Sunday, November 04, 2001

Stalemate in Congress Irks Security Experts Meanwhile, some improvements that experts consider fundamental remain uncertain. The airlines oppose universal matching of checked bags with the passengers who actually board flights, arguing it would be costly but provide no protection against suicide bombers. Congress wants all checked bags screened for explosives but has not appropriated the $2 billion that officials say bomb- detection machines will cost. And though the House and Senate plans are in agreement on measures that experts say would bolster security � adding armed marshals to more flights, transferring oversight of airport workers from the airlines to the federal government and fortifying cockpit doors � action on those fronts has been held up by thetug of war in Congress. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/03/business/03AIR.html?todaysheadlines&pagewanted=all