Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990
PL 101-604 (H.R.5732), enacted 11/16/1990

104 STAT. 3066 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
Public Law 101-604 
101st Congress 
Nov. 16, 1990 
[H.R. 5732] 
Aviation 
Security 
Improvement 
Act of 1990. 
49 u s e app. 
1301 note. 
25 u s e 5501 
note. 
An Act 
To promote and strengthen aviation security, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the "Aviation Security 
Improvement Act of 1990". 
(b) T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S . — 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Findings. 
TITLE I—AVIATION SECURITY 
Sec. 101. Director of Intelligence and Security. 
Sec. 102. Annual aviation security report; budget. 
Sec. 103. Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security. 
Sec. 104. Federal Security Managers and Foreign Security Liaison Officers. 
Sec. 105. Air carrier and airport security personnel. 
Sec. 106. Assessment of threats to domestic airport security. 
Sec. 107. Research and development. 
Sec. 108. Deplojmient of explosive detection equipment. 
Sec. 109. Threats to civil aviation; public notification. 
Sec. 110. Airport construction guidelines. 
Sec. 111. Intelligence. 
Sec. 112. Screening of mail and cargo. 
TITLE II—UNITED STATES RESPONSE TO TERRORISM AFFECTING 
AMERICANS ABROAD 
Sec. 201. International negotiations concerning aviation security. 
Sec. 202. Coordinator for counterterrorism. 
Sec. 203. Passenger manifest. 
Sec. 204. Department of State notification of families of victims. 
Sec. 205. Designation of State Department-family liaison and toll-free family com-
munications system. 
Sec. 206. Disaster training for State Department personnel. 
Sec. 207. Department of State responsibilities and procedures at international disas-
ter site. 
Sec. 208. Recovery and disposition of remains and personal effects. 
Sec. 209. Assessment of Lockerbie experience. 
Sec. 210. Official Department of State recognition. 
Sec. 211. United States Government compensation for victims of terrorism. 
Sec. 212. Overseas security electronic bulletin board. 
Sec. 213. Antiterrorism assistance. 
Sec. 214. Antiterrorism measures. 
Sec. 215. Proposal for consideration by the international civil aviation organization. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds that— 
(1) the safety and security of passengers of United States air 
carriers against terrorist threats should be given the highest 
priority by the United States Government; 
(2) the report of the President's Commission on Aviation 
Security and Terrorism, dated May 15, 1990, found that current 
aviation security systems are inadequate to provide such 
protection; 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3067 
(3) the United States Government should immediately take 
steps to ensure fuller compliance with existing laws and regula-
tions relating to aviation security; 
(4) the United States Government should work through the 
International Civil Aviation Organization and directly with 
foreign governments to enhance aviation security of foreign 
carriers and at foreign airports; 
(5) the United States Government should ensure that en-
hanced security measures are fully implemented by both United 
States and foreign air carriers; 
(6) all nations belonging to the Summit Seven should 
promptly amend the Bonn Declaration to extend sanctions for 
all terrorist acts, including attacks against airports and air 
carrier ticket offices; 
(7) the United States Government, in bilateral negotiations 
with foreign governments, should emphasize upgrading inter-
national aviation security objectives; 
(8) the United States Government should have in place a 
mechanism by which the Government notifies the public, on a 
case-by-case basis and through the application of a uniform 
national standard, of certain credible threats to civil aviation 
security; 
(9) the United States Government has a special obligation to 
United States victims of acts of terrorism directed against this 
Nation and should provide prompt assistance to the families of 
such victims and assure that fair and prompt compensation is 
provided to such victims and their families; 
(10) the United States should work with other nations to treat 
£is outlaws state sponsors of terrorism, isolating such sponsors 
politically, economically, and militarily; 
(11) the United States must develop a clear understanding 
that state-sponsored terrorism threatens United States values 
and interests, and that active measures are needed to counter 
more effectively the terrorist threat; and 
(12) the United States must have the national will to take 
every feasible action to prevent, counter, and respond to terror-
ist activities. 
TITLE I—AVIATION SECURITY 
SEC. 101. DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY. 
49 USC app. 
(a) EsTABUSHMENT OF POSITION.—There is established in the 
Office of the Secretary of Transportation the position of Director of 
Intelligence and Security. 
(b) POWERS AND DUTIES.—The Director of Intelligence and Secu-
rity shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation and 
shall have the following duties and powers: 
(1) Receipt, assessment, and distribution of intelligence 
information relating to long-term transportation security. 
(2) Development of policies, strategies, ahd plans for dealing 
with threats to transportation security. 
(3) Other planning relating to transportation security, includ-
ing coordination of countermeasures with appropriate Federal 
agencies. 
(4) Serving as the primary liaison of the Secretary with the 
intelligence and law enforcement communities. 
104 STAT. 3068 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
(5) Such other duties and powers as the Secretary may pre-
scribe as necessary to ensure, to the extent possible, the security 
of the traveling public. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 106(g)(1) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after "312-314," the following 
"315-316 (except for the duties and powers vested in the Director of 
Intelligence and Security by or under section 101 of the Aviation 
Security Improvement Act of 1990),". 
SEC. 102. ANNUAL AVIATION SECURITY REPORT; BUDGET. 
(a) ANNUAL AVIATION SECURITY REPORT.—Section 315 of the Fed-
eral Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1356) is amended by 
redesignating subsection (b), and any reference thereto, as subsec-
tion (c) and by inserting after subsection (a) the following new 
subsection: 
"(b) TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.— 
"(1) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than December 31 of cal-
endar year 1991 and of each calendar year thereafter, the 
Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report concerning 
transportation security, together with such recommendations as 
the Secretary considers appropriate. Such report shall be 
prepared in conjunction with the annual report of the Adminis-
trator under subsection (a) and shall not duplicate the informa-
tion required by subsection (a) or section 1115(c) of this Act. 
Such annual report may, as necessary, be submitted in 2 parts 
with 1 part being classified in nature and 1 part being unclassi-
fied. 
