Two Bills Take Flight That Will Impact TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is one of the most crucial lines of defense in maintaining the safety of air travel in the U.S. U.S. Travel has been working with Congress on a number of measures that will have an impact on the future of the TSA and its ability to operate and grow. 

Department of Homeland Security Spending Bill

The House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee is working on marking up a $51 billion Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spending bill that includes a $7.3 billion budget for the TSA. The $7.3 billion would fully fund TSA officers, while also providing funding for 50 new canine teams and 240 new carry-on baggage screening machines.

In order to maintain the highest possible standard of security, it is imperative that officers are fully funded and that the TSA is constantly investing in new technologies and innovations that will keep travelers safe.

Precheck Is Precheck Act of 2018

This bill—which has passed the House Homeland Security Committee—requires TSA to implement a plan to grow enrollment and prevent the continuation of placing non-Precheck travelers in PreCheck lanes.

The Precheck Is Precheck Act—which includes five recommendations made by U.S. Travel—will streamline the Precheck application process. Critically, it will also increase air security by ensuring that only those who have been properly vetted and approved for Precheck are passing through Precheck screening lanes.

Under this bill, the TSA would be required to offer a secure mobile enrollment application that facilitates application data collection (such as biometrics) and in-person identification. Additionally, the bill requires an increase in the number of Precheck enrollment platforms available in airports, such as kiosks, tablets or staffed laptop stations.

U.S. Travel will continue to monitor the progress of these bills, and advocate for policies that will enhance the security and efficiency of the TSA.