Transportation Security Administration Meets First Security Requirements

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has successfully met the first security requirements mandated by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The Act, passed November 19, 2001, contains deadlines for specific actions within the first 30 days of enactment. “The Department of Transportation continues its dedicated efforts to deliver to the American people the world-class security they deserve and expect as they move about the country,” said Secretary Mineta. As required under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act that created the TSA, the new agency: · Issued qualification standards for federal airport security screeners. In order to be hired, screeners must be U.S. citizens, have a high school diploma and pass a standardized examination, among other requirements. The standards are posted on the DOT website at: http://www.dot.gov/affairs/standards.htm. · Published procedures for airports to seek part of the $1.5 billion authorized to cover direct costs for security improvements. Under these procedures and once the funds are appropriated, airport operators, parking lots and vendors providing direct services to airlines may file for reimbursement of costs incurred by implementing security measures imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the TSA after the events of Sept. 11. · Reported to Congress on airspace security measures that can be deployed, as necessary, to improve general aviation security. · Lifted, through the FAA, flying restrictions in Class B airspace. This largely restores flying under visual flight rules to pre-Sept. 11 conditions in major metropolitan areas.