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U.S. House Approves Republican-backed Aviation Security Bill
U.S. House of Representatives has passed an aviation security legislation that entrusts the federal government with overseeing airport security but does not make airport screeners federal employees.
The Republican-backed measure, approved by a vote of 285 to 138 on late Thursday evening, calls for federal supervision of private security screening companies. The administration will have the choice to hire private security companies or federal employees.
In addition, the bill also calls for reinforced cockpit doors, on-flight air marshals and allows pilots to carry guns under certain circumstances with prior authorization and training.
The House passed the bill minutes after it defeated a Democratic-backed alternative bill that would make airport security screeners federal employees by a close vote of 218 to 214.
"The American people deserve tough security standards and the House plan delivers," President Bush said in a statement. "I urge the House and Senate to work together to send a strong and effective bill to my desk."
The House action could delay for weeks enacting a wide-ranging package of new security measures aimed at restoring Americans' confidence in flying after terrorists hijacked four airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center twin towers and Pentagon on September 11.
The House has to find a compromise with the Senate, which voted 100-0 three weeks ago to pass the measure making screeners federal employees. The measure now must go to a House-Senate conference for what could be a difficult attempt to resolve differences.
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