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America At War
Airline Security
With Rep. Shelley Berkley
Nevada's 1st District
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001; 1 p.m. EST
House Democrats and Republicans are poised to decide between a Senate-passed air-travel security bill, which would federalize 28,000 screeners in an effort to thwart future terrorist attacks, and a GOP proposal calling for stricter federal supervision of private contractors. Both said on Tuesday that the vote is too close to call
Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), a member of the Democratic Caucus Homeland Security Task Force, was online to take questions and comments on airline safety and other government actions in the wake of Sept. 11.
The transcript follows.
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Rep. Shelley Berkley: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to everyone. The more people that we can talk to the better we all are because it helps to allay the fears of the American public when they know that their elected officials on working to find solutions.
Baltimore, Md.:
I'm a federal employee. I dont think it's a good idea to federalize the employees who are doing the airport screening, because it is so difficult to fire or discipline a civil servant. Do you think there is there any way to make this work effectively?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: Yes. I am a proponent of federalizing the security forces at the airports. I think that the image of Sept. 11 if it has taught us anything is that aviation security is national security. The role of government that I think we can all agree on is that the government has responsibility to our national security. To sacrifice or cede that role to the lowest bidder is to sacrifice to the extreme. We would not privatize our military or our agents at the border patrol, yet we privatize airline aviation security in order to keep airfare cheap. We are paying minimum wage with no benefits, there 120 percent turnover among our airline security personnel and it is time that we professionalize airline security. The best example is the state of Israel and their airline security, which is a function of their government, not private companies. I believe it can, will and must work.
Delray, Va.:
What are your thought on arming either the pilots or crew with stun guns and/or firearms with special ammunition which can not breach the aircraft's hull? What are your thoughts on undercover Sky Marshals?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: I am very much in favor of Sky Marshals. I am less enthused about arming the pilots. I think they have enough to do in flying the plane and should not be called upon to do a dual job. I do believe that the cockpits should be secured which would prevent anybody from getting into the cockpit and consequently arming the pilot would not be necessary.
Las Vegas, Nev.:
What do you plan to do to get our laid off workers their jobs back?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: One of the paramount issues on my mind right now is getting the 15,000 laid off workers back to work and that is whey I am endeavoring to encouraging people back on the planes. Come to Vegas, spend their money and enjoy themselves, because as our room occupancy rate goes back to normal the workers will get their jobs back. I am working on legislation to help the tourism industry, which is the engine that drives the economic train in southern Nevada.
For example, to encourage people to get out and spend money we have a series of proposals including a 100 percent tax deduction for meals, providing a voucher plan so that people who travel will do so at an even further reduced price, which will encourage them to get on the planes. Again, you can order these incentives, but unless they feel safe, they will not fly.
Personally, my father was a waiter at The Sands when I was growing up, so when the 15,000 workers were laid off it hit home for me. 40 years ago that would have been my father. I am working closely with the unions and hotels to ensure that once business improves that these workers will have a job waiting for them.
Virginia:
I do not see the point in making them federal workers. Could you please explain to me why it would be better to have federal employees manning the machines rather than federally trained private workers? Wouldn't they both have to go through rigorous training? What is the difference if one gets a paycheck from the US Treasury or from a private source?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: The current system doesn't function. You are still talking about contract workers who are working for minimum wage with no benefits. We know with certainly that even after the training that items that could be used as weapons were still getting passed screeners. I have received numerous calls, citing one story after another, about how lax security is. Aviation security equals national security. We are talking about the survival of our nation. Aviation security is tantamount.
Chicago, Ill.:
The US depends heavily on technology to find any contraband on flights vs. Israels system of questioning passangers as well. Has any thought been given to this? In addition, don't you think it a bit theatrical all the armed forces at the airports, concidering that the terrorist actions did not occur on the ground. Shouldn't the focus be in the air, once people board the plane?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: I don't think you should sacrifice one area of security for another. We need to beef up both. I have been to Israel on a number of occasions. The airport security is very vigorous and very thorough. The US should adopt similar protocols.
The two questions they ask on US flights are "did you pack the bag itself" and "has anyone given you a package."
When you board the El Al flight they ask you serous questions about where you are going, why you are going there, etc. in order to gain answers that may help them find terrorists.
Once you get on the airplane additional security is involved. Securing the cockpit, having air marshals on the planes and scanning the luggage.
Alexandria, Va.:
You represent a district where gaming is a major industry.
Should airlines subject passengers to constant surveillance the way casinos do?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: I think that it is entirely appropriate, given the tragedy of Sept. 11 and the fact that the terrorists used our airlines as weapons of mass destruction, that there is vigorous surveillance in the airports to ensure safety and give the flying public a sense of security when they board those planes.
Las Vegas, Nev.:
In order to build and maintain our coalition against terrorism are we ignoring or pressuring Israel in order to appease the Arab states?
Rep. Shelley Berkley: I believe that is the case and I am working closely with our administration, particularly Sec. of State Powell, to communicate with him my concern that we should do nothing to sacrifice our strongest and most reliable ally in the region for short term gain.
Port Huron, Mich.:
My 7 year old called from 2nd grade yesterday, telling me she was afraid to get on the plane to go to Florida this weekend, because of the "bombs and police" she saw on the tv in the school office -- I assume related to the note found on the airliner earlier. This is a 7 day family trip with Disneyworld included -- and she's afraid. What do you think? Thank you
Rep. Shelley Berkley: I have two youngsters at home as well and I think that this is a very important time for parents to be communicating to their children, in an age appropriate way, and explaining to them what is happening , why it is happening and that we can not let terrorists affect our daily lives. If a parent expresses anxiety a child is going to pick up on that. My advice is to speak very candidly about what happened and explain that we are doing everything possible to make sure that it does not happen again.
In my case, I fly home every weekend, so my children see me get on and off planes and know that I think it is safe. I think this helps reassure them.
As a parent, this is yet another reason why I think that that airline security bill up tomorrow is important.
Rep. Shelley Berkley: Tomorrow the House of Representatives is poised to vote on a piece of legislation to ensure airline security. The US Senate passed this identical legislation unanimously -- 100 to 0. It is time that the House answers the call of our constituents who are demanding airline security by passing this vital piece of legislation. And remember, aviation security is national security.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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