The air cargo system is a complex, multi-faceted network that handles a vast amount of freight, packages, and mail carried aboard passenger and all-cargo aircraft. The air cargo system is vulnerable to several security threats including: potential plots to place explosives aboard aircraft; illegal shipments of hazardous materials; criminal activities such as smuggling and theft; and potential hijackings and sabotage by persons with access to aircraft. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA, P.L. 107-71) contains general provisions for cargo screening, inspection, and security measures. Cargo carried in passenger airplanes must be screened or its security otherwise ensured. In practice, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has relied heavily on known shipper programs to prevent shipments of cargo from unknown sources on passenger aircraft. ATSA alsomandated that a security plan for all-cargo operations was to be put in place as soon as possible, but aviation security initiatives to date have primarily focused on enhancing the security of passenger operations. In the 108th Congress, several legislative proposals to address concerns over air cargo security are under consideration. The Air Cargo Security Act (S. 165) was passed by the Senate on May 8, 2003, and similar legislation (H.R. 1103) has been introduced in the House. Other legislation (H.R. 2455, H.Amdt. 183 to H.R. 2555) would require the screening of all cargo placed on passenger aircraft. Proposals to expand the current program for arming pilots, to include all-cargo pilots in addition to pilots of passenger airliners, are also under consideration (see S. 516, H.R. 765, H.R. 1049, S. 165). This report will be updated as needed.


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    Title :

    Air Cargo Security, Updated September 11, 2003. CRS Report for Congress


    Contributors:
    B. Elias (author)

    Publication date :

    2003


    Size :

    32 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English