Democrats press DHS for air cargo rules

Democrats press DHS for air cargo rules    Democrat members of the House Committee on Homeland Security last week urged the Department of Homeland Security to develop final rules to help improve security for freight and mail carried on passenger and cargo planes.
   The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 ordered DHS to complete the rule by Aug. 15. The law was crafted in response to the 9/11 Commission's findings that air cargo was only screened on a limited basis.
   'The American people expect the Department of Homeland Security to develop a system that recognizes the threat unscreened cargo presents to the flying public,' Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat said in a statement. 'It is essential that we secure our air cargo as quickly as possible to continue efforts to make America safer.'
   The Democratic members have asked DHS to explain the delay in issuing the rule, and provide a firm date when the final rule will be issued.
   DHS issued a proposed rule in November. Trade advisory firm Sandler & Travis said in a client bulletin that a DHS source indicated that the department was taking longer than expected to review public comments on the rule, which could be issued within 60 days.