Trip Report: Committee Delegation Examines Last Point of Departure Airports and Aviation Security in Europe and the Middle East

Statement

House Homeland Security Committee's Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee Chairman John Katko (R-NY) led a bipartisan delegation of House lawmakers to Europe and the Middle East last week. Members examined airport security at last point of departure airports and discussed strategic and operational coordination with our foreign partners on counter-terrorism measures, including our partnerships to defeat ISIS and the ongoing refugee crisis, foreign fighter travel, and other national security issues.

Chairman McCaul: "Rep. John Katko's continued leadership in aviation security, last point of departure airports, and on stopping terrorist entry into America has been critical. His most recent work examining security at international airports in the Middle East and Europe will better protect Americans here at home and build upon the Committee's continuous work to improve airport security."

Rep. John Katko: "The timing of this visit to Europe and the Middle East was critical, as terrorists remain intent on taking down aircraft. We must do all that we can to stay ahead of the evolving threat to the global aviation sector. Together with our foreign partners, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure ISIS is not able to infiltrate and exploit refugee resettlement programs. After standing near the doorsteps of terror in the Middle East and speaking with the leaders in each of these countries, I came away knowing in order to keep Americans safer, we must advance collaborative counterterrorism efforts with our allies and deepen our bilateral relationships to raise the standard of global aviation security."

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