Story: U.S. Requires Armed Marshals for Flights Over American Skies: 1/5/04
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june04/airline_1-05.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What plan has the Department of Homeland Security developed to improve airline safety?

2. What major airline recently canceled flights to the U.S. for security reasons and why?

3. Which countries have agreed to cooperate with the U.S. plan?

4. Which countries have refused?

5. What does the International Air Transport Association have to say about the situation?

Discussion Questions (more research might be needed):

1. What is your opinion of armed guards traveling aboard U.S. flights? Would the knowledge that there was an armed guard aboard your flight make you feel safe or scared? Why?

2. If airlines choose to increase the cost of their tickets in order to pay for the cost of added security on board, would you be willing to pay the extra fare? Why or why not?

3. What is the role of the Department of Homeland Security? When and why was it created? How effective do you think the department has been since its inception?

Send your answers, in essay form, to extra@newshour.org for possible publication!