Santa Gets Clearance to Fly U.S. Skies

WASHINGTON – The federal government is trying to make Santa Claus' job a little easier and safer when he makes the rounds this Christmas Eve.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said Wednesday that an open skies agreement with the North Pole gives Santa the go-ahead to deliver Christmas presents without having to worry about government paperwork.

"Santa can now focus on making his list and checking it twice, without the hassle of government paperwork," said Secretary Mineta. "Thanks to this agreement, the only time he needs to worry about Red Tape is if he wants to use it to wrap presents."

Santa's reindeer will be allowed to legally land on the roofs of homes throughout America on Saturday night.

"Now it's just HO HO HO and off I go," said Santa. "The reindeer and I look forward to checking this item off of our list for good," he said.

Mineta said the agreement also gives Santa more time to check his list without having to worry about Uncle Sam.