WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement on the announcement by the Department of Homeland Security on easing the ban of liquids carried onto passenger planes:

“Today’s announcement seems to have more to do with commerce, rather than common-sense security concerns.  The Bush Administration has made little progress on technology to detect liquid explosives, despite evidence uncovered a decade ago that terrorists wanted to use liquid explosives to blow up airliners as part of the “Bojinka” plot.

“This week, the Republican-led House and Senate likely will pass a homeland security spending bill that provides only a fraction of the funds for explosive detection equipment and technology development that is urgently needed to keep Americans safe.

“Passengers need more than just press conferences, but real progress to upgrade explosive detection equipment at our airports.  The Bush Administration would spend time more wisely urging Republicans in Congress to significantly ramp up investment in detection equipment and the number of airport screeners.”