Aviation and Transportation Security Act - 2001

Aviation and Transportation Security Act - 2001

Why is aviation security so important? After the events of September 11th, aviation and airport security has come to the forefront of the government and American public’s minds. Many of us can remember how seemingly nonexistence airports security was before that horrific act of terrorism against our country. I can personally remember being able to meeting family members immediately off the jet way and never worrying about what could and could not be taking passed security personnel to the gates. That sort of leeway is a thing of the past. 9/11 changed the way airports and aviation operates for good. In response to the attacks, the government has passed numerous act relating to aviation security. It also created the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security all with intentions to keep our skies, borders, and national safe. None of the acts are more important or influential than the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) of 2001. The act was signed into law by the president on November 19, 2001. This act and activation of the Transportation Security Act have generated questions regarding effectiveness, cost efficiency, and privacy.

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) original under the Department of Transportation. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act turned this responsibility over to the TSA. TSA was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 after its creation in 2002 by the Homeland Security Act. The TSA is charged with insuring the implementation of a sequenced series of enhanced security measures applicable to both aircraft and airports. These measures include installing fortified cockpit doors on aircraft, implementation of new standards for airport baggage and passenger screeners, revitalization of the federal air marshal program, and the strengthening of the...