MAGAW PLEDGES TSA COMMITMENT TO AIR CARGO SECURITY
The head of the Transportation Security Administration John Magaw, just two weeks into his new job, told congress that the TSA has dispatched “Go-Teams” to detail strategies concerning air cargo security.
Magaw also said the TSA would use all tools at its disposal –'whether it be intelligence, regulation and educating carriers, shippers and passengers — to maintain air cargo security.'
In testimony before the House Aviation Subcommittee on Tuesday, Magaw emphasized measures to prevent dangerous cargo from entering the bellies of passenger planes.
Macaw also added that the TSA would spend money to employ technology to ensure security to that end. “Screening all baggage and cargo through detection technology is therefore among one of our highest priorities.”
Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, warned Magaw to stay “a step ahead” of potential aviation threats that could involve the use of air cargo, although a majority of congressional action has been devoted to passenger safety.
“Air Cargo security, airport secure area access, and anticipation of new terrorist aircraft takeover techniques should also be on our radar screen,” said Mica. He told Magaw to use funding appropriately, and to purchase effective explosive detection technology. “We need to know how that money will be used most effectively, now rather than later.”
Magaw promised that the TSA would commit itself to freight security across all modes of transportation.