BUSINESS
RELATING TO GOVERNMENT
INSIGHTS ON U . S . LEGISLATIVE ISSUES AND INDUSTRY TOPICS
The U . S . Transportation Security Administration : Securing our flights and our future
CREATED IN 2001 in response to the Sept . 11 terrorist attacks , the Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the U . S . Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States . Last year , the TSA screened some 738 million passengers ( more than 2 million per day ), 466 million checked bags and 24.2 million employees at 450 U . S . airports . Confronted with long lines and more travelers than ever before , the TSA continues to face a formidable challenge securing the nation ’ s transportation systems .
The TSA is an important part of our nation ’ s safety posture , and to function effectively , it must continue to develop as an agency with a dedicated and professional workforce . The FAA Extension , Safety and Security Act of 2016 , signed into law last July 15 , contains a number of provisions aimed at reinforcing and improving airport security measures .
Although the extension didn ’ t comprehensively update the agency , it advanced certain aspects of the agency that relate to NTA priorities . The act expanded the TSA ’ s PreCheck program , which aims to shorten security wait times by expediting searches , and it tightened airport access controls and increased the vetting of airport employees .
Throughout 2016 , NTA advocated for enhanced TSA PreCheck enrollment capabilities . The extension created two pilot programs to improve screening-line configurations — which includes new airport screening and checkpoint technology — with the goal of increasing security and efficiency . While progress was made in 2016 , more needs to be done .
The House and Senate are continuing discussions on how to further improve the TSA . The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on Feb . 2 , 2017 , titled “ The Future of the Transportation Security Administration .” The hearing examined how the TSA can adjust to confront evolving threats and how to combat internal staffing issues . It provided an opportunity for outside experts to elaborate on steps the TSA can take to effectively achieve its mission of protecting the nation ’ s transportation systems .
“ Although TSA is one of the youngest agencies in the federal government , it has come to operate as an entrenched federal bureaucracy .”
— Rep . John Katko
Rep . John Katko , R-N . Y ., who chairs the Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee , said , “ Although TSA is one of the youngest agencies in the federal government , it has come to operate as an entrenched federal bureaucracy . This means that oftentimes it fails to achieve important efficiencies , and it lacks the flexibility to respond to an ever-changing threat landscape . I believe that with the start of this new administration , we have a unique opportunity to affect positive change at TSA .”
In the other chamber , the Senate Commerce , Science , and Transportation Committee held a hearing titled “ Stakeholder Perspectives on Improving TSA for the Security of the Traveling Public .” The hearing was intentionally held before President Trump has nominated a TSA Administrator to allow committee members to hear from a variety of aviation community stakeholders about their concerns , thereby informing committee members about issues that ought to be raised in a future confirmation hearing .
NTA will continue supporting a robust budget for the TSA so that the agency may hire , train and retain an adequate number of security screeners , as well as improve our nation ’ s security posture in the process . NTA also supports expedited screening programs , such as PreCheck , and encourages efforts to expand the program and increase enrollment . As the administration and Congress put pen to paper on an infrastructure package and an FAA authorization , we can expect at least some of these upgrades to be addressed .
To further build on the travel and tourism sector ’ s growth , the administration and Congress need to act on critical measures that are being discussed today , including increasing the investment in travel infrastructure , expanding the U . S . Visa Waiver Program and improving travel security . The upcoming expiration of FAA authorization on Sept . 30 , 2017 , will provide the government with a prime opportunity to address these stakeholder concerns and continue to strengthen the TSA .
NTA will remain engaged and be part of the conversation to continue to make necessary improvements in support of the travel and tourism industry .
Signal Group is a Washington , D . C ., lobbying firm retained by NTA to advise members about travel-related issues and legislation .
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