Air Cargo Security Measures Included in
Intelligence Reform Bill Sent to President
The U.S. Congress passed the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004, and it is being sent to the White House for President Bush's signature. The bill contains several important provisions for air cargo safety and security, including the following:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are directed to:
- promulgate regulations requiring the evaluation of indirect air carriers and ground handling agents, including background checks and checks against all Administration watch lists;
- evaluate the potential efficacy of increased use of canine detection teams to inspect air cargo on passenger and all-cargo aircraft, including targeted inspections of high risk items
- Double the percentage of screened cargo within one year
- Establish an industry-wide pilot program database of known shippers of cargo
- Conduct random audits, investigations, and inspections of indirect air carrier facilities to determine if the indirect air carriers are meeting the security requirements
- Establish a training program for any persons that handle air cargo to ensure that the cargo is properly handled and safe-guarded from security breaches
- "establish a system for the regular inspection of shipping facilities" for air cargo to "ensure that appropriate security controls, systems, and protocols are observed"
- implement a pilot program to test blast-resistant containers for baggage and cargo on passenger flights
- establish systems within six months to "screen, inspect, or otherwise ensure" the security of all cargo that is transported in both passenger and cargo aircraft
You may read the full text of the legislation here.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Fiona Morgan at 703.361.5208 or fiona@aemca.org.
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