The Department of Homeland Security is entering a critical stage as the agency continues to define itself and its strategy for eliminating potential threats to American security. The nomination of Mr. Jackson for Deputy Secretary will have a significant positive impact on the future of the agency and the many pending or future regulations that concern the nation's transportation infrastructure, including air cargo. The Airforwarders Association, the industry voice for air cargo companies and their partners, has established a close working relationship with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and looks forward to continuing that relationship with Mr. Jackson as Deputy Secretary.

Mr. Jackson has devoted his life to public service, with a particular focus on ensuring the transportation safety of Americans. As chief of staff to the Secretary of Transportation under former President George H.W. Bush, as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation from 2001 to 2003 and in his related work establishing the Transportation Security Administration, Mr. Jackson demonstrated a keen understanding of issues facing the United States transportation industry and the changes businesses have implemented in the post 9/11 era.

Mr. Jackson's work in the private sector is also critical to the future of DHS, as the agency functions most effectively when it has a clear understanding of the marketplace and how proposed regulations may affect it. We believe part of what has made the reforms implemented by the agency successful to date has been the willingness of DHS principals to reach out to affected industries by establishing working groups, discussions and seminars. Initiating a dialogue with industry has eased the burden of new and expansive regulations for many businesses that saw their concerns and questions addressed. We hope and expect this willingness to engage in constructive dialogue will continue with Mr. Jackson's arrival at the DHS.

Without DHS' commitment to incorporate industry concerns into crafting regulations, many businesses could have been severely crippled or even eliminated during the wave of regulations in 2001 and early 2002. The Airforwarders Association has been honored to participate in a number of these working groups, both prior to and after the inception of DHS. We have long been a part of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which recently produced more than 40 recommendations for improving air cargo security, many which were included in the newly proposed TSA rules

The air cargo industry is a $17 billion dollar industry that directly employs thousands of Americans in both small businesses and internationally recognized companies. A healthy air cargo industry ensures financial benefits to the economy as a whole, providing revenue for airlines, as well as cost-effective services to companies that depend on the rapid transport of their goods across the nation. Just as its health boosts other industries, impediments to the health of air cargo have financial ripple effects felt across most, if not all, economic sectors.

Security is among the most vital components of our industry's health. No one is more committed to aviation security than the Airforwarders Association and its members. The business of airforwarding is built around a guarantee to provide safe transportation of goods in a timely manner. Without a high priority on security, our ability to execute those goals is compromised, harming both our customers and our businesses. This constant reminder of the high-risk environment in which we operate has taught us how to identify potential dangers and solutions to prevent these problems from occurring.

Our relationship with TSA and DHS has shown us firsthand the value of a collaborative, good faith atmosphere for strengthening air cargo security. Stricter regulations on 'known shipper' and increased oversight and inspection of cargo facilities have imposed burdens on the air cargo industry but were crafted in such a way to include the concerns of airforwarders, creating realistic and effective regulations. By continuing outreach efforts and a balanced regulatory approach, we are confident Mr. Jackson will help advance both air cargo security as well as the economic security of one of America's most critical industries.