Thursday January 10, 11:13 am Eastern Time Press ReleaseSOURCE: Passenger Security Alert Committee Passenger Group Denounces Industry Backpedaling and Vows Renewed Efforts to Educate Public and Increase Air SecurityThe Passenger Security Alert Committee Blasts FAA, United, American, Southwest And Other Major Airlines for Falling Short on Security Already MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Passenger Security Alert Committee [http://www.PassengerSecurity.org], a citizens group formed in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, denounced the airline industry for failing to meet basic security measures. ``Just when airline passengers thought that the airline industry understood passenger concerns, the public is told that the major airlines have no intention of purchasing the baggage screening machines by Congress' deadline'' says new PSAC President Christopher Lowe. ``Frankly, we thought our heavy lifting was done when the aviation security bill passed before last Thanksgiving -- but we're now forced to expand and recommit ourselves by keeping an eye on the industry.'' PSAC will be expanding its mailing lists and updating web-based information on a recurring basis. New airport actions and events may be proposed for spring and summer. Passengers, employees and the general public who are concerned about this issue are invited to contact PSAC to add new information, learn more and help increase visibility about this important issue. ``The American people and Congress handed out $15 billion to the airlines and now they haven't even ordered the screening machines. Passengers and the public are getting the raw end of the deal here,'' said Lowe. In mid-November last year, PSAC began an educational campaign at many of the leading US airports, designed to demonstrate the continued lack of security in the wake of the September 11th attacks. PSAC's website (http://www.PassengerSecurity.org) served as a clearinghouse for passenger complaints and information about the failed security system at US airports. PSAC received more than 10,000 visits to its website and requests for the whitepaper entitled ``Flying Blind.'' The education campaign culminated with the passage of aviation security legislation on November 16, 2001. SOURCE: Passenger Security Alert Committee --------------------------------- Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail.