2007 Begins with New Cargo Inspection Bill on Table

Among the first bills passed by the 2007 U.S. House of Representatives was a new security measures, called the Markey Measures (named after Rep. Edward J. Markey D-MA) mandating that all cargo on passenger flights be checked, beginning in September 2009. Up until 2007, only some cargo ferried on passenger planes was checked. (Passenger planes carry about 25% of all cargo shipments sent by air.)

The airline industry was in favor of the bill, but large shippers (such as major retailers) were against it because of its cost. The White House also opposed the bill, saying it was unfeasible.