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Press Releases

June 24, 2010

Bennett and Klobuchar Introduce Bill to Beef up Airport Security

SAFER AIR Act would require advanced imaging technology to be implemented in all U.S. commercial airports by 2013 to better catch security threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Bob Bennett (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced a bill today to strengthen airport security by requiring all commercial airports in the United States to deploy Advanced Imaging Technology machines, also known as Body Imaging Scanners, a security measure currently being tested at a number of airports including the Salt Lake International Airport.

“I have seen this machine in use, and been impressed with what represents a true advancement in the technology delivering safer skies,” said Bennett. “Magnetometers are not enough in this post 9/11 world, where threats have increased but screening technology has largely remained the same. With much more advanced technology on the market, there is absolutely no excuse for the delayed implementation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address this problem as we strive to better protect Americans and do all that we can to fight existing and emerging threats.”

“As the threats against our nation’s air transportation networks continue to evolve, the screening technologies we rely on to identify and counter these threats must evolve as well,” said Klobuchar. “With so much at stake, we need to make sure we are using the best security tools and that all security forces are working together to stop potential threats before they get off the ground.”

The SAFER AIR Act, (Securing Aircraft From Explosives Responsibly: Advanced Imaging Recognition) would require TSA to adopt and install advanced technologies, like body imaging technology as the primary screening method in commercial airports by 2013. The bill would also require TSA to deploy technology with the capability to detect plastic explosives, liquid explosives and other non-metallic threats and explosives. The legislation underscores that it is the policy of the U.S. to aggressively seek, develop, and deploy technology to fight the ever emerging threats of those who would harm Americans.

The bill also requires TSA to continue to protect consumers’ privacy by prohibiting the transfer or retention of any body images and requiring remote screening for any personally identifying images. Bennett and Klobuchar acknowledge that although the implementation of imaging technology has been unacceptably sluggish, they applaud TSA for the privacy protection it has taken thus far.

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