Transportation Security: Issues for the 111th Congress
Abstract
The nation's air, land, and marine transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, two characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to terrorist attack. While hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack is difficult, measures can be taken to deter terrorists. The dilemma facing Congress is how best to construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection, and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce, and civil liberties. In the 110th Congress, aviation, rail, and transit security were a major focus of congressional activity. At the end of July 2007, the House and Senate passed a conference agreement on H.R. 1 (H.Rept. 110-259) that was signed into law on August 3, 2007 as the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53). The act contains numerous provisions related to air, rail, and cargo security. Aviation security has been a major focus of transportation security policy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of these attacks, the 107th Congress moved quickly to pass the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA; P.L. 107-71), creating the TSA and mandating a federalized workforce of security screeners to inspect airline passengers and their baggage. Aviation security policy and programs will likely be of considerable interest in the 111th Congress. The vulnerability of passenger rail and transit systems to terrorist attacks is well documented. The 110th Congress significantly increased the federal role in securing those systems in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. A leading issue with regard to securing waterborne containerized cargo is the statutory mandate to scan all U.S. bound containers with nonintrusive inspection equipment at overseas ports of loading by July 2012.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA501304
Entities
People
- Bart Elias
- David R. Peterman
- John Frittelli
Organizations
- Library of Congress