Pipeline safety, airport security laws signed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama has signed legislation to toughen oil and gas pipeline regulations and another to ease airport security procedures for members of the military on official travel. The president signed the legislation Tuesday as part of a post-holiday, back-to-business day that included approval of several other measures approved by Congress late last year. The pipeline law aims to close gaps in federal safety regulations made apparent by a fatal gas pipeline break near San Francisco in 2010. The airport security law will allow expedited screening for service members and accompanying family. Military travelers would have to be in uniform and would have to present their orders to benefit from the faster screening process. The president also signed a bill authorizing spending on intelligence community operations. Published: Thu, Jan 5, 2012