House passes bills to bolster transportation security, operations

The House has unanimously passed three bills that aim to bolster security at airports, provide oversight of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Inspection, and simplify travel for veterans.

They include H.R. 4802, the Airport Security Enhancement Act of 2014, which was introduced by Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC). Its goals include improving intergovernmental planning for and communication during security incidents at domestic airports.

It was introduced after a deadly shooting last November 1st at Los Angeles International Airport and is named in honor of Gerardo Hernandez, a TSA screener who was killed. Two other TSA officials and a schoolteacher were wounded in the incident.

“The Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2014 builds on important lessons the Committee gleaned from multiple hearings on the tragic shooting at Los Angeles International Airport last November,” said Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX). “The bill supports the airport community’s best practices to better prepare for and respond to active shooter scenarios.

“This bill will provide more extensive collaboration and coordination between all transportation security stakeholders and create safer airports across the country,” said Rep. Hudson. He added that he hoped the legislation would be brought swiftly to the Senate floor.

Another bill passed by the House, H.R. 4803, the TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of 2014, introduced by Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC), requires TSA to conform to existing Federal law and regulations regarding criminal investigator positions.

“Even though there are Federal standards in place that lay out how employees qualify for higher wages, the Transportation Security Administration pays some of their employees more for jobs they’re not doing," said Rep. Sanford on H.R. 4803. The "bill would help fix that problem by clarifying those employees’ responsibilities.”

The House also passed H.R. 4812, the Honor Flight Act, which was introduced by Committee Ranking Member Cedric Richmond (D-LA). It aims to provide expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling to visit war memorials dedicated to honor their service.

Government Security News, by: John Wagley