"(2) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—The annual report required by this 
subsection shall include— 
"(A) a summary of the activities of the Director of Intel-
ligence and Security in the 12-month period ending on the 
date of such report; 
"(B) an assessment of trends and developments in terror-
ist activities, methods, and other threats to transportation; 
"(C) recommendations for research, engineering, and 
development activities relating to transportation security, 
except research, engineering, and development activities 
relating to aviation security to the extent such activities 
are covered by the research plan required by section 312(d) 
of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958; 
"(D) legislative and regulatory recommendations, if 
appropriate; 
"(E) funding and staffing requirements of the Director of 
Intelligence and Security; 
"(F) an assessment of funding and staffing requirements, 
and attainment of existing staffing goals, for carrying out 
security functions of the Federal Aviation Administration; 
"(G) identification and evaluation of cooperative efforts 
with other Federal agencies; 
"(H) an evaluation of cooperation with foreign transpor-
tation and security authorities; 
"(I) the status of implementation of the recommendations 
of the President's Commission of Aviation Security and 
Terrorism and the reasons for any delays in implementa-
tion of such recommendations; and 
"(J) an evaluation of deployment of explosive detection 
devices.". 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3069 
(b) PASSENGER SCREENING REPORTS.—Section 315(a) of the Federal 
Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1356(a)) is amended by striking 
"semiannual" each place it appears and inserting "annual". 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The portion of the table of contents 
contained in the first section of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 
which appears under the side heading: 
"Sec. 315. Screening of passengers in air transportation." 
is amended by striking "(b)" and inserting "(c)" and by inserting 
after the item relating to subsection (a) the following: 
"0)) Transportation security.". 
(2) SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORTS.—Section 1115(c) of such Act 
(49 U.S.C. App. 1515(c)) is amended by inserting "(a)" after 
"section 315". 
(d) ANNUAL BUDGET SUBMISSION.—The annual budget submission 
for the Department of Transportation shall include a specific re-
quest for the Office of the Director of Intelligence and Security. In 
determining the budget request for the Director, the Secretary shall 
take into consideration recommendations contained in the annual 
report submitted under section 315(b) of the Federal Aviation Act of 
1958. 
SEC. 103. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY. 
Title III of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1341-
1358) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
"SEC. 318. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY. 
"(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF POSITION.—There is established the posi-
tion of Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security. 
"(b) AUTHORITY OF ADMINISTRATOR.—The Assistant Administrator 
shall report directly to the Administrator and shall be subject to the 
Administrator's direction and authority. 
"(c) RESPONSIBIUTIES.—The responsibilities of the Assistant 
Administrator shall include— 
"(1) day-to-day management of and operational guidance to 
Federal Aviation Administration field security resources, 
including Federal Security Managers; 
"(2) enforcement of security-related requirements; 
"(3) identification of research and development requirements 
of security-related activities; 
"(4) inspections of security systems; 
"(5) reporting to the Director of Intelligence and Security 
such information as may be necessary to permit the Director to 
fulfill assigned responsibilities; 
"(6) assessment of threats to civil aviation; and 
"(7) such other functions as the Administrator considers nec-
essary and appropriate. 
"(d) MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN AIR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.— 
The Assistant Administrator shall review and, as necessary, develop 
measures to strengthen air transportation security, including— 
"(1) meEisures to strengthen controls over checked baggage in 
air transportation, such as measures to ensure baggage rec-
onciliation and inspection of items in baggage of passengers 
which could potentially contain explosive devices; 
"(2) measures to strengthen control over individuals with 
access to aircraft; 
49 u s e app. 
1652b note. 
49 u s e app. 
1358a. 
104 STAT. 3070 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
"(3) measures to improve testing of security systems; 
"(4) measures to ensure the use of best available x-ray equip-
ment for air transportation security purposes; and 
"(5) measures to strengthen preflight screening of pas-
sengers.". 
SEC. 104. FEDERAL SECURITY MANAGERS AND FOREIGN SECURITY LIAI-
SON OFFICERS. 
Title III of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 
1341-1358) is further amended by adding at the end the following 
new section: 
49 use app. 
"SEC. 319. FEDERAL SECURITY MANAGERS AND FOREIGN SECURITY LIAI-
1358b. 
SON OFFICERS. 
"(a) FEDERAL SECURITY MANAGERS.— 
"(1) EsTABUSHMENT OF POSITION.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the Adminis-
trator shall establish the position of Federal Security Manager 
for each airport in the United States at which the Adminis-
trator determines that such a Manager is necessary to meet the 
needs of air transportation security and shall begin designating 
persons as such Managers and stationing such Managers at 
such airports. In carrying out the requirements of this section, 
the Administrator may assign the functions and responsibilities 
described in this section to existing Federal Aviation Admin-
istration field personnel and designate such personnel accord-
ingly. 
"(2) 1-YEAR STATIONING REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the Adminis-
trator shall have stationed a Federal Security Manager at each 
airport in the United States which is designated by the Depart-
ment of Transportation as a category X airport. 
"(3) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The responsibilities of a Federal 
Security Manager with respect to an airport shall include the 
following: 
"(A) Receipt of intelligence information relating to avia-
tion security. 
"(B) Ensuring and assisting in the development of a 
comprehensive security plan for the airport— 
"(i) which establishes responsibilities of each such air 
carrier and airport operator with respect to air 
transportation security at the airport; and 
"(ii) which includes measures to be taken during 
periods of normal airport operations and during periods 
when there is a need for additional airport security, as 
determined by the Federal Security Manager, and 
identifies the persons responsible for carrying out such 
measures. 
"(C) Oversight and enforcement of implementation by air 
carriers and airport operators of Federal security require-
ments, including the comprehensive plan developed pursu-
ant to subparagraph (B). 
"(D) Serving as the on-site coordinator of the response of 
the Federal Aviation Administration to terrorist incidents 
and threats at the airport. 
"(E) Coordination of day-to-day Federal activities relating 
to aviation security at the airport. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3071 
"(F) Coordination with local law enforcement efforts 
relating to aviation security. 
"(G) Coordination of activities with Federal Security 
Managers at other airports, as appropriate. 
"(4) AUTHORITY OF ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR.—A Federal 
Security Manager shall report directly to the office of the 
Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security. 
"(5) NONDUPLICATION OF FUNCTIONS.—When a Federal Secu-
rity Manager is designated or stationed at an airport, the Civil 
Aviation Security Field Officer shall not be assigned security 
responsibilities at such airport. 
"(b) FOREIGN SECURITY LIAISON OFFICERS.— 
"(1) EsTABUSHMENT OF POSITION.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the Adminis-
trator shall establish the position of Foreign Security Liaison 
Officer for each airport outside the United States at which the 
Administrator determines that such an Officer is necessary for 
air transportation security and, in coordination with the Sec-
retary of State, shall begin assigning such Officers. 
"(2) 2-YEAR REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the Secretary of State, shall Eissign Foreign 
Security Liaison Officers for airports outside the United States 
where extraordinary security measures are in place. The Sec-
retary of State shall give high priority to the stationing of such 
officers. 
"(3) RESPONSIBIUTIES.—A Foreign Security Liaison Officer 
shall be responsible (A) for serving as the liaison of the Assist-
ant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security with foreign secu-
rity authorities (including foreign governments and airport 
authorities) with respect to implementation of Federal security 
requirements at the airport, and (B) to the extent practicable, 
for performing the responsibilities set forth in subsection (a)(3). 
