Lawmakers call for rapid aviation security plan

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Benjamin Grove

Thursday, Aug. 26, 2004 | 9:32 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Nearly three years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress is still grappling with how to improve aviation security.

There is much left to do, said two Nevada lawmakers who are members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on aviation. The panel met Wednesday to consider recommendations made by the 9/11 commission.

Congressional lawmakers have held several dozen hearings and enacted new laws aimed at making airplanes safer. They also are considering a wide-ranging list of new legislation.

But the nation has taken a piecemeal approach to fixing security problems without a comprehensive plan, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said. A plan needs to be promptly drafted by the Transportation Security Administration -- and promptly approved and funded by Congress, she said.

"Such a blueprint to secure public safety is long overdue," Berkley said.

Among the other top priorities for the TSA and Congress is screening cargo, Berkley and Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., said.