Hudson's TSA Reform Bill Receives Unanimous, Bipartisan Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2013

Hudson’s TSA Reform Bill Receives Unanimous, Bipartisan Support

WASHINGTON- Despite an unprecedented level of partisan gridlock in Washington, it was demonstrated today that hard work and bipartisan outreach can lead to results. The House Homeland Security Committee unanimously passed H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, a bill sponsored by U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08).

“As Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, my goal is to hold TSA accountable while ensuring the safety of the American people and responsible stewardship of our tax dollars,” said Rep. Hudson. “Today’s bipartisan bill demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together, and I’m proud of the progress we are making on such an important issue.”

The Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act introduces greater transparency and accountability for TSA spending decisions through a series of commonsense reforms. Specifically, it requires TSA to:

• Develop and share with the public, for the first time, a strategic, multiyear technology investment plan,
• Share key information with Congress on technology acquisitions, including cost overruns, delays, or technical failures within 30 days of identifying the problem,
• Establish principles for managing equipment in inventory to eliminate expensive storage of unusable or outdated technologies, and
• Report on its goals for contracting with small businesses.

Original cosponsors of the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act include Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Transportation Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Cedric Richmond (D-LA).