Air Safety
For those who travel by air, a very important bill is about to move through Congress next month that deals with air safety and new-technology protections against terrorist acts. We refer to H.R. 1659, known as the “Aviation Security Act of 1989.”
The bill would provide funds from the Airport & Airways Trust Fund to purchase new high-tech explosive-detection devices for key airports served by American carriers. Since 1970 this trust fund has accrued money via an 8% tax on all airline tickets and other aviation-related items. The bill also provides funding for an airport security program to control airport access.
There are some who feel these expenses should be the responsibility of the airlines. However, this would lead to higher ticket prices that would be unfair in view of the 8% tax in place and ample funds already collected.
If air transportation safety is important for you, and your family, we suggest you write your representatives promptly and ask for their support of this bill.
EUGENE H. MORIARTY
President
Orange County Aviation Council
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