"(4) AUTHORITY OF ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR.—A Foreign 
Security Liaison Officer shall report directly to the office of the 
Assistant Administrator for Civil Aviation Security. 
"(5) COORDINATION WITH CHIEF OF UNITED STATES DIPLOMATIC 
MISSION.—The activities of a Foreign Security Liaison Officer 
shall be coordinated with the chief of the United States diplo-
matic mission to which the Officer is assigned. All activities of a 
Foreign Security Liaison Officer pursuant to this subsection 
shall be consistent with the authorities of the Secretary of State 
and the chief of mission to a foreign country under section 103 
of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 
1986 and section 207 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980. 
"(c) LONG-TERM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this section, the Administrator 
shall submit to Congress a plan to fully implement the requirements 
of this section. Such plan shall include a schedule for implementa-
tion and an £issessment of personnel and funding needs.". 
SEC. 105. AIR CARRIER AND AIRPORT SECURITY PERSONNEL. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 316 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 
(49 U.S.C. App. 1357) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsections: 
"(g) AIR CARRIER AND AIRPORT SECURITY PERSONNEL.— 
"(1) EMPLOYMENT INVESTIGATIONS.— 
104 STAT. 3072 
Regulations. 
Classified 
information. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—In order to ensure the security of 
aircraft and their passengers, crew, and cargo, the Adminis-
trator shall issue regulations to require individuals em-
ployed in, and individuals applying for, positions described 
in subparagraph (B) to be subjected to such employment 
investigations, including criminal history record check, as 
the Administrator determines necessary to ensure air 
transportation security. 
"(B) 
INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO EMPLOYMENT INVESTIGA-
TIONS.—An individual shall be subject to an employment 
investigation under subparagraph (A) if such individual is 
employed in, or is applying for, a position in which such 
individual has unescorted access, or may authorize others 
to have unescorted access, to air carrier or foreign air 
carrier aircraft, or to secured areas (designated by the 
Administrator) of United States airports serving air car-
riers or foreign air carriers. 
"(C) REQUIREMENTS OF AIR CARRIERS AND AIRPORT OPERA-
TORS.—Any air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport 
operator who employs an individual in a position described 
in subparagraph (B), or authorizes or contracts for the 
services of such individual, shall take such actions as may 
be necessary to ensure that any employment investigation 
required by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) is 
performed. 
'(2) CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—If, as part of an employment investiga-
tion under paragraph (1)(A), the Administrator requires an 
identification and criminal history record check of an 
individual in a position described in paragraph (1)(B) to be 
conducted by the Attorney General, the Administrator 
(after consultation with the Attorney General) shall des-
ignate persons to obtain and transmit fingerprints to the 
Attorney General. The costs of any such check shall be paid 
by the employer of such individual. The Attorney General 
may for the purposes of this subsection make available 
the results of any such check to persons designated by the 
Administrator, after consultation with the Attorney Gen-
eral. 
"(B) REGULATIONS.—For purposes of administering this 
subsection, the Administrator shall prescribe regulations 
to— 
"(i) implement procedures for taking fingerprints; 
and 
"(ii) establish requirements for use of information 
received from the Attorney General under this subsec-
tion in order to limit the dissemination of such 
information and ensure that such information is used 
solely for the purposes of this subsection. 
"(C) CORRECTION OF CHECK INFORMATION.—An individual 
who, as part of an employment investigation under para-
graph (1)(A), is subject to an identification and criminal 
history records check shall be provided a copy of any record 
received from the Attorney General and shall have the 
right to complete and correct the information contained in 
such check before any final employment decision is made 
on account of such check. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3073 
"(3) EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport operator 
shall not employ, or authorize or contract for the services 
of, any individual in a position described in paragraph 
(lXB),if-
"(i) such individual has not been subject to an 
employment investigation required under paragraph 
(lXA);or 
"(ii) the results of such investigation establish that 
such individual in the 10-year period ending on the 
date of such investigation has been convicted in any 
jurisdiction of a crime set forth in section 902 Qy), (c), 
(h), (i), (j), (k), (1), (m), (n), (q), or (r); a crime set forth in 
section 32 of title 18, United States Code; murder; 
assault with intent to murder; espionage; sedition; trea-
son; rape; kidnapping; unlawful possession, sale, dis-
tribution, or manufacture of an explosive or weapon; 
extortion; armed robbery; distribution of, or intent to 
distribute, a controlled substance; or conspiracy to 
commit any of the aforementioned criminal acts. 
The Administrator may specify other factors which the 
Administrator determines to be sufficient to make an 
individual ineligible for employment in a position described 
in paragraph (IXB). 
"(B) EXCEPTION.—It shall not be a violation of subpara-
graph (A) for an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport 
operator to employ, or authorize or contract for employ-
ment of, an individual in a position described in paragraph 
(IXB) who has not been subject to an employment investiga-
tion required by paragraph (IXA), if the employment of 
such individual is carried out pursuant to a plan approved 
by the Administrator which provides alternate security 
arrangements. 
"(4) LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in 
this subsection shall be construed as requiring investigations or 
record checks where such investigations or record checks are 
prohibited by applicable laws of a foreign government. 
"(5) FEES AND CHARGES.—The Administrator and the Attorney 
General shall establish reasonable fees and charges to cover 
expenses incurred in carrying out this subsection. The amount 
of fees collected under this paragraph shall be credited to the 
accounts in the Treasury from which such expenses were in-
curred and shall be available to the Administrator and the 
Attorney Greneral for paying expenses for which such fees are 
collected. 
"(h) EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS.—Not later than 270 days after the 
date of the enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
prescribe standards for the hiring, continued employment, and 
contracting of air carrier and, as appropriate, airport security 
personnel. Such standards shall include— 
"(1) minimum training requirements for new employees; 
"(2) retraining requirements; 
"(3) minimum staffing levels; 
"(4) minimum language skills; and 
"(5) minimum education levels for employees, as appropriate. 
104 STAT. 3074 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
"(i) HUMAN FACTORS.—The Administrator, in coordination with 
air carriers, airport operators, and other interested persons shall 
review issues relating to human performance in the aviation secu-
rity system with the goal of maximizing such performance. Upon 
completion of the review, the Administrator shall recommend guide-
lines and prescribe appropriate changes to existing procedures to 
improve such performance. 
"(j) TRAINING OF AIR CARRIER AND AIRPORT SECURITY PERSON-
NEL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
subsection, the Administrator shall prescribe standards for the edu-
cation and training of— 
"(1) ground security coordinators; 
"(2) security supervisory personnel; and 
"(3) airline pilots as in-flight security coordinators. 
