Thank you for the opportunity to speak to the US Commission on Civil Rights on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration.

FAA takes allegations of discrimination very seriously and continues to be uncompromising in its enforcement of these laws. In 1998, we sent the following assurance to the public that articulates our responsibility:

"The FAA wants to assure all travelers that airline screening will comply fully with civil rights laws and nothing will be done that might interfere with fundamental American liberties. The agency has cautioned airlines and airport law enforcement not to target or otherwise discriminate against passengers based on their race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or based on passengers' names or modes of dress that could be indicative of such classification."

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has stated that while FAA has put into place new heightened security measures that the airlines will carryout; we will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that the airlines, as they implement the new procedures, do not engage in unlawful discrimination.

The new security measures have been put into service for the safety of all. However, none of these new security measures decrease the responsibility of airports and airlines to ensure that airport and airline security procedures are carried out in a non-discriminatory manner.

The Departmental Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, the office that has responsibility for these complaints, has sent to the airlines a message that encourages each airline to take steps to ensure that its employees understand, not only is it wrong, but it is also illegal to discriminate against people based on their race, ethnicity or religion.

To date, FAA has received only one complaint regarding discrimination of an individual by an airline, on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion. This complaint was given the highest priority and referred to the Departmental Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.

FAA is unwavering in its commitment: we will continue to be ever vigilant and conscious of civil rights concerns and ensure that new procedures are consistent with civil rights laws.