THE LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE TO THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS

The public's attention has been focused on aviation security and the defects of the system since the hijackings of 9/11. Congress acted quite quickly to adopt the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) in November 2001. One of the central purposes of ATSA was to revolutionize the passenger screening system, but also address a variety of other aviation security changes. A new, security oriented sub-agency was also created within the Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA was invested with jurisdiction over all modes of transportation. The purpose of this article is first to review the key aviation related provisions of ATSA. The TSA's implementation to date is then discussed with respect to airline security. Some current topics of continuing debate in the aviation security realm are also noted.