Senior Members of Congress Call for Screening of All Air Cargo Originating from ‘Countries of Interest’

WASHINGTON, DC – Following an attempted terrorist attack involving air cargo, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama, calling to immediately begin screening all cargo originating from ‘countries of interest.’

“We know that al Qaeda will continue to look for any vulnerability in our national security system. Which is why I plan to introduce legislation when Congress reconvenes later this month to address the air cargo screening gap for cargo planes,” said Congressman Markey. “As an immediate response, intensifying our screening efforts of all cargo from these countries of interest is a smart and straightforward step we can take to ensure that both passenger and cargo planes don’t become carriers for bombs meant to harm our country.”

“This most recent attempted attack shows again that cargo can be just as dangerous as passengers,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “All cargo on flights originating from high-risk countries should be screened. Terrorists do not restrict their plots to a particular type of plane, so our security procedures should not either."

Full letter text below:

Dear President Obama:

            First we want to commend your National Security team for their response to the latest threat brought against the American people. By quickly moving on actionable intelligence the loss of life was avoided.

            However, as authors and conferees of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act, we believe there is more we can do to protect our citizens and our interests, domestically and abroad.

            This latest incident highlights the aggressive nature of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and shows that we must maintain an enhanced posture toward their network. To that end, it is necessary for the United States to immediately begin screening all air cargo originating from “countries of interest.” This list should include, but not necessarily be limited to, those same nations for which the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ordered enhanced screening techniques for passengers bound for the United States following the failed attack of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab last year.

            Although current law requires the screening of cargo only on passenger aircraft, a requirement TSA has still not met for all international flights, we must insist that we immediately screen all air cargo originating in these nations and bound for the United States regardless of whether the flight carries passengers or not.

We look forward to working with your Administration to improve our nation’s security.