A US congressman has vowed to introduce legislation that will require 100% screening of all air freight before it is loaded on freighters that will travel in the US.
Republican Edward Markey (pictured) made his announcement, following the discovery of bombs on two planes heading to Chicago, originating from Yemen on Friday.
Markey, author of the 2007 law that requires 100% screening of all air cargo transported on domestic and international passenger planes entering the US, said he would table the legislation when Congress reconvenes following this month's mid-term elections.
He said: "In 2007, my amendment on air cargo screening closed a cargo security gap on passenger planes."
"At the time, strong opposition from the shipping industry, the US Chamber of Commerce and other business interests prevented the inclusion of a screening mandate for all-cargo aircraft."
"Following this foiled cargo bombing plot from Yemen, now is the time to finish the job," Markey said.
He added, "Friday's incident shows that Al Qaeda is well aware of this loophole in the system, and fully intends to exploit it."
"That is why I intend to introduce a bill that would close the air cargo plane screening loophole when Congress reconvenes following Tuesday's elections."
"It is time for the shipping industry and the business community to accept the reality that more needs to be done to secure cargo planes so that they cannot be turned into a delivery systems for bombs targeting our country."
Meanwhile, the UK Freight Transport Association (FTA) said the industry would work with the UK government during its review of cargo security.
The government announced it would conduct a review after one of the two explosive devices was discovered during a routine stop at East Midlands Airport.
An FTA spokesman said: "The air cargo industry invests millions every year in ensuring its screening methods are of the highest standard."
"Over the next week, industry will be engaging with ministers at the highest level to ensure the correct measures are in place now and in the future."
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