Oct 8, 2001 

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today released the recommendations of two rapid response teams on airport and aircraft security formed after the terrorist attacks of September 11.

The recommendations of both rapid response teams, which the Secretary received during final meetings with both teams on October 1 and 2, have been posted on the Departments web site at www.dot.gov

The most substantive of the recommendations, including a major program for securing the cockpit doors of the nations entire commercial aircraft fleet, as well as a USD$20 million dollar grant for innovative, new technology that will further enhance flight deck security, are already underway.

A mid-point review of recommendations by both rapid response teams resulted in the USD$500 million security initiative ordered last week by President Bush, including federal management of airport security services; a major expansion of the Federal Air Marshal Program; and the deployment of the National Guard to augment existing security staff at all airport check points.

These recommendations are also helping to provide the basis for Congress and the Administration in developing new security measures for our national aviation system, Secretary Mineta said. "The actions I am announcing today, and those the Administration has already put in place, address the areas we believe will continue to provide the traveling public with the highest possible level of security on an urgent basis.

"These are extraordinary times, and we are rejecting bureaucratic business-as-usual when it comes to transportation safety and security.

"I have personally reviewed each of the recommendations of both teams, and I want to thank the FAA experts and our private-sector team members for developing a range of well-thought-out options for consideration, and for the tremendous amount of work they've done on our behalf throughout the past two weeks."

Participating in the rapid response team on airport security were: Herb Kelleher, chairman of the board of directors of Southwest Airlines; Raymond Kelly, former commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service and veteran law enforcement officer; Charles M. (Chip) Barclay, president of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE); and Richard H. Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Airlines, Inc.

Participating in the rapid response team on aircraft security were: Robert W. Baker, vice chairman of American Airlines; Robert A. Davis, former vice president of engineering and technology for the Boeing Company; Capt. Duane Woerth, president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA); and Patricia A. Friend, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).