HOUSE PASSES TSA ACT TO ALLEVIATE LONG WAITING TIMES AT AIRPORTS

July 5, 2016

On June 6, 2016 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Checkpoint Optimization and Efficiency Act” (H.R. 5338) to speed up airport security wait times for passengers. The bill is the first piece of legislation passed since congressional hearings held in May highlighted the issue of overwhelming security lines at U.S. airports. The bill, sponsored by Representative John Katco (R-NY), allows the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) more flexibility to shift additional officers to screening duties; gives authority to Federal Security Directors at local airports to make resourcing decisions; establishes a “staffing advisory committee” to coordinate the local airports and stakeholders; and reallocates dog teams to high-volume airports and checkpoints. The bill also requires TSA to assess its current staffing allocation model and establish minimum staffing requirements with air carriers and airports. Prior to approving the bill, Congress had already approved a $34 million shift within TSA’s current budget to hire and train new officers, but TSA is still waiting for another $28 million reprogramming approval later this year in order to ensure the agency continues to be adequately staffed. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on June 8, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).

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