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Summary:
The 9/11 Commission found that al Qaeda operatives exploited known
weaknesses in U.S. aviation security to carry out the terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001. While legislation and administration actions after September 11, 2001
were implemented to strengthen aviation security, the 9/11 Commission concluded
that several weaknesses continue to exist. These include perceived vulnerabilities in
cargo and general aviation security as well as inadequate screening and access
controls at airports.
The 9/11 Commission issued several recommendations designed to strengthen
aviation security by: enhancing passenger pre-screening; improving measures to
detect explosives on passengers; addressing human factors issues at screening
checkpoints; expediting deployment of in-line baggage screening systems;
intensifying efforts to identify, track, and screen potentially dangerous cargo; and
deploying hardened cargo containers on passenger aircraft. In addition to these
specific recommendations, an overarching recommendation for transportation
security policy asserts that priorities should be set based on risk, and the most
practical and cost effective deterrents should be implemented assigning appropriate
roles and missions to federal, state, and local authorities, as well as private
stakeholders.
This report will be updated as needed.
