviation security in areas such as air cargo\noperations. The Air Cargo Security Act ( S. 165 ), passed by the Senate on May 8, 2003,\nfocuses on improvements to security of cargo transported on passenger airplanes as well as all-cargo\noperations. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House ( H.R. 1103 ;\n H.R. 2455 ). Besides air cargo security, other key aviation security issues include:\nprivacy issues regarding the new Computer-Assisted Passenger Prescreening System (CAPPS II)\nbeing developed, improving access to secure airport areas; protecting airliners from shoulder-fired\nmissiles; and security of general aviation operations. \n \n In November 2004, airports will be eligible to opt out of the federal security screening program\nand a provision of  P.L. 107-296  preserving TSA in its present form will expire allowing DHS to\nrestructure the TSA if it so chooses, although no such plan has been revealed to date. During the\nsecond session of the 108th Congress, oversight of TSA\u2019s plans for implementing the\nsecurity\nscreening opt-out program will likely be of considerable interest as will any plans to restructure the\nTSA. \n \n This report will be updated as warranted by events.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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}