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Klobuchar to Question Government Officials about Security Failures Surrounding Northwest Flight 253

Klobuchar on two key committees examining aviation security issues exposed by the Christmas Day terror incident

January 20, 2010

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will question high-level government officials about aviation security failures at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing and Senate Judiciary Committee hearing investigating the December 25 failed terrorism attempt on Northwest Flight 253.  Officials testifying at the hearings, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert S. Mueller, will address airport screening technology, watch list procedures and intelligence sharing.

“When a terrorist can board an airplane carrying 300 people with explosives attached to his body, the system has failed,” said Klobuchar.  “We need to examine this near catastrophic breach of security, find out what went wrong, and make the necessary improvements.  With so much at stake, we need 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.” 

At both hearings, Klobuchar will press witnesses on current flaws in information-sharing between relevant agencies, potential reforms to the terror watch list systems, and the need for better coordination and communication between the government and the airline industry. She will also question officials on how the federal government can better incorporate technology, particularly full body scanners, into its airport security plans.

The Commerce Committee will be assessing the state of aviation security system and its capacity to meeting current security challenges. The Judiciary Committee will concentrate on the effectiveness of anti-terrorism tools and inter-agency communication.

Klobuchar is a member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and is the only Senator currently serving on both the Senate Commerce and Senate Judiciary Committee.

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