At long last, we now have a bill that puts the federal government squarely in charge of protecting aviation security, instead of leaving this awesome responsibility in the hands of private, for-profit companies like Argenbright.  It ensures that we will have adequate numbers of well-trained employees who will stop armed and dangerous passengers before they can enter the boarding area or get on a plane.  It requires that all checked baggage will be screened by explosive-detection equipment.  It expands the Federal Air Marshall program. It requires that cockpit doors be made secure, that aircraft security be strengthened and that flight crews are trained to deal with any potential threat. 

I share the belief of the overwhelming majority of Americans that safety is best put in the hands of a public law enforcement authority and federal employees.  However, I continue to be concerned that we have left the Secretary of Transportation with a great deal of discretion as to whether those new public employees will enjoy the same employment benefits and protections as other federal workers.  While we agree that these federal law enforcement employees will not have the right to strike, it is my understanding that the Secretary is given the authority to determine whether they can join a union; participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan and retirement options; and be covered by non-discrimination, health and safety, and whistleblower laws.  I sincerely hope that the Secretary will act to give those benefits and rights to federal screeners and security workers.  We do not want those critical workers to be given second class status when it comes to employee benefits and rights.  We must attract the most qualified people possible to fulfill the role of protecting the flying public.  There should be no question that they deserve the same treatment as their fellow federal employees. 

With passage of this measure, we will all be able to truly declare that is safer for America’s flying public to take to the skies.