Senate passes bill that would boost airport security

The Senate has approved a bipartisan aviation bill that would boost airport security, extend new protections to airline passengers and help speed the introduction of package-delivery drones.

The vote Tuesday was 95-3.

It also would extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s programs and powers through Oct. 1, 2017. That authority is due to expire July 15.

The House, which has become bogged down in a dispute over whether to privatize air traffic control operations, must still act.

Security provisions in the bill would permit a doubling of the number of government “viper teams” that stop and search suspicious passengers in airport public areas outside the security perimeter, often using bomb-sniffing dogs.

In a statement released to 47ABC, Senator Tom Carper says “It’s critical that we continue to address vulnerabilities that exist in order to deter and prevent similar attacks here at home, and I’m glad to have worked with my colleagues across the aisle to pass these smart solutions that will help us combat ever-evolving terror threats.”

Airlines would also have to refund checked-bag fees to passengers when the bags are lost or delivered late.

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