PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Sep 17, 2002
Aviation Security Improvement Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make specified reports to Congress if TSA is unable to deploy explosive detection systems at all airports by December 31, 2002.Requires the screening of cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers in interstate and intrastate air transportation (currently, only those transported by all-cargo aircraft).Sets forth certain measures to increase the safety and security of air cargo, including the establishment of systems that: (1) provide for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for cargo shipment; (2) provide an industry-wide data base of known shippers of cargo; (3) provide a training program for air cargo handlers to ensure that cargo is properly handled and safe-guarded from security breaches; and (4) require air carriers operating all-cargo aircraft to have an approved security plan for their operations.Directs the Under Secretary to develop protocols to provide guidance for detection of false or fraudulent passenger identification. Authorizes the Under Secretary to establish and carry out a program to require the installation and use at airports of appropriate identification verification technologies to assist in the screening of air passengers.Sets forth both civil and criminal penalties for persons who intentionally circumvent airport security systems and procedures.Provides for the extension for a specified period of time of aviation war risk insurance policies to domestic and foreign air carriers, including a provision to amend such policies to provide coverage for losses or injuries to hull, passengers, and crew, in addition to coverage for injury to third parties.Requires a report to Congress regarding the use of blast-resistant cargo container technology.
People & committees
Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] · D–SC
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S11300-11304)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S11300-11304)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S11296-11306; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S11296-11300)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 623.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Hollings with amendments. With written report No. 107-293.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Hollings with amendments. With written report No. 107-293.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze S.2949 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.2949 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.2949 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.2949 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.