Tests Still Show U.S. Airport Security Gaps

[maddezmom]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tests still show serious gaps in airport passenger and bag screening despite the multibillion federal overhaul of U.S. aviation security after the 2001 hijack attacks, officials said on Thursday.

"We have a system that isn't working," Rep. John Mica, chairman of the House of Representatives aviation subcommittee, told a hearing on a pilot program that could clear the way for airports to return to privately run security.

The most recent data on covert tests of screening operations by the Homeland Security Department prompted Mica to take the unusual step of publicly demanding a meeting with senior agency officials, possibly including Secretary Tom Ridge, within 10 days to map out new strategy.

"I will request subpoenas if they won't come voluntarily. This is a very serious situation and its needs our attention," Mica said.

"I share your sense of urgency about this," Rep. Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat, told Mica. "You and I have been critical about the lack of new equipment for screening passengers. Screeners do not have the tools they need."

Previous tests and studies by the government have shown alarming shortcomings in screening.

~snip~
more: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=4912617§ion=news

And yet Pittsburgh wants to go back to pre 9/11 security due to economic hardship. :eyes:

[maddezmom]

1. "Pittsburgh airport may ease security "

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh International could become the nation's first major airport to get the OK to abandon the post-Sept. 11 rule that says only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints.

Federal security officials are considering allowing people once more to say their hellos and good-byes to friends and loved ones at the gate.

Airport officials and western Pennsylvania's congressional delegation have pushed for two years for the change for reasons of money and passenger convenience.

!snip~

http://www.freep.com/money/business/air20_20040420.htm

[buddy22600]

2. well, we dont need airport security because bush made

9/11 happen