Reston, VA, February 17, 2011 - The
Business Coalition for Fair Competition (BCFC) today applauded the U.S. Senate for unanimously adopting an
amendment by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) to the FAA Reauthorization Bill to ensure that airports can choose the private sector to meet its passenger screening needs.
Senator Blunt's amendment prohibits TSA from rejecting any airports from opting-out from the government employee screening program without providing a case-specific explanation that describes the reasoning for the denial.
In announcing the passage of his amendment, Sen. Blunt stated, "The bipartisan passage of this amendment is an important step in the right direction, and I will continue to work during the conference process to ensure that Springfield and other airports across the country have the flexibility to determine the best course of action for their individual security needs."
Last week, BCFC wrote Sen. Blunt in support of his amendment, and urged Senate approval.
BCFC President John Palatiello commended the Senate for its bipartisan action. "The Office of Management and Budget has listed security guard and protective services as commercial activities-- functions found on Main Street USA, or in the 'Yellow Pages'. Sen. Blunt's amendment would provide an opportunity for the private sector to perform a commercial activity, and decrease government duplication of and competition with the private sector."
About BCFC
The Business Coalition for Fair Competition (BCFC) is a national coalition of businesses, associations, taxpayer organizations and think tanks that are committed to reducing all forms of unfair government created, sponsored and provided competition with the private sector. BCFC believes the free enterprise system is the most productive and efficient provider of goods and services and strongly supports the federal government utilizing the private sector for commercially available products and services to the maximum extent possible.
