Military

DATE=9/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/AIR SECURITY (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-280810

BYLINE=DAVID SWAN

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration has promised to do more to secure the nation's air travel system, beyond those steps already taken since last week's airborne terrorist attacks. As V-O-A's David Swan reports, members of Congress are pushing for swift action.

TEXT: At a Senate hearing, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta tried to ease what one senator calls the American public's "blind, unreasonable fear about flying." The secretary says officials are working on a series of new security measures, which could take effect in the next few weeks.

/// MINETA ACT ///

And, while it may take time to re-create comfortable confidence in travel, let me assure this committee that we can, and we will, enjoy a transportation system that is safe, secure and stable.

/// END ACT ///

The new proposals include putting more armed guards aboard commercial airliners, and making the cockpits inaccessible to intruders. That idea drew support from Democratic Senator John Breaux, who says it might have stopped last Tuesday's hijackings.

/// BREAUX ACT ///

I think that, clearly, we ought to secure the cockpit. I mean, whether it's with metal or steel or titanium I mean, we make tennis rackets and golf clubs out of titanium. Certainly, we can make a cockpit door out of something that can't be pried open with a fork.

/// END ACT ///

It is not clear when the administration might take one particular action re-opening Washington's Reagan National Airport. The field remains closed because of its proximity to downtown Washington. This convenient location has long made Reagan National a favorite of lawmakers and government officials alike. Now, it is considered a security risk.

In an exchange with Senator Ernest Hollings, Secretary Mineta acknowledged the decision on resuming flights is out of his hands.

/// MINETA & HOLLINGS ACT ///

MINETA: It is, right now, in the hands of the National Security Council and, specifically, the U-S Secret Service.

HOLLINGS: That's what I was afraid of.

/// END ACT ///

Some lawmakers pressed Mr. Mineta to move more quickly and aggressively to strengthen security. However, everyone seems to agree the transportation system has been thrust into a new world, with questions no one imagined just a few weeks ago.

/// BEGIN OPTIONAL ///

Republican Senator Conrad Burns of Montana remarked on some of the restrictions already in place, which bar airline passengers from carrying knives or other sharp objects.

/// BURNS ACT // OPT ACT ///

I guess, you know us (we) old farmers, we've always carried a pocketknife. Now, I'm going to have to keep a pocketknife in Montana and one here, because I ain't gonna (am not going to) get one in between.

/// END ACT ///

(Signed)

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