REPUBLICAN HOMELAND IN-SECURITY WATCH #8: Aviation Security

Karl Rove and the Republicans argue that the issue of security will propel them to victory in 2006, but the truth is Republican leaders have been weak on security. Four years after 9/11, President Bush and Republicans in Congress have demonstrated a pre-9/11 mentality and made the wrong choices, which have not made America safer. In fact, according to recent national polls, the American people no longer believe Republicans can keep them secure.

Each day, the Democratic National Committee will issue a "Republican Homeland In-Security Watch" to spotlight specific security lapses that have occurred under the watch of the Bush White House and the Bush-led Republican Congress. Today, the DNC focuses on the Republican failures to improve aviation security.

Aviation Security: DHS Gets "C+"
DHS Report Card: Bush Administration Gets A "C+" On Aviation Security. The Democratic Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security's annual report card on the Department of Homeland Security gave the department a "C+" on its policies on aviation security. According to the committee, "Congress, the Government Accountability Office, the Department's Office of Inspector General, and the 9/11 Commission have each identified vulnerabilities in aviation security that remain unaddressed." [Democratic Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security, Annual Report Card, 2/06]

Three Scenarios For Potential Problems. "Among the areas that warrant greater attention are- the risk of sabotage by an airport worker, a terrorist being allowed to board a U.S.-bound plane before being checked against the terrorist watchlist, an attack emanating in the air cargo hold, and the threat of an explosive device at the checkpoint." [Democratic Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security, Annual Report Card, 2/06]

9/11 Commission Recently Blasted Aviation Security
9/11 Commission Gave Bush Administration An "F" On The Failure To Improve Airline Passenger Pre-screening. Few improvements have been made to the existing passenger screening system since right after 9/11. The completion of the testing phase of TSA's pre-screening program for airline passengers has been delayed. A new system, utilizing all names on the consolidated terrorist watch list, is therefore not yet in operation. [Final Report on 9/11 Commission Recommendations, 12/5/05]

9/11 Commission Gave Bush Administration A "C" On Their Failure To Improve Airline Screening Checkpoints To Detect Explosives. While more advanced screening technology is being developed, Congress needs to provide the funding for, and TSA needs to move as expeditiously as possible with, the appropriate installation of explosives detection trace portals at more of the nation's commercial airports.[Final Report on 9/11 Commission Recommendations, 12/5/05]

Republicans Have Consistently Blocked Attempts To Improve Aviation Security
Republicans Voted Against $1.1 Billion for Aviation Security. In 2003, Republicans voted against $3 billion for homeland security, including $750 million for border security, $200 million for security at nuclear facilities, $850 million for smallpox vaccinations for first responders, $200 million to improve communication between first responder agencies, $1.1 billion for aviation security and $100 million for the Federal Emergency Management Administration. After failing in an attempt to add $5 billion for homeland security to the $390 billion government-wide spending bill, which Democrats said was $9.8 billion short of what they approved in 2002 when they controlled the Senate, Democrats attempted to add $3 billion. [HJ Res 2, 1/16/03, #3, Failed 45-51 D 44-1 R 0-50 I 1-0; Associated Press, 1/16/03]

Republicans Voted Against Increasing Aviation Security Spending by $100 Million. In 2003, Republicans voted against an amendment that would increase overall homeland security spending in the bill by $1.75 billion, including $238.5 million for port and border security, $100 million for aviation security, $532 million for maritime and land transportation security, $70 million for the Coast Guard, $729.5 million for the Office of Domestic Preparedness and $80 million for information analysis and infrastructure protection. The amendment was rejected 43-50 (the motion required 60 votes to pass). [HR 2555, 7/22/03, #291, Failed 43-50 D 42-1 R 0-49 I 1-0]

Republicans Voted Against $720 Million for Airport Security. In 2003, Republicans voted against an amendment that would restore $5 billion in funding for homeland security including: $1.4 billion for State and local assistance to combat terrorism; $1.0 billion for border security; $720 million for airport security; $585 million for port security; $296 million for nuclear security; $300 million for mass transit security; $212 million for Federal law enforcement; $178 million for water security; $128 million for cyber security; and $167 million for food safety, security of biohazardous materials at USDA facilities, embassy security, research to combat chemical attacks, improved security at Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, and the D.C. Emergency Response Plan. [HJ Res 2, 1/16/03, #2, Failed 45-51 D 44-1 R 0-50 I 1-0; Associated Press, 1/16/03]