US President Mr George W Bush today signed legislation expanding the federal role in aviation security after the Sept 11th attacks in an effort to make flying safer as the busy US holiday travel season begins.
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Mr George W Bush
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"For our airways, there is one supreme priority - security," Mr Bush said shortly before signing the bill at Ronald Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington.
The legislation requires the federal government to hire about 28,000 airport baggage screeners within a year - effectively putting private airport security companies out of business.
But in a compromise for Republicans, after two years airports would be able to opt out of the system and go back to letting private companies do the baggage screening if they wish.
The legislation will cost an estimated $2.5 billion to $2.6 billion. Airline passengers will pay up to $5 per one-way trip to help finance the new security measures which will also add to airport delays.