House committee passes airline aid package <mailto:jseiberg@thedailydeal.com> by Jaret Seiberg Updated 08:10 PM EST, Oct-2-2002 =20 WASHINGTON =97 Bowing to fierce industry pressure, the House Transportation aviation subcommittee voted Wednesday, Oct. 2, to extend terrorism insurance and provide more financial relief to airlines.=20 The unanimous voice vote was mostly symbolic. The legislation has little chance of enacting its plans in the few weeks Congress has left before it adjourns for the fall elections. The Senate has not acted on a similar measure and lawmakers still must pass the various appropriations bills for the fiscal year that began Tuesday, Oct. 1. The aviation bill would reopen the government's $10 billion loan guarantee program if the United States attacks Iraq; continue the $100 million limit on each airline's liability from a terrorist attack; extend the terrorism insurance program for airlines; and establish a deadline for the U.S. Postal Service to determine how to screen mail so it could be carried on commercial jets. "Simply put: the airline industry continues to struggle with rising security costs and shrinking revenues," said Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., and chairman of the subcommittee. " One major carrier has already filed for bankruptcy and others may soon follow... This legislation will cut costs, fairly share the security burden, and help bring airline workers back to work without raiding the taxpayer=92s pocketbook." The vote came on the same day that airline executive pleaded with the Senate Commerce Committee for relief.=20 "We request for relief from the government-imposed consequences of the war on terrorism now uniquely borne by the airline industry," Delta Airlines Chairman Leo F. Mullin said. "Because the repercussions of 9/11 have extended beyond anyone's expectations, our industry is experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis."