Airline Security Issue to Heat Up in House
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Although the anthrax attack on the Capitol has overshadowed legislative activity in recent days, the battle over aviation security is set to erupt again this week.
House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who has largely deferred to top Republican and Democratic leaders in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes, is reasserting himself to fend off the creation of a 28,000-person government work force to scrutinize passengers’ bags.
The Senate approved such a system by a 100-0 vote Oct. 11 and House Democrats have endorsed the same position. The House GOP proposal, in contrast, would allow the president to choose between hiring federal baggage screeners and private employees.
The fight over aviation security carries political risks for Republicans, who have come under repeated attack from Democrats who say they haven’t moved swiftly enough to address travelers’ fears. House Democrats suggest the issue could haunt vulnerable Republicans next year, and they have been issuing daily press releases to underscore their point.
Airlines are worried that they may pay as much as $50 million more in federal fees under the House plan.
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