Bipartisanship Key to Finalizing Airport Security and Economic Stimulus

As Congress heads for the Thanksgiving Day recess, key transportation-related proposals are at various stages of negotiation, each characterized by partisan positioning that departs dramatically from the successful bipartisanship and bicameral legislative efforts immediately after the September 11attacks .

Airport Security

Foremost is the effort by a House/Senate conference committee to reach agreement on airport security legislation. Negotiators seek consensus on how much “federalization” of passenger and baggage screeners is needed at the nation’s airport checkpoints. The Senate, led by Senators Fritz Hollings (D-SC) and John McCain (R-AZ), approved its version of the legislation (S. 1447) on a 100-0 vote, a measure that establishes a full federal force at all hub airports and allows the use of federal and state law enforcement personnel at non-hub airports. The House, led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Don Young (R-AK), rejected the Senate’s approach 218-216, largely along party lines and with strong backing from House Republican leaders and President Bush, opting instead for increased federal oversight of airline-directed contracts with private security firms. This is the core conflict between the two sides as public pressure mounts to reach an agreement on this priority legislation.

Transportation Investment in Economic Stimulus

Similarly, efforts to move forward with an economic stimulus package have broken down along party lines, with House Republican leaders successfully pressing for approval of a stimulus package that includes only tax provisions. For its part, Senate Democratic leaders have been seeking agreement on a package that would target tax relief and benefits provisions to individuals and others affected by the economic fallout from the attacks. In addition, key Senate leaders, including Senators Robert Byrd (D-WVA) and Harry Reid (D-NV), are championing proposals that would increase spending on homeland security as well as infrastructure investment as part of the Senate’s stimulus package.  Senator Byrd’s plan calls for $15 billion for homeland security, including $1.1 billion for airport security and $2.2 billion in security funding for the ports, ferries, public transit and Amtrak.  Also in the Senate plan is a provision that would support $7 billion in tax credit-backed bonds to accelerate investment in high-speed rail.  Senate Republican leaders, backed by the Bush Administration, have been opposed to any increased spending as part of a stimulus plan.