An attempt by Republicans to block the right of airport screeners to organize has failed. Jesse Russell reports:

New legislation has passed the Senate that could give Transportation Security Administration airport screeners whistle-blower protections and the right to collectively bargain. The legislation is part of the 9-11 Commission recommendations that Democrats have been working to pass now that they have control of the House and Senate. The measure narrowly passed with a 51-46 vote and President George W. Bush has suggested he will veto it when it is put before him. The legislation also includes a provision that requires nearly $10 billion in emergency funding be distributed based on the likely hood that a city is likely a terrorist target.