Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4176, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4176 seeks to improve the Transportation Security Administration's ability to address air cargo-based security threats.

Last July, then-Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, identified such acts as a major concern, explaining that there are people out there, very smart people, very sophisticated people who do nothing but try to figure out how to blow up an airplane in flight.

Later that month, Australian authorities charged four men with plotting to bring down a passenger plane on behalf of ISIS with a bomb in the air cargo hold. This foiled terror plot underscores the need for the TSA to give focused attention to this clear and present security threat. The increased risk to air cargo comes at a time when the volume of goods being moved by air cargo has multiplied, with 2016 volumes nearly back to pre-recession levels.

If enacted, my bill would require the TSA to establish an air cargo security division to carry out air cargo security policy and stakeholder engagement responsibilities. Further, it would direct the TSA to pilot emerging technologies for screening cargo, such as computed tomography, for integration into current security programs.

I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing this necessary and straightforward Homeland Security legislation.

Mr. Speaker, while passenger and baggage screening efforts are the most visible part of aviation security, protecting against air cargo- based threats is just as critical.

Enactment of H.R. 4176 will ensure that the TSA is positioned to stay ahead of this ever-evolving security threat that face all who navigate our skies.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4176, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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