Senate passes bill that would boost airport security

A line of passengers wait to enter the security checkpoint before boarding their aircraft at Reagan National Airport in Washington, April 25, 2013. WASHINGTON -- The Senate approved a bipartisan aviation policy bill Tuesday that would boost airport security, extend new protections to airline passengers and help speed the introduction of package-delivery drones. The bill, passed on a vote of 95-3, would also extend the Federal Aviation Administration's programs and powers through Oct. 1, 2017. That authority is due to expire July 15. A few hours before the vote, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the legislation "will make important strides for our national security and for travelers. It does so without increasing fees or taxes on passengers. It does so without imposing heavy-handed regulations that can stifle consumers' choice."