WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives voted Thursday to expand federal oversight of aviation security after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but opted to keep most passenger and baggage screeners private workers.

        After a day of sticky, behind-the-scenes bargaining with the White House, lawmakers voted 286-139 for the security improvements favored by Republicans and President Bush.

        The vote guarantees even more negotiations, this time with the Senate, which has unanimously approved an aviation security bill that would have made all 28,000 baggage screeners federal employees under the direction of the Justice Department. The House rejected that approach, 218-214.

        The House bill would establish a new Transportation Security Administration to oversee aviation security and set hiring and training standards for screeners, who would be federally deputized but could be either private or federal workers. Federal air marshals would be assigned to more domestic flights, and cockpit doors and cabins would be fortified. Airlines would be required to match all bags to passengers and screen all checked baggage for explosives within two years.

        Passengers would be charged a $2.50 fee on each one-way trip to help pay for the extra security.

        The legislation will now go to a House-Senate conference committee where lawmakers will have to overcome their differences.

        Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said it is important that Congress act quickly to reassure the public that the nation's airports are safe from terrorism. “I'm convinced that the best way to do it is to have maximum flexibility to encourage competition between (screening) firms, to bring in the best practices and to encourage innovation,” he said.

        Rep. Ken Lucas, D-Ky., said he wanted to federalize baggage screeners but was pragmatic when it appeared a majority would vote with the president. “This is long overdue,” he said. “I just think we need to get something in place.”

        Mr. Bush telephoned wavering lawmakers Thursday and met privately with Republicans who had not made up their minds.

        Although the president actively lobbied for the House Republican version, he has not threatened a veto if the Senate version survives.

        The Transportation Department has already taken several steps to increase aviation security after terrorists armed with knives and box-cutters hijacked four airplanes Sept. 11 and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field.

        Still, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said this week that security at some airports remains unacceptable and that federal authorities would make more aggressive moves — from double-checking all passengers to delaying flights — if they suspect any breaches.

        The Air Transport Association, which represents the nation's major airlines, supports a federal takeover of aviation security but has not taken a position on whether all screeners should be federal employees.

        Delta Air Lines Chairman Leo Mullin, who estimated his company spends $70 million to $75 million a year on security, said he was in favor of federalizing baggage screeners. Delta operates its second-largest hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, through which more than 1.5 million passengers move each month.

        House Republican leaders had been hesitant to bring aviation security to a vote because some conservatives did not want to be in the position of possibly choosing between their objections to an expanded federal work force and tougher security.

        Under the House bill, baggage screeners would be deputized as security agents and would wear common uniforms and badges but could work for private screening companies. All airline, airport and security workers with access to secure areas would be subject to criminal background checks. Some Democrats mocked the idea as dressing up screeners in costumes to satisfy lawmakers who want federal oversight without more civil servants.

        “I think they've been dragged kicking and screaming,” Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Ohio, said of conservative Republicans. “I believe we need a federal security apparatus so people who provide security are answerable to the government rather than a private employer.”

        House Republicans also extended liability protections granted to the airlines after Sept. 11 to aircraft manufacturers, screening companies, the New York Port Authority and others harmed by the attacks.

        At the Cincinnati airport Thursday, passengers were more concerned about improving security than in whether screeners are private or federal employees.

        Either way, “you get what you pay for,” said Robert Holt, 43, of Florence, moments after arriving on a flight from Greensboro, N.C. “We just don't want the intrusions, but that day is over.”

        Mr. Holt said neither system will be perfect, and that Americans continue to redefine the line between freedom and safety. “I think just being federal employees doesn't mean it'll be any safer,” he said. “The problem is, if it's the airlines or a private company, they'll go for the lowest dollar.”

        Dwen Ragland, 51, a lifelong Cincinnati resident, was awaiting the arrival of her daughter, Stephanie Hock.

        “Everyone just wants their plane safe,” Ms. Ragland said. “It'll be more of a relief when I see her.”

       James Pilcher and Tom O'Neill of the Enquirer contributed to this report.

Health plan rate increases here top U.S.
Owensby kin want federal inquiry
Officer recalled in Caton trial
Luken pursues mayor's post in eye of the storm
Luken's lead over Fuller growing, according to poll
Loans available for bootstrap businesses
Mediation effort has sixth session
Physician's group seeks men for trial
Police break down report's suggestions
Sailor ending tour in war zone
Tristate A.M. Report
HOWARD: Some Good News
Butler budgets court reports
Candidates keep busy with foul-play charges
Crisis center in fund crisis
Police chief apologizes after sex-harassment charge
Powder discovery halts Monroe mail
Salary critic supports mental health levy
Suburban employer finds workers in city
Suit asks return of seized horses
House OKs air security bill
Most of Ohio grant for games was spent
U.S. warns states on sex-offender laws
Crestview Hills TGIF wants to add 50 seats
Fire departments' merger discussed
Procedure for safe mail taught
Tax payments go electronic
UK director talks about attacks