Extract
Regional News - North America.
New York (AirGuide - Regional News North America) Feb 19, 2012
Lawmakers push back on Pentagon nuclear-cuts proposal In a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, lawmakers questioned U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on proposed cuts to the nation's nuclear stockpile. The cuts, which could reach as high as an 80% reduction in warheads, have raised alarm among some lawmakers. "This has been something that has been part of a process for discussion within the national security team and remains there at this point," Panetta said. Feb 17, 2012 Some lawmakers question air-marshal program Some lawmakers are questioning whether the federal government should continue to spend $1 billion a year to fund the U.S. air marshal program. "The reality is, the terrorists have adapted to our security measures and changed their tactics," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee. The government employs thousands of marshals, including many retired law-enforcement officers. A report released last week mentioned complaints with the program, including favoritism, discrimination and mistrust. Feb 17, 2012 Officials from U.S., other nations opposed to EU ETS will meet Representatives from more than 25 countries opposed to the European Union's emissions-trading scheme plan to meet in Moscow next week. The countries include the U.S., Brazil, China, India and Russia. A draft agenda for the meeting says the countries will focus "on coordination of activities to oppose the inclusion of international civil aviation in the EU ETS." Feb 17, 2012 TSA will restructure federal Air Marshal Service The Transportation Security Administration plans to restructure the Federal Air Marshal Service after a report uncovered personnel complaints. "Changing the management structure and reinvigorating the focus of field operations addresses the [inspector general's] concerns by laying the foundation for real, positive cultural change to our workforce," said Robert Bray, assistant administrator at the TSA. Feb 17, 2012 Airports must adapt to high-tech advances to survive, experts say High-tech breakthroughs are making it possible for travelers to speed through airports, which means the facilities have to act fast if they want to cash in on their customers. That's a key message from the recent Future Travel Experience Asia conference. "[D]ue to advanced automation which will speed passenger processing through the airport and reduce the amount of time passengers spend there, airports will have to be far more creative to maintain and grow their commercial revenues," said Rohit Talwar, CEO and founder of Fast Future Research. Feb 17, 2012 Texas student's artwork will be displayed in aviation calendar Brianna Marie Salinas, 15, will have her artwork featured in the 2013 Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Art Calendar. Salinas' entry in a department art contest, which depicts a colorful image of a girl holding a balloon, won first place in its category. The Calhoun High School sophomore is also invited to attend the 30th Annual Texas Aviation Conference. Feb 17, 2012 Documents accuse TSA trainer of taking bribe Documents released by prosecutors this week show that a Transportation Security Administration instructor at Philadelphia International Airport is accused of taking a bribe in exchange for giving a security officer a passing grade on a mandatory exam. Shannon Gilliam, who has been suspended, could face up to 27 months in prison. Feb 17, 2012 TSA Pre expanding in 2012 Following the success of the TSA Pre passenger pre-screening pilot program, the Transportation Security Administration will expand its TSA Pre program to include 18 additional airports in 2012. TSA Pre, which is facilitated in conjunction with Customs and Border Protection, is designed to help TSA focus resources on higher-risk and unknown passengers while expediting the process for lower-risk and known passengers whenever possible. Read more in Feb. 14th Dateline ASTA Weekly. Feb 17, 2012 Developer eyes 15 new hotels in 2012 Lodging development firm Concord Hospitality Enterprises has committed $335 million toward reaching a development goal of 14,000 rooms in 2012 through the construction of 15 new hotels across the country. "We expect to more than double our development pipeline. Operationally, we will focus on adding more premium brand select-service and full-service hotels to our third-party managed portfolio, such as the DoubleTree in Albuquerque and Sheraton in Oklahoma City, which we were selected to manage late in 2011," said Concord President and CEO Mark Laport. Feb 17, 2012 Prepare security personnel to handle critical issues The revised Lodging Security Officer program from the Educational Institute has been updated with new information on child trafficking, active shooters, hostage situations and more. The four modules and DVD are ideal for self-study or group training, and can prepare employees ...See the full content of this document
