HOUSE BILL WOULD ESTABLISH AIR CARGO SECURITY WORKING GROUP

HOUSE BILL WOULD ESTABLISH AIR CARGO SECURITY WORKING GROUP    The House Subcommittee on Aviation on Wednesday approved by voice vote legislation that would enable a working group to be established by the Transportation Security Administration that would develop recommendations on enhancement of the “known” shipper program.
   The Aviation Industry Stabilization and Reform Act, which is expected to go to the House floor, calls for forming an air cargo working group with representatives from the Transportation Security Administration, airlines, indirect air carriers and shippers. The TSA would then submit its findings to TSA.
   The bill also calls for extension on war risk insurance by limiting airline liability for third-party damages up to $100 million in the event of terrorism. The bill also would also reopen an application time for carriers to apply for loan guarantees in the event of war with Iraq, and calls on the Under Secretary of TSA to study blast-resistant cargo container technology.
   Rep. John Mica, R-Fla, who sponsored the bill, said the legislation would cut costs, and allow industry and government to fairly share the security burden. “If we fail to act, the airline industry could be another victim of the Sept. 11 attacks,” he said