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The Legislation, First Suggested to Feingold at a Listening Session, Passed the Senate On October 11th as Part of the Aviation Security Act October 20, 2001 Durand, WI -- U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today highlighted his legislation, the Volunteers for Safe Skies Act of 2001, to allow firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to register voluntarily and confidentially with the airlines to provide added security and medical aid in the event of an emergency. The bill has been included in the Aviation Security Act, a package of air safety legislation which passed the U.S. Senate unanimously on October 11th. The idea for the Volunteers for Safe Skies Act of 2001 was first suggested to Feingold at his Rock County Listening Session, which was held in Beloit on September 20th. "We must make dramatic improvements in airline security, and I think this legislation takes a step in the right direction," Feingold said. "As we move toward solutions like sky marshals and tighter airport security, this bill will provide one additional way to help make our skies safer while at the same time making it easier for our police officers and firefighters to serve their country." At Feingold's Rock County Listening Session, Beloit Fire Chief James Reseburg and Deputy Police Chief Charles Tubbs suggested that public safety officials could register with the airlines to volunteer their help in the event of emergency. In many cases, these public servants already notify the crew when they board that they are trained for emergencies and are willing to help out if they are needed. Feingold's Volunteers for Safe Skies Act of 2001 would streamline and organize the practice of certified law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency health officials letting the airline know they are on board an airline flight. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to create a program through which these officials can register confidentially with the airlines. Participants would serve on a volunteer basis only, and only the airline crew would know when any volunteers are on the plane. No compensation would be given to the volunteers. "We must make the flying public feel safe in our skies once again, and this fine idea from Fire Chief Reseburg and Deputy Police Chief Tubbs can be a part of our plan to do just that," Feingold said. Feingold held his 62nd Listening Session of the year, and his 638th session since he was first elected, at the Durand Senior Center, beginning at 10:30 a.m. He held his 63rd session of 2001, and 639th since he was first elected, at the Buffalo County Courthouse beginning at 12:45 p.m. |
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