Such standards shall include initial training, retraining, and 
continuing education requirements and methods by which the 
performance of ground security coordinators and security super-
visory personnel shall be measured annually, 
"(k) FOREIGN AIR CARRIER SECURITY PROGRAMS.— 
"(1) CONTINUATION OF EXISTING APPROVAL REQUIREMENT.—The 
Administrator shall continue in effect the requirement of sec-
tion 129.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that foreign 
air carriers must adopt and use a security program approved by 
the Administrator. 
"(2) LEVEL OF PROTECTION.—The Administrator may approve a 
security program of a foreign air carrier under the requirement 
referred to in paragraph (1) only if the Administrator finds that 
the security program provides passengers of the foreign air 
carrier with a similar level of protection as such passengers 
would receive under the security programs of air carriers serv-
ing the same airports. The Administrator shall require foreign 
air carriers to employ procedures equivalent to those required 
of air carriers serving the same airport if the Administrator 
determines that such procedures are necessary to afford a 
similar level of protection as is afforded passengers of the air 
carriers serving the same airport. 
"(3) REVIEW OF EXISTING PROGRAMS.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Adminis-
trator shall take such action as may be necessary to ensure that 
a security program of a foreign air carrier approved by the 
Administrator before such date of enactment meets the require-
ment of paragraph (2). 
"(4) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Administrator shall submit to 
Congress as part of the annual report required by section 315(a) 
an assessment of the steps being taken, and the progress being 
made, in ensuring that foreign air carrier security programs for 
airports outside the United States— 
"(A) at which the Administrator determines that a For-
eign Security Liaison Officer is necessary for air transpor-
tation security, and 
"(B) for which extraordinary security measures are in 
place, 
are in compliance with this subsection.", 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The portion of the table of con-
tents contained in the first section of the Federal Aviation Act of 
1958 which appears under the side heading: 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3075 
"Sec. 316. Air transportation security." 
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: 
"(g) Air carrier and airport security personnel. 
"(h) Employment standards. 
"(i) Human factors. 
"(j) Training of air carrier and airport security personnel. 
"(k) Foreign air carrier security programs.". 
(c) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
49 use app. 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
1357 note. 
Administration shall issue regulations implementing subsection 
(kX2) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. 1357), as inserted 
by subsection (a) of this section. 
SEC. 106. ASSESSMENT OF THREATS TO DOMESTIC AIRPORT SECURITY. 
49 USC app. 
(a) GENERAL ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration and the Director of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation shall jointly conduct an assessment of current and 
potential threats to the domestic air transportation system. Such 
assessment shall include consideration of the extent to which there 
are individuals with the capability and intent to carry out terrorist 
or related unlawful acts against the domestic aviation system and 
the methods by which such individuals might carry out such acts. 
(b) ANALYSIS AND MONITORING.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration and the Director of the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation shall jointly determine and implement the most effec-
tive method for continually analyzing and monitoring security 
threats to the domestic air transportation system. 
(c) ASSESSMENTS WITH RESPECT TO INDIVIDUAL AIRPORTS.—In co-
ordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Adminis-
trator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct periodic 
threat and vulnerability assessments with respect to the security of 
individual airports which are part of the domestic air transportation 
system. Each such assessment shall include consideration of— 
(1) the adequacy of security procedures with respect to the 
handling and transport of checked baggage, cargo, and mail; 
(2) space requirements for security personnel and equipment; 
(3) separation of screened and unscreened passengers, bag-
gage, cargo, and mail; 
(4) separation of the controlled and uncontrolled areas of 
airport facilities; and 
(5) coordination of the activities of security personnel of the 
United States Customs Service, the Immigration and Natu-
ralization Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, air 
carriers, and of other law enforcement personnel. 
(d) REPORTS TO CONGRESS.—The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall transmit to Congress for each of 
calendar years 1991 and 1992 an annual report on the progress 
being made and the problems occurring in implementation of this 
section, together with recommendations for improving domestic air 
transportation security. 
(e) REMEDYING SECURITY DEFICIENCIES.—The Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as may be 
necessary to improve domestic air transportation security by rem-
edying any deficiencies in such security discovered as a result of the 
assessments, analyses, and monitoring conducted under this section. 
if) SURVEY.—In developing airport construction guidelines under 
subsection (d) of section 612 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as 
104 STAT. 3076 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
added by section 110 of this Act, the Administrator shall take into 
consideration the results of the assessment conducted under subsec-
tion (a) of this section. 
SEC. 107. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. 
Section 316(d) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 
49 use app. 
1351(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new para-
^^^'^- 
graphs: 
"(3) PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE RESEARCH.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall establish and 
carry out a program to accelerate and expand the research, 
development, and implementation of technologies and 
procedures to counteract terrorist acts against civil avia-
tion. 
Explosives. 
"(B) REVIEW OF THREATS.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Adminis-
trator shall complete an intensive review of threats to civil 
aviation, with particular focus on— 
"(i) the explosive materials which present the most 
significant threat to civil aircraft; 
"(ii) the minimum amounts, configurations, and 
types of explosive material which would reasonably be 
expected to cause catastrophic damage to commercial 
aircraft in service and expected to be in service in the 
10-year period beginning on such date; 
' (iii) the minimum amounts, configurations, and 
types of explosive material which can cause cata-
strophic damsige to commercial aircraft in service and 
expected to be in service in the 10-year period begin-
ning on such date; 
"(iv) the amounts, configurations, and types of explo-
sive material which can reliably be detected by exist-
ing, or reasonably anticipated, near-term explosive 
detection technologies; 
**(v) the feasibility of employing various methods to 
minimize damage caused by explosive materials which 
cannot be reliably detected by existing, or reasonably 
anticipated, near-term explosive detection technologies; 
"(vi) the ability to screen such different entities as 
passengers, carry-on baggage, checked baggage, mail, 
and cargo; and 
"(vii) the technologies which might be used in the 
future to attempt to destroy or otherwise threaten 
commercial aircraft and the methods by which such 
technologies can be effectively countered. 
"(C) USE OF RESULTS.—The results of such review shall be 
used by the Administrator in developing the focus and 
priorities of the program established under this paragraph. 
"(D) DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION.—In designing and 
im-
plementing the program established under this paragraph, 
the Administrator shall— 
"(i) consult and coordinate with other Federal agen-
cies conducting similar research; 
"(ii) identify Federal agencies which would benefit 
from such research; and 
"(iii) seek cost-sharing agreements with such Federal 
agencies. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3077 
"(4) PURPOSE.—It shall be the purpose of the program estab-
lished under paragraph (3) to develop and have in place not 
later than 36 months after the date of the enactment of this 
paragraph such new equipment and procedures £is are needed to 
meet the technological challenges presented by terrorism. 
"(5) HUMAN FACTORS.—The program established under para-
graph (3) shall include research and development of both 
technological improvements and ways to enhance human 
performance. 
