Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON -- The Transportation Security Administration is at odds with government investigators over whether all cargo on U.S. passenger planes can be screened for weapons of mass destruction by early August without disrupting trade and other commerce (see GSN, March 5).

A 2007 law requires TSA to ensure that cargo placed aboard passenger planes is screened for weapons of mass destruction by Aug. 4. The deadline applies to flights originating inside the United States and those flying into the country.

John Sammon, TSA deputy administrator, told House lawmakers during a hearing Wednesday that the deadline for domestic flights will be met. But GAO cast doubt on that claim, saying in a report released at the hearing that TSA should develop a contingency plan to prevent disruptions.

"TSA faces several challenges in developing and implementing a system to screen 100 percent of domestic air cargo, and it is questionable, based on reported screening rates, whether 100 percent of such cargo will be screened by August 2010 without impeding the flow of commerce," the GAO report said.

"Moreover, TSA faces technology challenges that could affect its ability to meet the screening mandate," the report added. "Among these, there is no technology approved by TSA to screen large pallets or containers of cargo, which suggests the need for alternative approaches to screening such cargo."

Sammon disagreed that TSA should have a contingency plan, saying it would dissuade companies and cargo shippers from complying with the law. "If we say, come Aug. 1, 'Don't worry; we'll take care of you,' those people aren't going to do anything," he said. "These are all people acting in their self interest."

TSA will not meet requirements under the law to ensure that all cargo on international flights entering the United States is screened for weapons of mass destruction by Aug. 4. Obama administration officials previously admitted the deadline would not be met.

But Sammon stated for the first time that the administration does not expect the international mandate to be met until 2013. He said the main obstacle in meeting the mandate is negotiating agreements with foreign governments for a cargo screening program that can be verified.

Sammon's admission drew an angry response from Representative Edward Markey (D-Mass.), who was a chief sponsor of the 2007 law.

"Here's the problem I have: I think it's just a lack of will, to be honest with you," Markey said. "I still don't understand why this deadline has slipped three years."

He added: "Just saying these other governments are just too tough on us doesn't prove to me that our government has been tough enough on them to establish the standards."

Sammon said another big challenge is finding technology that can accurately screen large pallets of cargo.

"There are technologies in the hopper but we share your frustration and concern about the pace of developing this technology. We simply have to pick that up," he said.