Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) said he hoped to pass both the security bill and a package boosting law enforcement powers to fight terrorism by Oct. 12.
In addition to bringing security-gate screeners into the federal work force, the aviation security bill would expand the federal air marshal program and require the Transportation Department to strengthen cockpit doors and enhance anti-hijacking training for flight crews.
The has been stalled by several major disputes: Democrats say the current system of using private company screeners, often poorly paid and trained, doesn't work; many Republicans object to creating a new federal bureaucracy.
Some Democrats also want to attach amendments that Republicans say are not relevant. They include aid for the more than 100,000 airline workers laid off since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a $3 billion measure to boost security on the nation's railways. Another issue is whether the Transportation or Justice department should oversee the enhanced security efforts.
Daschle told The Associated Press that some kind of worker aid was required for the bill to pass. The Senate has already voted 97-0 to keep the aviation bill on the floor.
The Senate bill would also create a new deputy secretary of Transportation responsible for the security operations of all modes of transportation; require the Justice Department to conduct background checks on foreign nationals who attempt to get flight training in the United States; and impose a $2.50 tax on one-way air tickets.
Under the Senate plan, workers at the nation's 142 largest airports would become federal employees, while smaller airports would have a choice of using state or local law enforcement officers.
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