Lawmaker is author of cargo screening requirement

Washington, D.C. – Responding to situations at the Philadelphia and Newark airports that indicate possible suspicious cargo, 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:

“Details continue to emerge about a toner cartridge that may have been modified into a bomb, and today’s news underscores the fact that aviation remains at the top of Al Qaeda’s terrorist target list. I’m pleased to see that U.S. and British authorities have been coordinating and taking action to detect and neutralize this threat.” 

“Whether it’s hidden in underwear or under the plane, we must ensure that bombs do not threaten the traveling public.

“While today’s incident involved cargo planes, it underscores the importance of screening cargo that is carried in passenger planes. I have been concerned about air cargo security since the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  The administration has implemented the mandate for cargo transported domestically and is making progress internationally. Which is why when Congress reconvenes, I will explore the need for legislation to mandate screening for air carriers that transport only cargo.”

Rep. Markey discusses cargo screening on the House Floor in July 2007