Looks like plans are right on schedule for implementing a biometrically-fueled “trusted-traveler” program.

See:
ID card for air passengers,
by Tom Ramstack for The Washington Times.

The trusted-traveler card is
part of the Aviation and
Transportation Security signed by
President Bush Nov. 19 that
authorized the Transportation
Security Administration to
“establish requirements to
implement trusted passenger
programs and use available
technologies to expedite the
security screening of passengers.”

Trusted-traveler cards would
authorize passengers to bypass
extensive security screening at
airport checkpoints. The Israeli
government instituted a
trusted-traveler program five years
ago in an effort to speed up long lines at airport security
checkpoints.

The electronic card would have an encoded biometric
description of the owner to ensure that the person using it is
the same person identified on the card. Biometrics refers to
computerized systems that identify a unique part of each
person’s anatomy, such as fingerprints, facial structure or
irises.

Eventually, the Transportation Department task force
wants the cards to be used throughout airports and
transportation services internationally. The card is intended to
shorten lines at airports, but FBI background checks would
disseminate information about the owners to many law
enforcement agencies.