Democrats object to TSA approach on air cargo

Democrats object to TSA approach on air cargo    Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee are questioning a recent assertion by a Bush administration official that a law soon requiring 100 percent screening of cargo on passenger planes does not include shipments originating from overseas.
   A 2007 law to implement recommendations of the 9/11 Commission included a mandate to screen half of all cargo on passenger planes by February and all cargo by August 2010. The Transportation Security Administration is developing a system that would use industry surrogates to screen and secure a large portion of shipments prior to airport arrival, as well as increasing its own inspection capabilities of airline and third-party screening efforts.
      TSA Assistant Administrator John Sammon said at a July 15 hearing that the agency's interpretation of the law is that shipments from overseas are not covered by the law and do not need to meet TSA's new security standards for cargo. He based his comment on language that the TSA's screening must be commensurate with the system for screening checked baggage, which TSA only overseas in the United States.
   Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson and his colleagues said Thursday in a letter to TSA head Kip Hawley that they strongly disagreed with TSA's interpretation and requested the agency provide a written legal analysis of its position.
   'Mr. Sammon's comments are inconsistent with the plain language of the law and are contrary to congressional intent,' the letter said.