In an effort to ensure safety in America's skies, President Bush this week signed the aviation security bill, which will place airport security in the hands of the federal government for the first time in aviation history. Under the new law, federally employed U.S. citizens will screen passengers and luggage, the number of air marshals in the skies will increase, a new system to detect explosive devices will be implemented, and pilots will be placed behind stronger cockpit doors. In addition, five airports will join a pilot program where private contractors will provide security. Flight schools across the country will also be required to conduct background checks on all non-U.S. citizens seeking training.

To help finance the new security measures, passengers will be charged an extra $2.50 for each leg of a flight. Airlines will also pay the government fees equivalent to those paid to private security services before the attacks. After three years, airports can request that private contractors take over airport security again. A newly created division of the U.S. Transportation Department, the Transportation Security Administration, will be responsible for the new security efforts.