CONGRESS URGED TO PASS TSA MODERNIZATION BILL
November 17, 2017
On Wednesday, October 4, 2017, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) Modernization Act, which would reform the TSA and authorize three years of funding for the agency. If passed in its current form, the legislation would establish performance objectives and metrics for testing and verification of security technology; include institutions of higher education in third party canine activities; require TSA to conduct a pilot program to test screening equipment using CT technology; require TSA to conduct an assessment of the effects on privacy of expanding the use of biometric data; and make improvements for the screening of disabled passengers.
Several groups have urged Congress to pass the legislation. For instance, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), U.S. Travel Association and Travelers United, among others travel groups, sent a letter to Senate leaders urging the chamber to consider a reauthorization bill for TSA that would speed up deployment of new screening technologies at checkpoints and increase safety in airports, reducing travel delays. The groups noted that earlier this month, additional resources were allocated to increase the Pre-Check enrollment and to expedite screening.
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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