Transportation Security Administration
As the 21st century began, issues facing the FAA included the progress of reforms aimed at giving the agency greater flexibility. Airline accidents, although rare in statistical terms, showed the need for further safety advances. The huge volume of flights challenged the capacity of the airport system, yet demonstrated the popularity of air travel. The September 11, 2001 attacks challenged the air transportation system by presenting a new type of terrorist attack: hijacked airliners were used as missiles that killed thousands of people. The government's response included the USA PATRIOT Act, enacted in November, that established a new DOT organization. The Transportation Security Administration received broad powers to protect air travel and other transportation modes against criminal activity.
Read more about this topic: United States Government Role In Civil Aviation
Famous quotes containing the word security:
“Learned institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty.”
—James Madison (1751–1836)