TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015

Floor Speech

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Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 719, the TSA Office of Inspection
Accountability Act of 2015.

In September 2013, the Department of Homeland Security inspector
general released a report detailing the Transportation Security
Administration's misclassification of certain employees in its Office
of Inspection as criminal investigators.

Specifically, the inspector general found that the workload of these
criminal investigators did not fit the Federal workload requirement to
justify their title.

Because of this misclassification, these employees received enhanced
benefits, such as premium pay, early retirement, and other benefits
commensurate with the position, despite the fact that they perform
little to no investigative duties.

Whereas the workload for a properly classified criminal investigator
predominantly involves investigating criminal cases, the inspector
general found that the workload for these employees consisted largely
of investigating noncriminal cases, carrying out inspections, covert
testing, and internal reviews, all tasks that could be performed by
employees who do not receive the enhanced benefits.

As the ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on
Oversight and Management Efficiency, I believe that it is important
that agencies utilize their resources in a manner that is both
effective and efficient.

According to the inspector general, the Office of Inspection did not
use its resources in a manner that would efficiently conduct internal
reviews, inspections, and covert testing.

If no changes are made to these positions, the inspector general
estimated that it would result in the wasting of as much as $17.5
million over 5 years.

H.R. 719 directs TSA to certify that all persons designated as
criminal investigators are working on criminal investigations at least
50 percent of their time.

This threshold is consistent with the Federal standard for the
position and ensures that the TSA is providing enhanced pay and
benefits to those who actually perform the duties of a criminal
investigator.

This measure will not affect those with the proper classification of
criminal investigator and will not impede efforts to thwart terror
plots and other criminal enterprises that threaten our national
security.

This legislation also incorporates changes meant to address instances
in which Federal Air Marshal Service officials have used their official
capacities to obtain benefits from private vendors and to also address
recent allegations of misconduct involving the misuse of government
resources and solicitation by reviewing existing personnel and code of
conduct policies.

This legislation is common sense and reflects a commitment to good
government.

Mr. Speaker, if enacted, H.R. 719 will bring greater accountability
to TSA's Office of Inspection. This measure will also ensure that
taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and that past abuses are
not repeated.

I urge Members to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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