"(6) GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—Amounts appro-
priated for each fiscal year under paragraph (9) shall be made 
available by the Administrator, by way of grants, to colleges, 
universities, and other appropriate research institutions and 
facilities with demonstrated ability to conduct research de-
scribed in paragraph (3). Such grants shall be in such amounts, 
and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Administrator 
may prescribe. The Administrator may also enter into such 
cooperative agreements with such governmental entities as the 
Administrator considers appropriate. 
"(7) REVIEW.—In administration of the program established 
under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall review and con-
sider the annual reports of the Secretary of Transportation 
submitted to Congress on transportation security and intel-
ligence. 
"(8) SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL.—The Administrator shall Establishment, 
establish a scientific advisory panel, as a subcommittee of the 
Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee, 
for the purpose of reviewing, commenting on, and advising the 
Administrator on the progress of, and any necessary modifica-
tions to, the programs established under paragraph (3), includ-
ing the need for long-range research programs to detect and 
prevent catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft by the next 
generation of terrorist weapons. The panel shall consist of 
individuals with scientific and technical expertise in— 
"(A) the development and testing of effective explosive-
detection systems; 
"(B) aircraft structure and experimentation to determine 
the type and minimum weights of explosives which an 
effective technology must be capable of detecting; 
"(C) technologies involved in the minimization of air-
frame damage to aircraft from explosives; and 
"(D) such other scientific and technical areas as are 
considered appropriate by the Administrator. 
"(9) 
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are 
au-
thorized to be appropriated from the Airport and Airway Trust 
Fund, after completion of the review required by paragraph 
(3XB), such sums as may be necessary for the purpose of carry-
ing out the grant program established by paragraph (6).". 
SEC. 108. DEPLOYMENT OF EXPLOSIVE DETECTION EQUIPMENT. 
Title III of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1341-
1358) is further amended by adding at the end the following new 
section: 
"SEC. 320. DEPLOYMENT OF EXPLOSIVE DETECTION EQUIPMENT. 
"(a) GENERAL RULE.—No deployment or purchase of any explosive 
detection equipment pursuant to section 108.7(bX8) and 108.20 of 
49 use app. 
1358c. 
104 STAT. 3078 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any similar rule, shall be 
required after the date of the enactment of this section, unless the 
Administrator certifies that, based on the results of tests conducted 
pursuant to protocols developed in consultation with expert sci-
entists from outside the Federal Aviation Administration, such 
equipment alone or as part of an integrated system can detect under 
realistic air carrier operating conditions the amounts, configura-
tions, and types of explosive material which would be likely to be 
used to cause catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft. 
"(b) DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION OF TESTS.—The tests referred to be 
in subsection (a) shall be completed not later than 18 months after 
the date of the enactment of this section. 
"(c) 
LIMITED AUTHORITY 
FOR 
INTERIM 
DEPLOYMENT.—Before 
completion of the tests referred to in subsection (a), but in no event 
later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, 
the Administrator may require the deployment of explosive detec-
tion equipment referred to in subsection (a) if the Administrator 
determines that such deployment shall significantly enhance avia-
tion security. In making such determination, the Administrator 
shall take into consideration, but not be limited to, such factors as 
the ability of such equipment alone or as part of an integrated 
system to detect under realistic air carrier operating conditions the 
amounts, configurations, and types of explosive material that would 
likely be used to cause catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft. 
The Administrator shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Sci-
ence, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Public 
Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives of a 
deployment decision made pursuant to this subsection. 
"(d) LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this 
section shall be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from 
purchasing or deploying explosive detection equipment referred to 
in subsection (a).". 
SEC. 109. THREATS TO CIVIL AVIATION; PUBLIC NOTIFICATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Title III of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 
U.S.C. App. 1341-1358) is further amended by adding at the end the 
following new section: 
49 u s e app. 
"SEC. 321. REPORTING OF THREATS TO CIVIL AVIATION. 
1 ^'^RH 
"(a) IN GENERAL.—Pursuant to such guidelines as the Secretary of 
Transportation shall establish, an air carrier, airport operator, 
ticket agent, or individual employed by such an entity, receiving 
information, other than through a communication directed by the 
Federal Government, of a threat to civil aviation, shall promptly 
provide such information to the Secretary or the designee of the 
Secretary. 
"(b) FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS.—In the event that a determination is 
made that a particular threat to civil aviation cannot be addressed 
in a manner adequate to ensure, to the extent feasible, the safety of 
the passengers and crew of a particular flight or series of flights, the 
Administrator shall order the cancellation of such flight or series of 
flights. 
"(c) NOTIFICATION GUIDELINES.— 
President. 
"(1) PuBuc NOTIFICATION GuiDEUNES.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Presi-
dent shall develop guidelines for ensuring notification to the 
public of threats to civil aviation in appropriate cases. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16,1990 
104 STAT. 3079 
"(2) FUGHT AND CABIN CREW NOTIFICATION GUIDEUNES.—Not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this 
section, the Administrator shall develop guidelines for ensuring 
notification of the flight and cabin crews of an air carrier flight 
of threats to the security of such flight in appropriate cases. 
"(d) RESPONSIBIUTIES.—The guidelines developed under subsection 
(cXl) shall identify officials responsible for— 
"(1) determining, on a case-by-case basis, if public notification 
of a threat is in the best interest of the United States and the 
traveling public; 
"(2) ensuring that public notification, when considered appro-
priate, is made in a timely and effective manner, including the 
use of a toll-free telephone number; and 
"(3) canceling the departure of a flight or series of flights 
under subsection (b). 
"(e) CRITERIA.—The guidelines developed pursuant to subsection 
(cXD shall provide for the consideration of— 
"(1) the specificity of the threat; 
"(2) the credibility of intelligence information related to the 
threat; 
"(3) the ability to effectively counter the threat; 
"(4) the protection of intelligence information sources and 
methods; 
"(5) cancellation, by an air carrier or the Administrator, of a 
flight or series of flights instead of public notification; 
"(6) the ability of passengers and crew to take steps to reduce 
the risk to their safety as a result of any notification; and 
"(7) such other factors as the Administrator considers appro-
priate. 
"(f) SELECTIVE NOTIFICATION PROHIBITED.—In no event shall there 
be notification of a threat to civil aviation to only selective potential 
travelers unless such threat applies only to them. 
"(g) DISTRIBUTION.—The guidelines developed pursuant to subsec-
tion (c) shall be distributed for use by appropriate officials of the 
Department of Transportation, the Department of State, the Depart-
ment of Justice, and air carriers. 
