Napolitano applauds review of air traffic safety

[April 20, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she doesn't believe a spate of problems with air traffic control is exposing a potential vulnerability for terrorists.

Napolitano told NBC's "Today" show she does believe it's important that the Transportation Department and the Federal Aviation Administration conduct an internal review to "look at what's going on in the air traffic community."

Her interview Wednesday came in the wake of revelations that a jet carrying first lady Michelle Obama to Washington was forced to abort its landing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, because it came to close to an air cargo plane.

Asked if the Monday incident involving the first lady and reports of sleeping air traffic controllers present an opportunity for terrorists, Napolitano replied, "No, not in that sense."

[Associated Press]

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