Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8), a member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, issued the following statement at today's aviation security hearing regarding possible delays in the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) ability to implement a complete explosive screening program at commercial airports by year end:

"It is no secret that there have been serious problems at the Transportation Security Administration, with funding shortfalls being a major consideration.  However, we cannot protect our nation on the cheap.  We will have to do it the right way.  Continuing to build public confidence in aviation security is the only way to get people back on the planes."

"The Bush Administration should reassure the American people of a federal commitment to good security by recommending that the House of Representatives take the deadline extension language out of the Homeland Security bill.  We cannot and should not allow TSA to slow their efforts in implementing a program of 100% explosive screening at all commercial airports by year's end." 

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