31 July 2003

Ridge Reassures Americans on Airline Security

Statement by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has reassured air passengers that his department has taken action to counter terrorist threats against U.S. airlines. Following is the text of his July 30 statement:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Office of the Press Secretary
July 30, 2003

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TOM RIDGE ON AVIATION SECURITY

Today, of course, our nation's ideas and her people face a continuing threat from terrorists. Nearly every single day, the intelligence community records another threat or two against America or our interests. Hardly a week goes by that some terrorists somewhere don't reiterate their interest in aviation.

Since September 11, we have required and installed reinforced cockpit doors, employed better trained and better equipped passenger and baggage screeners and deployed thousands of air marshals. Americans should know that every available air marshal is being deployed and additional resources are being directed to this critical program.

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