Markey to Introduce Legislation to Close Air Cargo Loophole on Cargo Planes

Washington, D.C. – Responding to new air cargo screening rules announced today by the Department of Homeland Security as it relates to both cargo and passenger planes, Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), author of the mandate in the law implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission requiring screening of all air cargo on passenger planes by August 2010, issued the following statement:

“Much has been done since 2007 when my amendment on air cargo screening was enacted into law, closing a cargo security gap on passenger planes. Today’s announcement of new, additional screening rules for both cargo and passenger planes is a constructive step but points out that that our job is not yet done,” said Markey

“As long as Al-Qaeda continues to target our aviation system for terrorist attack, I will work to close the loopholes in our air cargo screening system. Which is why I intend to introduce legislation when Congress reconvenes that would expand the 100% screening mandate to include cargo flights. The security of the traveling public is the most precious cargo of all when we fly.”

 
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