Aviation Subcommittee Hearing: Inline Explosive Detection Systems: Financing and Deployment

Michael C. Burgess - Statement

July 14, 2004

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the Congressman who represents a large part of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, I would like to commend you for holding this important hearing on Inline Explosive Detection systems.

Securing the safety of passengers and crew is of paramount importance to the airline industry and the Department of Homeland Security. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Congress required that the federal government screen all checked baggage for explosives before loading it onto commercial passenger aircraft.

DFW Airport was the first airport in the country to approach the TSA within months after passage of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act with a plan for an in-line EDS system designed to screen all checked baggage. It is estimated that the new system would screen approximately 55,000 checked bags, which pass through the airport on a daily basis.

I am proud that DFW Airport has worked diligently towards a financing and construction plan to assist the TSA in implementing this critical infrastructure. Facility modifications necessary for In-line EDS equipment installation have already begun.

During the FAA reauthorization debate and discussion of aviation security issues last spring, Congress made clear its intention for the federal government to bear more of the funding burden for increased aviation security.

Vision 100 - The Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2144) requires the TSA to provide airports with $500 million per year to pay for capital security costs. Additionally, it allows the TSA to obligate those funds through use of an LOI. H.R. 2144 also raises the federal share of funding terminal modifications and EDS installation at large and medium-hub airports to 90 percent from the previous 75 percent of the project's costs. In Vision 100, the 90 percent federal cost share requirement includes those airports with previously executed LOIs.

Despite the difficult budgetary climate, it is absolutely imperative that Congress maintain its commitment to aircraft security by fully funding its obligation to airports.

EDS and other explosive detection equipment is necessary to ensure our nation’s and airline passengers’ security. I am hopeful that Next Generation EDS, which we will discuss today during this hearing, will improve the efficiency of baggage screening equipment while lowering the cost.

In the meantime, however, we must not back down from Vision 100's promise of a 90/10 federal cost share.

Again, thank you Mr. Chairman for allowing me to attend your hearing, and for holding this important hearing.