For Immediate Release
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.