What significant action did the Aviation Security and Transportation Act of 2001 take?

The Aviation Security and Transportation Act of 2001 was a key piece of legislation that established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This action was significant because it emerged in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when there was a pressing need to enhance security measures within the aviation sector. The TSA was tasked with implementing and overseeing security protocols at airports and on aircraft, fundamentally reshaping how aviation security was managed in the United States.

By creating the TSA, the act not only centralized responsibility for airport security but also allowed for the standardization of security practices across the nation, which was crucial for restoring public confidence in air travel. The formation of the TSA marked a critical shift in the post-9/11 landscape, emphasizing heightened security measures as a primary concern for the safety of passengers and the integrity of air transportation. The other choices do not reflect the primary outcome of the legislation, as they do not pertain to the establishment of the TSA or the overarching goals of enhancing aviation security.