WASHINGTON — 

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released a video highlighting the common-sense airport security and safety reforms in the Federal Aviation Administration extension that would help protect South Dakotans and all Americans who travel.

The House and Senate are expected to approve the extension this week, sending it to President Obama ahead of the Friday deadline. Thune served as the Senate’s lead negotiator during discussions between the House and Senate.  

“With the recent attacks in Istanbul and Brussels, American travelers are rightly concerned about airport security. We’ve come together behind a bill that will make air travel safer for Americans,” said Thune.

“It addresses the insider threat that exists at airports by more carefully vetting airport employees who have access to secure areas.

“It closes gaps in our security system. It expands the TSA pre-check program so that we can process people through security check points in a more quick and timely way.

“It also increases the number of canines and personnel that work at pre-security clearance areas to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep airport travelers safe.

“These are common-sense reforms that will benefit you and your family when you travel.”