Senate OKs airport security measures

Heinrich a co-sponsor of amendments filed after Brussels bombing

WASHINGTON — A package of transportation security amendments crafted in the aftermath of last month’s Brussels airport bombing overwhelmingly gained Senate approval Thursday.

The proposal was introduced as a series of amendments to a Federal Aviation Administration funding bill by a group of Democratic senators, including Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. It would double from 30 to 60 the number of government “viper teams” that stop and search suspicious passengers in public areas before screening, often using bombsniffing dogs.

The package also contains federal grants to train law enforcement officers in how to prepare for and respond to mass shootings at vulnerable transportation areas, and makes clear that state Homeland Security funding grants can be used for airport and surface transportation security in non-secure perimeter zones, such as check-in and baggage claim areas. The proposal would also update federal security programs to provide active-shooter training for law enforcement and increase the presence of federal security teams

“While we relentlessly target terrorists overseas, we must also do all we can to intelligently protect Americans here at home,” Heinrich said in a statement. “By employing these additional common-sense safeguards, we will intelligently respond to threats.”

Some civil libertarians, including the head of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, have questioned the constitutionality of the viper teams under the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans from unreasonable search and seizure. The Democratic package of amendments cleared the full Senate 91-5. A vote on the overall bill is expected later this month.