Thune, Blunt introduce bill to modernize TSA aviation security and address delays

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) unveiled legislation last week to reform the Transportation Security Administration through deploying new security technologies and addressing checkpoint delays.

The TSA Modernization Act, S. 1872, would also improve the organizational structure at the TSA. It would reauthorize existing aviation security policies and programs and provide funding for the administration through fiscal year 2020.

“This legislation responds to the challenges of aviation security, now and over the horizon, by creating more stability in the agency’s leadership and putting security assets in place that protect travelers and minimize delays,” Thune, the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said.

“TSA must learn from disappointing security testing results, terrorist attacks abroad, and traveler frustration to rise to the occasion, embrace necessary changes, and meet its critically important mission of keeping travelers safe and secure,” he added.

S. 1872 would increase TSA’s funding authority from $7.77 billion in the current fiscal year to $7.81 billion in 2018, with additional increases in 2019 and 2020.

Additionally, a five-year term would be established for the TSA administrator to create stability. In an effort to address a shortage in explosive detection dogs, certification standards that allow for trained K-9s from third parties would be required. Further, private sector partnerships would be leveraged to expand the TSA PreCheck program that gives travellers expedited screenings.

“The TSA has no margin for error when it comes to the critical work they do to keep travelers safe,” Blunt, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, said. “The TSA Modernization Act will strengthen leadership at the agency, improve technology, and provide additional tools to enhance airport security and increase efficiency in the screening process. I urge the committee to support this legislation, and help ensure that the millions of people who travel each day arrive safely and on time.”

The measure would require TSA to make information on airport security checkpoint delays available online and in airport terminals to help travelers plan ahead, and it would authorize third-party testing and evaluation of security screening equipment.

Thune and Blunt introduced the bill with bipartisan support from U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security.