"(h) ACCESS TO INFORMATION.—The Administrator, in cooperation 
with agencies involved in the collection, receipt, and analysis of 
intelligence information relating to aviation security, shall develop 
procedures to minimize the number of individuals having access to 
threat information. Any restrictions adopted pursuant to this 
subsection shall not diminish the ability of the Federal Government 
to effectively discharge its responsibilities relating to aviation secu-
rity, including notification of the public and flight and cabin crews 
under subsection (c).". 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The por-
tion of the table of contents contained in the first section of the 
Federal Aviation Act of 1958 relating to title III of such Act is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 317 the 
following new items: 
"Sec. 318. Assistant Administrator of Civil Aviation Security. 
"(a) Establishment of position. 
"(b) Authority of Administrator. 
"(c) Responsibilities. 
"(d) Measures to strengthen air transportation security. 
"Sec. 319. Federal Security Managers and Foreign Security Liaison Officers. 
"(a) Federal Security Managers. 
"(b) Foreign Security Liaison Officers. 
104 STAT. 3080 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
"(c) Long-term implementation plan. 
"Sec. 320. Deployment of explosive detection equipment. 
"Sec. 321. Reporting of threats to civil aviation. 
"(a) In general. 
"(b) Flight cancellations. 
"(c) Notification guidelines. 
"(d) Responsibilities. 
"(e) Criteria. 
"(f) Selective notification prohibited. 
\ 
"(g) Distribution. 
"(h) Access to information.". 
SEC. 110. AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 612 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 
(49 U.S.C. App. 1432) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection: 
"(d) AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES.—The Administrator, in 
consultation with airport authorities, air carriers, and such others 
as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall develop guidelines 
for airport design and construction to allow for maximum security 
enhancement.''. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The por-
tion of the table of contents contained in the first section of the 
Federal Aviation Act of 1958 which appears under the side heading: 
"Sec. 612. Airport operating certificates." 
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: 
"(d) Airport construction guidelines.". 
49 u s e app. 
SEC. 111. INTELLIGENCE. 
(a) INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM REPORTING.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the heads of the 
agencies of the intelligence community shall promulgate policies 
and procedures to ensure that intelligence reports concerning inter-
national terrorism are made available, as appropriate, to other 
members of the intelligence community, the Department of 
Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration. 
(b) STRATEGIC PLANNING.—The intelligence community shall con-
sider placing greater emphasis on strategic intelligence efforts 
through the establishment of a unit for strategic planning concern-
ing terrorism. 
(c) CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY LIAISON.—At the request of the 
Secretary of Transportation, the Director of (Hentral Intelligence 
shall designate not less than one intelligence officer of the Central 
Intelligence Agency to serve in a senior staff position in the Office of 
the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. 
(d) REVIEW OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING.—Not later 
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
intelligence community, the Department of Transportation, and the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a review of and, as 
appropriate, revise all memorandums of understanding and other 
written working agreements between the intelligence community 
and the Federal Aviation Administration. 
(e) INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.—For purposes of this section, the 
term "intelligence community" means the intelligence and intel-
ligence-related activities of the following agencies of the United 
States Government: 
(1) The Central Intelligence Agency. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3081 
(2) The Department of Defense, 
(3) The Defense Intelligence Agency. 
(4) The National Security Agency. 
(5) The Department of the Army, the Department of the 
Navy, and the Department of the Air Force. 
(6) The Department of State. 
(7) The Department of the Treasury. 
(8) The Department of Energy. 
(9) The Federal Bureau of Investigation, 
(10) The Drug Enforcement Administration. 
SEC. 112. SCREENING OF MAIL AND CARGO. 
(a) STUDY,—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Adminis-
tration shall conduct a study to determine whether additional 
requirements should be imposed to enhance the security require-
ments for the transportation of mail and cargo by passenger 
aircraft, 
(b) FACTORS.—In conducting the study under this section, the 
Administrator shall consider, among other things— 
(1) the extent to which it is practicable to require for mail and 
cargo the same screening procedures as are required for 
checked baggage; 
(2) constitutional limitations on the authority of the United 
States Grovernment to screen mail; 
(3) existing and reasonably anticipated explosive detection 
technologies capable of screening mail and cargo; 
(4) the variation in threat presented by mail and cargo from 
various locations; 
(5) the use of inspection procedures specific to mail and cargo; 
(6) the protection, to the extent possible, of the privacy of the 
senders and recipients of mail; 
(7) precise detection of explosive materials which can cause 
catastrophic damage to commercial aircraft; and 
(8) the desirability of not unduly delaying the delivery of mail 
and cargo. 
(c) CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.—In conducting the study under 
this section, the Administrator shall consult with the Postmaster 
Greneral, the Secretary of Defense, and other interested persons, 
(d) REPORT,—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress a 
report on the results of the study conducted under this section, 
together with such legislative and administrative recommendations 
as the Administrator considers appropriate. 
TITLE II—UNITED STATES RESPONSE TO 
TERRORISM 
AFFECTING 
AMERICANS 
ABROAD 
SEC. 201. INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING AVIATION SECU- 
22 USC 5501. 
RITY. 
(a) UNITED STATES POUCY.—It is the policy of the United States— 
(1) to seek bilateral agreements to achieve United States 
aviation security objectives with foreign governments; 
104 STAT. 3082 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
(2) to continue to press vigorously for security improvements 
through the Foreign Airport Security Act and the foreign air-
port assessment program; and 
(3) to continue to work through the International Civil Avia-
tion Organization to improve aviation security internationally. 
(b) NEGOTIATIONS FOR AVIATION SECURITY.—(1) The Department of 
State, in consultation with the Department of Transportation, shall 
be responsible for negotiating requisite aviation security agree-
ments with foreign governments concerning the implementation of 
United States rules and regulations which affect the foreign oper-
ations of United States air carriers, foreign air carriers, and foreign 
international airports. The Secretary of State is directed to enter, 
expeditiously, into negotiations for bilateral and multilateral agree-
ments— 
(A) for enhanced aviation security objectives; 
(B) to implement the Foreign Airport Security Act and the 
foreign airport assessment program to the fullest extent prac-
ticable; and 
(C) to achieve improved availability of passenger manifest 
information. 
(2) A principal objective of bilateral and multilateral negotiations 
with foreign governments and the International Civil Aviation 
Organization shall be improved availability of passenger manifest 
information. 
22 use 5502. 
SEC. 202. COORDINATOR FOR COUNTERTERRORISM. 
The Coordinator for Counterterrorism shall be responsible for the 
coordination of international aviation security for the Department 
of State. 
SEC. 203. PASSENGER MANIFEST. 
(a) MANDATORY AVAILABIUTY OF PASSENGER MANIFEST.—Section 
410 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. App. 1380) is 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 410. PASSENGER MANIFEST. 
