NCJ Number
59960
Date Published
1978
Length
389 pages
Annotation
THE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION REPORTS ITS HEARINGS ON A BILL TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE METHODS OF DEALING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM PROBLEM OF AIR PIRACY.
Abstract
THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REPORT TO THE CONGRESS SHOWS THAT 30 HIJACKINGS OF SCHEDULED AIR CARRIER FLIGHTS IN 1977 WAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER FOR ANY YEAR SINCE 1972. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE HIGH VISIBILITY OF CIVIL AVIATION WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE AIRPLANES AN ATTRACTIVE TARGET FOR SUCH CRIMINAL ACTS. THE PROPOSED BILL WILL DEAL COMPREHENSIVELY WITH THE THREAT TERRORISM POSES TO AMERICANS AND WILL BE HELPFUL TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IN PREVENTING AIRCRAFT PIRACY AND BRINGING TO JUSTICE THE PERPETRATORS OF SUCH ACTS. THIS AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ACT OF 1958 WOULD GIVE THE PRESIDENT THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO DEAL WITH THREATS AND ACTS OF TERRORISM AND TO WORK TOWARD CLOSER INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN BRINGING TERRORISM TO AN END. THE AMENDMENTS REQUIRE THE PRESIDENT TO REPORT TO CONGRESS EVERY 6 MONTHS ON INCIDENTS WHICH ARE DETERMINED TO BE ACTS OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, AND AUTHORIZES THE PRESIDENT TO STOP FOREIGN AID AND CREDITS TO COUNTRIES WHICH SUPPORT TERRORISM. SECURITY MEASURES WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE TAGGING OF EXPLOSIVES MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE IMPOSITION OF STRICT FINES OR IMPRISONMENT FOR PERSONS CONVICTED OF AIRCRAFT SABOTAGE, PIRACY, OR THREATS. TESTIMONY PRESENTED TO THE SUBCOMMITTEE INCLUDES STATEMENTS BY THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION AND BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. MATERIAL FOR THE RECORD IS INCLUDED. (TWK)