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Transportation Security Chairman Hudson Statement on Anniversary of LAX Shooting

November 1, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2014

Transportation Security Chairman Hudson Statement on Anniversary of LAX Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, released the following statement in remembrance of last year's shooting at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that tragically took the life of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer Gerardo Hernandez:

“Last year's attack at LAX was a tragic reminder of the perils our transportation security and law enforcement officers face every day. I commend the bravery of the officers and first responders that saved many lives that day - especially the sacrifice of Officer Gerardo Hernandez.

“While TSA has taken positive steps to update emergency response protocols, my bill would help to solidify these changes and ensure we are fully prepared to respond to similar security threats and acts of terrorism. I'm proud that the House passed this bill and hope that our colleagues in the Senate will put this important legislation on the President's desk.”

The Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2014 (H.R. 4802) passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 22, 2014. This legislation addresses the lessons learned from last year’s shooting at LAX that tragically claimed the life of TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez. H.R. 4802 aims to ensure that domestic airports are properly prepared and equipped to respond to security incidents and terrorist attacks. In addition, the bill would require TSA to report to Congress on the overall level of preparedness at airports nationwide, identify best practices that exist across airports and share them with other airport operators. Finally, the bill would require TSA report to Congress on the status of (1) active-shooter training for screening personnel, and (2) law enforcement reimbursable agreements that are used to offset the costs of security at the screening checkpoints.

In March, Chairman Hudson and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10) held a field hearing at LAX to review the findings of various assessments of the tragedy with TSA Administrator Pistole and local law enforcement and discuss potential changes to emergency response protocols at airports nationwide. In May, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security held a follow-up hearing on Capitol Hill to determine what lessons can be applied to better protect airports from active shooters.

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