"(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
require all United States air carriers to provide a passenger mani-
fest for any flight to appropriate representatives of the United 
States Department of State— 
"(1) not later than 1 hour after any such carrier is notified of 
an aviation disaster outside the United States which involves 
such flight; or 
"(2) if it is not technologically feasible or reasonable to fulfill 
the requirement of this subsection within 1 hour, then as 
expeditiously as possible, but not later than 3 hours after such 
notification. 
"(b) CONTENTS.—For purposes of this section, a passenger manifest 
should include the following information: 
"(1) The full name of each passenger. 
"(2) The passport number of each passenger, if required for 
travel. 
"(3) The name and telephone number of a contact for each 
passenger.". 
49 use app. 
0)) IMPLEMENTATION.—In implementing the requirement pursuant 
1380 note. 
to the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section, the Sec-
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3083 
retary of Transportation shall consider the necessity and feasibility 
of requiring United States carriers to collect passenger manifest 
information as a condition for passenger boarding of any flight 
subject to such requirement. 
(c) FOREIGN AIR CARRIERS.—The Secretary of Transportation shall 
consider a requirement for foreign air carriers comparable to that 
imposed pursuant to the amendment made by subsection (a). 
(d) INFORMATION FROM UNITED STATES PASSPORTS.—Notwithstand-
ing any other provision of law, to the extent provided in appropria-
tion Acts, for each fiscal year not more than $5,000,000 in passport 
fees collected by the Department of State may be credited to a 
Department of State account. Amounts credited to such account 
shall be available only for the costs associated with the acquisition 
and production of machine-readable United States passports and 
visas and compatible reading equipment. Amounts credited to such 
account are authorized to remain available until expended. 
(e) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table 
of contents contained in the first section of the Federal Aviation Act 
of 1958 is amended by striking the item relating to section 410 and 
inserting the following: 
"Sec. 410. Passenger manifest.". 
SEC. 204. DEPARTMENT OF STATE NOTIFICATION OF FAMILIES OF 22 USC 5503. 
VICTIMS. 
(a) DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICY.—It is the policy of the Depart-
ment of State pursuant to section 43 of the State Department Basic 
Authorities Act to directly and promptly notify the families of 
victims of aviation disasters abroad concerning citizens of the 
United States directly affected by such a disaster, including timely 
written notice. The Secretary of State shall ensure that such 
notification by the Department of State is carried out notwithstand-
ing notification by any other person. 
(h) DEPARTMENT OF STATE GUIDEUNES.—Not later than 60 days Regulations, 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State 
shall issue such regulations, guidelines, and circulars as are 
necessary to ensure that the policy under subsection (a) is fully 
implemented. 
SEC. 205. DESIGNATION OF STATE DEPARTMENT-FAMILY LIAISON AND 22 USC 5504. 
TOLL-FREE FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. 
(a) DESIGNATION OF STATE DEPARTMENT-FAMILY LIAISON.—Not Regulations. 
later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of State shall issue such rules and guidelines as are 
necessary to provide that in the event of an aviation disaster 
directly involving United States citizens abroad, if possible, the 
Department of State will assign a specific individual, and an alter-
nate, as the Department of State liaison for the family of each such 
citizen. 
(b) TOLL-FREE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.—In the establishment of 
the Department of State toll-free communications system to facili-
tate inquiries concerning the affect of any disaster abroad on United 
States citizens residing or traveling abroad, the Secretary of State 
shall ensure that a toll-free telephone number is reserved for the 
exclusive use of the families of citizens who have been determined to 
be directly involved in any such disaster. 
104 STAT. 3084 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
22 use 5505. 
SEC. 206. DISASTER TRAINING FOR STATE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. 
(a) ADDITIONAL TRAINING.—The Secretary of State shall institute 
a supplemental program of training in disaster management for all 
consular officers. 
(b) TRAINING IMPROVEMENTS.— 
(1) In expanding the training program under subsection (a), 
the Secretary of State shall consult with death and bereave-
ment counselors concerning the particular demands posed by 
aviation tragedies and terrorist activities. 
(2) In providing such additional training under subsection (a) 
the Secretary of State shall consider supplementing the current 
training program through— 
(A) providing specialized training to create a team of 
"disaster specialists" to deploy immediately in a crisis; or 
(B) securing outside experts to be brought in during the 
initial phases to assist consular personnel. 
Regulations. 
SEC. 207. DEPARTMENT OF STATE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES 
22 use 5506. 
AT INTERNATIONAL DISASTER SITE. 
(a) DISPATCH OF SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TO SITE.— 
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of State shall issue such rules and guidelines as are 
necessary to provide that in the event of an international disaster, 
particularly an aviation tragedy, directly involving significant num-
bers of United States citizens abroad not less than one senior officer 
from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State 
shall be dispatched to the site of such disaster. 
(b) CRITERIA FOR DEPARTMENT OF STATE STAFFING AT DISASTER 
SITE.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of State shall promulgate criteria for Department 
of State staffing of disaster sites abroad. Such criteria shall define 
responsibility for staffing decisions and shall consider the deploy-
ment of crisis teams under subsection (d). The Secretary of State 
shall promptly issue such rules and guidelines as are necessary to 
implement criteria developed pursuant to this subsection. 
(c) STATE DEPARTMENT OMBUDSMAN.—Not later than 60 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall 
issue such rules and guidelines as are necessary to provide that in 
the event of an international aviation disaster involving significant 
numbers of United States citizens abroad not less than one officer or 
employee of the Department of State shall be dispatched to the 
disaster site to provide on-site assistance to families who may visit 
the site and to act as an ombudsman in matters involving the 
foreign local government authorities and social service agencies. 
(d) CRISIS TEAMS.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall promulgate 
procedures for the deployment of a "crisis team", which may include 
public affairs, forensic, and bereavement experts, to the site of any 
international disaster involving United States citizens abroad to 
augment in-country Embsissy and consulate staff. The Secretary 
of State shall promptly issue such rules and guidelines as are 
necessary to implement procedures developed pursuant to this 
subsection. 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3085 
Regulations. 
Scotland. 
22 u s e 5508. 
SEC. 208. RECOVERY AND DISPOSITION OF REMAINS AND PERSONAL EF- 
22 USC 5507. 
FECTS. 
It is the policy of the Department of State (pursuant to section 43 
of the State Department Basic Authorities Act) to provide liaison 
with foreign governments and persons and with United States air 
carriers concerning arrangements for the preparation and transport 
to the United States of the remains of citizens who die abroad, as 
well as the disposition of personal effects. The Secretary of State 
shall ensure that regulations and guidelines of the Department of 
State reflect such policy and that such assistance is rendered to the 
families of United States citizens who are killed in terrorist in-
cidents and disasters abroad. 
