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| Q. What steps has TSA taken as part of its Air Cargo Strategic Plan announced in November 2003? |
| TSA continues to strengthen air cargo security. In November 2003, TSA issued security directives to air carriers requiring random inspection of air cargo transported on both all-cargo and passenger aircraft. In December 2003, Secretary Ridge approved TSA’s comprehensive air cargo security Strategic Plan, which will serve as the roadmap for TSA’s efforts to improve security in the air cargo shipping arena for the next 3 to 5 years. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will put “teeth” to the Strategic Plan is being finalized and contains many significant regulatory enhancements for air cargo related to indirect air carriers, air carriers, and airports. TSA has also hired or has deployed over 250 Aviation Security Inspectors (ASIs), who enforce aviation security regulations generally, plus 100 all-cargo ASIs brought on in FY 2004 to improve its air cargo compliance rates. TSA inspectors closely monitor air carrier compliance with these directives, and the carriers are meeting or exceeding the required level of physical inspection.
TSA’s air cargo R&D; efforts will continue into FY 05 to identify the appropriate technology to screen air cargo. In FY 2004 TSA’s R&D; budget for air cargo was set at $55 Million, for FY 2005 the President’s budget has designated an additional $55 Million for air cargo R&D.; |
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