Answers Questions About Security Focus On Aviation

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano (right) delivered remarks highlighting the Department’s ongoing efforts to bolster aviation security at the National Chamber Foundation’s Annual Aviation Summit, a forum sponsored by the non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in order to foster public debate on emerging critical aviation issues.

In her remarks Wednesday, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Obama administration’s unprecedented efforts to strengthen the international aviation system by enhancing information sharing with international partners about terrorists and other dangerous individuals; increasing cooperation on the development and deployment of new technology, such as Advanced Imaging Technology and Explosive Trace Detection units; and modernizing aviation security standards around the world.

Secretary Napolitano highlighted DHS’ partnership on aviation security with the Department of Energy and its National Laboratories to develop new and innovative screening technologies and several major recent international meetings that she has attended that resulted in joint declarations to strengthen aviation security among the United States and African partners on April 11; among the United States and Asia/Pacific partners on March 13; among the United States and Western Hemisphere partners on Feb. 17; and among the United States and European partners on Jan. 21.

She also discussed new, threat and risk-based security protocols—tailored to reflect the most current information available to the U.S. government—that strengthen the safety and security of all passengers traveling to the United States. These enhanced security measures supersede the emergency measures put in place immediately following the attempted terrorist attack on Dec. 25, 2009.

In addition, Secretary Napolitano commended the United States’ many international partners who have taken steps to enhance aviation security through deployment of new technology, enhanced information sharing, and stronger standards to keep air travel safe.

But while fielding questions after her prepared remarks, Secretary Napolitano was asked by an FAA employee, who wished to remain anonymous, why so much of the agency's focus was on aviation. A Fox News blog reports that the employee cited "transit attacks" in Russia and Spain in which rail systems were targeted.

Napolitano said DHS has made some progress in that arena, citing the arrest of Najibullah Zazi, who drove a shuttle bus at Denver's airport who was recently convicted of planning an attack against the New York subway system. She also pointed out that the latest budget proposal from the White House includes funding for so-called "VIPER" (Visible Intermodal Protection and Response) teams similar to the U.S. Air Marshals.

Still, the Secretary admitted that rail security has not gotten the attention that aviation security receives. "That is a work in progress," she said in response to the FAA employees' question. "We haven't does as much there as we have done on aviation."

FMI: www.dhs.gov.