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THE TALK SHOW AMERICAN: TSA Eases Some Carry-On Baggage Rules

Monday, August 14, 2006

TSA Eases Some Carry-On Baggage Rules

As the U.S. government continues to adjust the list of things that airline passengers can carry, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff reassured Americans that things would only go so far.

"I don't see us moving to a total ban on hand baggage at this point," he said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

The Transportation Security Administration announced new rules Sunday giving airline passengers permission to carry up to 4 ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine. TSA had previously banned all liquid medications.

TSA also said all passengers will be instructed to remove their shoes during security checks. The shoes have to be placed on an X-ray belt for screening before passengers can put them back on. Until now, the agency had strongly suggested putting shoes on the screening belt but hadn't required it.

Later Sunday, the Homeland Security Department reduced the threat level from red, for "severe," to orange, for "high," for flights from Britain bound for the United States. All other flights operating in or destined for the United States remain at orange.

"The security measures already taken have allowed us to address an imminent threat of attack for flights between the United Kingdom and the United States," Chertoff said in a statement. "Let me be clear: This does not mean the threat is over. The investigation continues to follow all leads.

"In particular, we are remaining vigilant for any signs of planning within the U.S. or directed at Americans," Chertoff said.

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