House panel skirts air cargo security

House panel skirts air cargo security    House lawmakers questioned Adm. James Loy, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, on Thursday about his agency's progress in hiring, training, evaluating and retaining security screeners and identifying improved explosives detection machines at airport passenger terminals.
   The lack of attention to cargo security issues during the Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee on aviation oversight hearing was notable given recent breaches in air cargo security, and TSA claims that it has turned its attention to cargo this year after an initial emphasis on passenger and baggage security after Sept. 11, 2001. TSA is in the process of developing a comprehensive air cargo security plan by the end of the year, but subcommittee members did not ask about the rulemaking and only a couple commented on the need for better cargo screening.
   Loy reiterated that TSA's goal is to eventually replace the 'known shipper' program, which pushes security up the supply chain by accepting shipments for passenger planes only from approved frequent shippers, whenever reliable and efficient explosives detection technology for cargo is developed. The 'known shipper' program will be bolstered and serve as an interim solution until then, he said.