The ongoing investigation of the hijackings continues to reveal a global web of terrorist activities, with numerous arrests Wednesday in a European plot to carry out a series of attacks later this year. In the United States, nine individuals were arrested on charges of fraudulently obtaining licenses to transport hazardous materials while a Virginia security guard with connections to the hijackers was being held without bail. Bush plans to speak to airport and airline employees at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, one of the world's busiest. The measures are expected to include stronger cockpit doors to prevent would-be hijackers from gaining access to airplane cockpits, an expansion of the air marshals program, and an increased federal role in airport security practices. That could mean tougher federal safety standards and more extensive training for airport security workers.
Air marshals are armed, plainclothes federal agents who ride on flights anonymously.
The airline industry has already been hit hard by the hijackings, with bookings down. Despite Congress passing a hefty aid package last week, U.S. airlines have fired nearly 100,000 workers in the last two weeks. More Diplomatic Maneuvering Bush's diplomatic work will continue in Washington today, while the situation in Afghanistan remains unsettled. After returning from Chicago, the president will have White House meetings with European Council President Guy Verhofstadt and European Union Commission President Romano Prodi as he continues efforts to build support for military action in Afghanistan. Terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, who the United States is holding accountable for the Sept. 11 strikes, is believed to be hiding out in Afghanistan, with the tacit approval of the country's ruling Taliban.