Federal lawmakers targeted homeland security with technology-related legislation introduced this week.
Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., introduced legislation designed to improve air cargo security by requiring that all cargo carried on passenger and all-cargo carriers be physically inspected before being loaded onboard.
The bill, H.R. 2044, also would mandate that the Homeland Secretary Department establish systems to inspect cargo using equipment, technology and personnel that meet, at a minimum, the same standards established to inspect passenger baggage.
"Three and a half years after the 9-11 terrorist attacks [Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks], it is unacceptable that freight stored in the cargo bay beneath passengers' feet is almost never inspected for bombs that could bring down the plane," Markey said in a statement.
"Passengers empty their pockets, take off their shoes, and walk through security checkpoints while cargo is placed on the very same planes without being inspected. The cargo loophole presents a dangerous opportunity for terrorists determined to strike our country, and we must take action to close it immediately."
H.R. 2101, introduced by Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., would direct Homeland Security to develop and implement a new emergency alert system to contact virtually every telephone subscriber in the United States within minutes in the event of a national emergency.
"Currently, should an emergency occur, the government is limited to TV and radio to spread potentially life-saving information. We must improve our existing emergency warning capabilities by using private sector resources like our telephone system, which is widely considered one of the best in the world," Meek said in a statement. "The technology would also work with cellular telephones. With cellular phones included, just about everyone is near a phone at all times."
Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del., introduced H.R. 2041, which was designed to enhance coordination and simplification in the homeland security grant process.
On the telecommunications front, Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., introduced H.Res. 230, which states that the FCC "should reconsider and revise rules governing broadband over power line systems."
According to the resolution, the FCC has not sufficiently studied potential interference and the "FCC should conduct a full and complete radio wave interference analysis involving field studies and broadband over power line test demonstration systems, to determine the actual, measured effect of broadband over power line on public safety systems, and a comprehensive interference analysis, with the participation of public safety agencies and organizations, and other interested parties."
Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., introduced S. 976, which would require that the FCC report to Congress annually on competitive market conditions with respect to domestic and international satellite communications services. The legislation would modify restrictions on who can be directors or officers of successor or separate entities. The bill was approved this week by the Senate by unanimous consent, without debate.
Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., introduced H.R. 2066, which would modernize the General Services Administration's acquisition process.
NEXT STORY: Less Roaming