Congressman Michael C. Burgess

Statement for the Record - MANPADS Defense Act of 2004

July 19, 2004

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4065, The MANPADS Defense Act.

In response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Congress passed The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) to ensure the safety of airline passengers.

This legislation expanded the federal air marshal program, required that all cockpit doors be strengthened, armed pilots, increased screening of passengers and required increased screening of passenger baggage using explosive detection systems.

Congressional efforts have, in large part, focused on in-flight safety and airport security, but an important vulnerability still exists. Commercial airliners are vulnerable to attacks from man-portable surface-to-air missiles, or MANPADS, during each takeoff and landing.

MANPADS are easily accessible and inexpensive; on the black market, the systems can be purchased for less than $100,000. Thousands of MANPADS exist around the world, many in the hands of guerrilla and terrorist groups. These groups have already demonstrated their intent to use MANPADs on civilian aircraft on more than one occasion.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, which is the sixth largest airport in the country, is located in my congressional district. Millions of airline passengers travel through DFW airport each year, and I am concerned about this vulnerability.

That is why I am a proud cosponsor of Chairman Mica's Commercial Aviation MANPADS Defense Act of 2004.

This legislation will help to protect airline passengers and crew from the MANPAD threat. H.R. 4065 requires the FAA to expedite airworthiness certification of the missile defense systems for commercial aircraft.

Additionally, it requires that the Department of Homeland Security report to Congress about the vulnerability assessment reports they are conducting at U.S. airports. DHS is also directed to report any recommendations that are issued regarding ground-based defense policies or procedures.

The MANPADS Defense Act urges the President to continue working with our international diplomatic partners to reduce or eliminate the availability of MANPADS worldwide.

Again, I would like to reiterate my support for The MANPADS Defense Act and urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.