NCJ Number
61375
Date Published
1979
Length
439 pages
Annotation
TESTIMONY FROM HEARINGS HELD BY THE AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON LEGISLATION TO COMBAT INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
THE BILLS, WHICH WOULD AMEND THE FEDERAL AVIATION ACT OF 1958 RELATING TO AIR PIRACY, ARE URGENTLY NEEDED TO COMBAT INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM WHICH POSES A THREAT TO WORLD PEACE AND TO THE SAFETY OF AMERICAN CITIZENS AT HOME AND ABROAD. THE LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS INCLUDE GRANTING AUTHORITY TO THE PRESIDENT TO REFUSE SALES OF AMERICAN GOODS AND SERVICES TO COUNTRIES WHICH PROVIDE SANCTUARY TO TERRORISTS. FURTHER PROVISIONS ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ON AIRCRAFT WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION AND REQUIRE NONPROPELLANT EXPLOSIVES TO BE TAGGED. TESTIMONY BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION INDICATES THAT NO HIJACKING IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1973 RESULTED FROM REAL FIREARMS OR EXPLOSIVES BEING SMUGGLED THROUGH PASSENGER-SCREENING POINTS. IN CONTRAST, OF THE 42 FOREIGN HIJACKINGS WHICH OCCURRED IN 1977 AND 1978, 30 OF THEM RESULTED FROM WEAKNESSES IN SCREENING. THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR COMBATING TERRORISM OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TESTIFIED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD PROVIDE A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM. OFFICIALS OF THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION GIVES REASONS AGAINST USING EXPLOSIVE TAGGANTS IN BLACK POWDER AND PRILLED NITRATES, INCLUDING THE EXCESSIVE COST OF TAGGANT PROGRAMS. MANY TERRORIST BOMBS CAN BE MADE EASILY FROM GASOLINE, FLOUR, OR SIMPLE CHEMICALS. TABULAR DATA ARE PROVIDED. (TWK)