Congress may act this week on the aviation security measures proposed last week by President Bush, but there are some details to be ironed out first.

Bush's plan includes expanding the armed Air Marshal program, placing airport security screening under federal control and beefing-up cockpit security. The plan would allocate federal funds to help airlines pay for some of the new standards.

The president also ordered state governors to station National Guard troop at airports until new federal security measures could be put in place. The federal government will pick up those costs, as well, Bush told the governors.

While the president can order the activation of many parts of his air security plan himself, federal oversight of security screening and any new government spending must be approved by Congress.

Here are the points likely to be debated in Congress:

• Bush's plan would create a new government agency to oversee airport screening. Some members of Congress, from both parties want to see the entire system placed under federal control, with all airport screening personnel having the same authority as customs and immigration agents. "It is no longer acceptable to allow private, profit-margin interests to conflict with public safety needs." - Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ernest Hollings, (D-SC)
  
  
• Some lawmakers oppose placing airport screening under federal control and have suggested a new tax to help the private-sector provide better security services. Surcharges of between $1 and $2.50 on one-way tickets have been proposed to help defer security costs.
  
  
• Should pilots be armed? Prior to 1987, FAA regulations allowed pilots to carry firearms. Since then, pilots have been subject to the same screening process and regulations as passengers. President Bush did not mention arming pilots in his proposal, and party leaders in both House and Senate have shown little support for the idea. 
  
  
• Democrats want the bill to include an assistance package for airline workers laid off as a result of the terrorist attacks. President Bush wants to include this as part of a separate bill to stimulate the economy.
  
  
• Also yet to be decided is which federal agency, Transportation or Justice, should oversee and enforce new security standards.

Two tasks forces from the Department of Transportation are scheduled to present recommendations to lawmakers on Monday, with final Congressional action expected later in the week.

• The bill under consideration is H.R. 2895 - the Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2001 - a bill to require that the screening of passengers and property on flights in air transportation be carried out by employees of the Federal Aviation Administration, to expand the Federal Air Marshal program of the Federal Aviation Administration, to establish requirements for carry-on baggage on flights in air transportation, and for other purposes.
• All legislation related to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
  From the Thomas Legislative Information System - Library of Congress