GREETINGS! First, Here's information from Washington, D.C. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approves its version of the $32 billion 2005 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security, with $269 million targeted for EDS installations. Bill also calls on TSA to pay airports for space the agency uses that is outside necessary security checkpoints.
Secondly, Department Of Transportation Kenneth Mead, projects that the Aviation Trust Fund will have $3 billion less in 2005 than originally predicted; in 2001, FAA expected the fund to have $14.5 billion in 2005.
Thirdly, The Transportation Security Administration was created to serve all forms of transportation, from aviation to trucking to mass transit to cargo ships.
TSA has tipped the scales in excess of 60,000 employees and a 2005 fiscal budget of $5.3 billion. Yet, the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General reports that passenger and baggage screening by TSA employees remains lax and is no better than services provided by the five airports in the private screening pilot program.
TSA, says it can solve the problem with (you guessed it) more money. Now consider that 98 percent of the $5.3 billion earmarked for TSA in 2005 is going to aviation. And that is mainly for commercial aviation. It's ludicrous to believe that the other forms of transportation can be managed for a paltry $146 million. If President Bush is loath to spend substantially more money for federal spending where will the necessary resources come from?
Perhaps the time is ripe to look at the role of TSA and to transition passenger and screening to airports and the private sector. Airports typically are already in the security business and they have a lot more flexibility than TSA. They could oversee the process and subcontract with the private sector for actual screening services.
TSA would still be in a position to create the rules, monitor the actions, and make changes as conditions dictate. Savings and efficiencies that result could save TSA and taxpayers untold dollars.
Now, is the perfect time to look at everything that was created in the haste of post 9/11. It's time to rethink the security model before we create the largest, most expensive federal agency ever known.
Fourthly, Here's an update concerning Missouri Aviation. The only Aviation Bills Listed are as follows:
Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated August 9, 2004 _
Now, In Conclusion, Remember, we as USPA, MPA EAA, AOPA, or any other Pilot Associations of which you may be a member, all have a powerful voice, be it here in Missouri, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you represent. Every group of pilots and taxpayers carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., and on the state and local level.
So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
SAFE FLYING!
Larry G. Harmon
United States Pilots Association
Vice President
Government & Technical Affairs
E-mail Address: USPAVPLHARMON228@aol.com