Lawmakers introduce homeland security bills

[The Straight Story]

Lawmakers introduce homeland security bills

By Fresia Rodriguez Cadavid, National Journal's Technology Daily
Federal lawmakers targeted homeland security with technology-related legislation introduced this week.

Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., introduced legislation designed to improve air cargo security by requiring that all cargo carried on passenger and all-cargo carriers be physically inspected before being loaded onboard.

The bill, H.R. 2044, also would mandate that the Homeland Secretary Department establish systems to inspect cargo using equipment, technology and personnel that meet, at a minimum, the same standards established to inspect passenger baggage.

"Three and a half years after the 9-11 terrorist attacks , it is unacceptable that freight stored in the cargo bay beneath passengers' feet is almost never inspected for bombs that could bring down the plane," Markey said in a statement.

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0505/050605tdpm1.htm