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09
Aug
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by QuestionGirl • 3:45 pm
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Had enough yet?
The U.S. government on Thursday proposed a scaled back plan to upgrade computerized airline passenger screening using personal information, a long delayed centerpiece of aviation security.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said officials believe they have resolved congressional and other concerns about personal privacy and were ready to begin testing with airlines this fall.
“This information will better identify individuals who may pose a known or suspected threat to aviation or national security,” Chertoff said at a news conference at Washington Reagan National Airport.
More than 600 million passengers fly on domestic airlines annually.
One year after authorities said they had disrupted a plot to blow up transatlantic flights using liquid explosives, Chertoff said threats to the United States and to air travel remain. Chertoff said there is no information pointing to specific plans for an attack but said vigilance was crucial.
“This is a very live issue,” Chertoff said.
Airlines remain at the nation’s second-highest color-coded threat level — orange.
Under the revised program for domestic travel, dubbed Secure Flight, passenger names would be run through U.S. security watch lists. Passengers could be prevented from boarding while others that raise suspicion could be singled out for extra security.
More at Reuters
Filed: Homeland Security








