The House Appropriations Committee included language in the Department of Homeland Security fiscal year 2005 budget that requires Secretary Tom Ridge, in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Secret Service, to develop and implement a “reasonable and effective” security plan restoring access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for security-qualified charter and GA operators by November 30.
The language in the bill suggests that security procedures for charter and GA flights arriving at or departing from DCA could include–but not be limited to–the vetting and certification of the GA operator’s subject flight and ground crews; advance clearing of passenger manifests by the TSA; physical screening of all passengers and luggage following TSA-specified standards and procedures; securing and physical inspection of the subject aircraft; compliance with the “30-minute rule;” compliance with special flight procedures; and allowing flights arriving at DCA to depart from only a limited number of “gateway” airports. Any additional measures that could lead to the reopening of DCA must ensure that the unique security needs of the National Capital Region are adequately addressed, the committee added.
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