Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, it is with great pride that I rise in support of H.R. 720, the Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015. The passage of this bipartisan legislation demonstrates the importance with which the Committee on Homeland Security considers the security of our nation's airports and transit hubs. Moreover, this legislation shows Congress' dedication to the men and women of the TSA, who work diligently each day to keep the American people safe.

In order to mitigate threats from those with malicious intent seeking to wreak havoc on our critical transportation systems, we must stand together. Our law enforcement and first responder community must communicate, collaborate and coordinate, so they are better prepared to execute emergency plans in response to all types of security incidents. I believe the passage of this bill creates a roadmap that will provide our first responders and TSA with the proper level of coordination to respond to incidents like the senseless shooting that took place at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1, 2013.

After the shooting, I travelled with other Members of the Committee, including Ranking Member THOMPSON, to Los Angeles to meet with first responders, TSA officials, airport personnel, as well as the injured Transportation Security Officers who bravely put themselves in harm's way to help an elderly passenger. I also had the somber opportunity to meet with the widow of Officer Hernandez, before holding a field hearing to examine what could be done to mitigate such tragedies in the future. Today, I am proud to see this Committee's efforts set to cross the finish line, and I hope that the wife of Officer Hernandez can find some solace in the passage of this legislation, which bears her husband's name.

The legislation will direct TSA to conduct necessary outreach to airports and transit hubs across the United States to ensure that there are adequate security incident response and communications plans in place. Moreover, H.R. 720 establishes TSA as a clearinghouse of best-practices for transportation sector preparedness and incident response, which will streamline the proliferation of information and communication across transportation systems in the United States. This bill also looks for ways to overcome interoperable communications challenges and increase funding for airport law enforcement, while also ensuring that airport personnel are equipped with training on how to response to active shooters and other security incidents, such as terrorism.

It is my pleasure to commend the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Mr. KATKO and former Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr. HUDSON, for their efforts in addressing this issue, as well as, working to foster bipartisan cooperation. I also wish to commend the bipartisan efforts of both the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Mr. THOMPSON, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. RICE, whose support of this legislation is greatly appreciated. Additionally, I would like to thank the other bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation, as well as Chairman THUNE and our Senate colleagues for moving this important bill through the Senate. I urge my colleagues to support the final passage of H.R. 720 and strengthen the security of U.S. transportation.

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