*EPF405 10/18/01
Text: Bush Commends Rep. Young for Aviation Security Bill
(Young introduced comprehensive legislation in House) (280)

Washington - White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, speaking on behalf of President Bush late October 17, commended Rep. Don Young (Republican-Alaska) for introducing comprehensive legislation to improve aviation security.

Young, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, had just introduced a bill on the House floor calling for improved aviation security measures such as strengthened cockpit security, deployed Air Marshals on commercial flights, federal oversight of airline security screening, and possible federalization of security where it makes sense.

Following is the White House text:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

October 17, 2001

STATEMENT OF THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President commends Chairman Young for introducing comprehensive legislation to improve aviation security. The Chairman's bill contains many of the important security changes that the President has proposed, including the expanded deployment of Air Marshals on commercial flights, strengthening of cockpit security, law enforcement personnel at every screening location and stringent federal oversight of airline security screening. Importantly, it helps ensure the safety of our nation's airways by giving the Administration the ability to federalize security where it makes sense, while preserving the freedom to use high quality private screeners where it is safer and more effective. The President is eager to sign aviation security measures into law and looks forward to working with Chairman Young and other members of the Congress on these important security measures so they may be passed quickly.

(end White House text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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