SEC. 209. ASSESSMENT OF LOCKERBIE EXPERIENCE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of State shall compile an assess-
ment of the Department of State response to the Pan American 
Airways Flight 103 aviation disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, on 
December 21,1988. 
(b) GUIDELINES.—The Secretary of State shall establish, based on 
the assessment compiled under subsection (a) and other relevant 
factors, guidelines for future Department of State responses to 
comparable disasters and shall distribute such guidelines to all 
United States diplomatic and consular posts abroad. 
SEC. 210. OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT OF STATE RECOGNITION. 
22 USC 5509. 
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of State shall promulgate guidelines for appropriate 
ceremonies or other official expressions of respect and support for 
the families of United States citizens who are killed through acts of 
terrorism abroad. 
SEC. 211. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS 
22 USC 5510. 
OF TERRORISM. 
(a) COMPENSATION.—The President shall submit to the Congress, President, 
not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
recommendations on whether or not legislation should be enacted to 
authorize the United States to provide monetary and tax relief as 
compensation to United States citizens who are victims of terrorism. 
(b) BOARD.—The President may establish a board to develop cri-
teria for compensation and to recommend changes to existing laws 
to establish a single comprehensive approach to victim compensa-
tion for terrorist acts. 
(c) INCOME TAX BENEFIT FOR VICTIMS OF LOCKERBIE TERRORISM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of any 
individual whose death was a direct result of the Pan American 
Airways Flight 103 terrorist disaster over Lockerbie, Scotland, 
on December 21, 1988, any tax imposed by subtitle A of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall not apply— 
(A) with respect to the taxable year which includes 
December 21,1988, and 
(B) with respect to the prior taxable year. 
(2) LIMITATION.—In no case may the tax benefit pursuant to 
paragraph (1) for any taxable year, for any individual, exceed an 
amount equal to 28 percent of the annual rate of beisic pay at 
Level V of the Executive Schedule of the United States as of 
December 21, 1988. 
39-194 O - 91 - 25 : QL 3 Part 4 
104 STAT. 3086 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
22 use 5511. 
Regulations. 
Appropriation 
authorization. 
22 use 
2349aa-2. 
Government 
employees. 
Foreign 
relations. 
SEC. 212. OVERSEAS SECURITY ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD. 
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of State shall issue such rules and regulations as may 
be necessary to establish, under the Bureau of Consular Affairs, an 
electronic bulletin board accessible to the general public. Such 
bulletin board shall contain all information, updated daily, which is 
available on the Overseas Security Electronic Bulletin Board of the 
Bureau of Diplomatic Security. 
SEC. 213. ANTITERRORISM ASSISTANCE. 
(a) AVIATION SECURITY.—In addition to amounts otherwise au-
thorized to be appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated 
$7,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 for aviation security assistance under 
chapter 8 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 
2349aa et seq.), relating to antiterrorism assistance. 
03) TRAINING SERVICES.—Section 573 of the Foreign Assistance Act 
of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2349aa2) is amended in subsection (d) by striking 
out paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) £ind inserting in lieu thereof the 
following new paragraphs: 
"(1) Training services (including short term refresher train-
ing) provided pursusmt to this chapter may be conducted outside 
the United States only i
f
— 
"(A) the training to be conducted outside the United 
States will be provided during a period of not more than 30 
days; 
"(B) such training relates to— 
"(i) aviation security; 
"(ii) crisis management; 
"(iii) document screening techniques; 
"(iv) facility security; 
"(v) maritime security; 
"(vi) VIP protection; or 
"(vii) the handling of detector dogs, except that only 
short term refresher training may be provided under 
this clause; and 
"(C) at least 15 days before such training is to begin, the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate 
are notified in accordance with the procedures applicable to 
reprogramming notifications. 
"(2) Personnel of the United States Government authorized to 
advise eligible foreign countries on antiterrorism matters shall 
carry out their responsibilities, to the maximum extent possible, 
within the United States. Such personnel may provide advice 
outside the United States on antiterrorism matters to eligible 
foreign countries for periods not to exceed 30 consecutive cal-
endar days. 
"(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), employees of 
the Department of State shall not engage in the training of law 
enforcement personnel or the provision of services under this 
chapter. 
"(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to training (including 
short term refresher training) or services provided to law 
enforcement personnel by employees of the Bureau of Diplo-
matic Security with regard to crisis management, facility secu-
rity, or VIP protection.". 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
104 STAT. 3087 
SEC. 214. ANTITERRORISM MEASURES. 
22 USC 5512. 
(a) GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL AVIATION TRAVELERS.—For the 
purpose of notifying the public, the Secretary of State, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of Transportation, shall develop and publish 
guidelines for thwarting efforts by international terrorists to enlist 
the unwitting assistance of international aviation travelers in 
terrorist activities. Notices concerning such guidelines shall be 
posted and prominently displayed domestically and abroad in inter-
national airports. 
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.—The Secretary 
International 
of State and the Secretary of Transportation in all appropriate fora, 
agreements, 
particularly talks and meetings related to international civil avia-
tion, shall enter into negotiations with other nations for the 
establishment of international standards regarding guidelines for 
thwarting efforts by international terrorists to enlist the unwitting 
assistance of international aviation travelers in terrorist activities. 
(c) PUBLICATION OF REWARDS FOR TERRORISM-RELATED INFORMA-
TION.—For the purpose of notifying the public, the Secretary of 
State shall publish the availability of United States Government 
rewards for information on international terrorist-related activities, 
including rewards available under section 36(a) of the State Depart-
ment Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2708(a)) and chapter 
204 of title 18, United States Code. To the extent appropriate and 
feasible, notices making such publication shall be posted and promi-
nently displayed domestically and abroad in international airports. 
(d) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that the 
Secretary of Transportation should take appropriate measures to 
utilize and train properly the officers and employees of other United 
States Government Eigencies who have functions at international 
airports in the United States and abroad in the detection of explo-
sives and firearms which could be a threat to international civil 
aviation. 
SEC. 215. PROPOSAL FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE INTERNATIONAL 
22 USC 5513. 
CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION. 
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Transportation, shall propose to the International Civil Aviation 
Organization the establishment of a comprehensive aviation secu-
rity program which shall include (1) training for airport security 
personnel, (2) grants for security equipment acquisition for certain 
nations, and (3) expansion of the appropriate utilization of canine 
teams in the detection of explosive devices in all airport areas. 
104 STAT. 3088 
PUBLIC LAW 101-604—NOV. 16, 1990 
including use in passenger screening areas and nonpublic baggage 
assembly and processing areas. 
Approved November 16, 1990. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 5732: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 136 (1990): 
Oct. 1, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 23, considered tind passed Senate, amended. 
Oct. 24, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 26 (1990): 
Nov. 16, Presidential statement. 
o