Katko introduces bill to boost TSA efficiency, relieve long airport wait times

Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Thursday seeks to reduce long wait times at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports across the country.

The Checkpoint Optimization and Efficiency Act, H.R. 5338, would grant the TSA the flexibility to use all personnel available to reduce wait times, ensure coordination among private stakeholders and require the TSA to address its current staffing model.

“Travelers are frustrated with TSA’s bureaucracy — facing longer lines, and in some cases, missing flights and having to return home or stay overnight in the airport,” Katko said. “This is a crisis that must be addressed before we head into the busy summer months of travel. (On Thursday), I’ve introduced legislation which takes the first step in requiring greater coordination between the TSA and local airports so that we can relieve congestion and ensure that travelers are able to make it to their destinations on schedule.”

Katko introduced the bipartisan bill after two House Homeland Security hearings on lengthy waits at airports with input from airline and airport professionals from around the country.

“This measure provides greater flexibility and accountability to the TSA — allowing the agency to better utilize its personnel by collaborating with local airports and air carriers to ensure that staffing is best allocated at each individual airport,” Katko said. “Moreover, by opening communication between local airports, air carriers and the TSA, this commonsense legislation will help ensure that passengers have minimal wait times.”  

Under the bill, canine teams would be reallocated to high volume airports and checkpoints. Additionally, TSA would be required to establish a service level agreement and minimum staffing levels with air carriers and airport operators.