Transportation Worker Identification Credential Accountability Act of 2018
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5729, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Accountability Act of 2018.
Since 2002, when Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act, problems have beset the Transportation Worker Identification Credential card, or TWIC card, as it is called, a maritime security credential.
Since its inception, concerns and questions about the reliability of background check information, the efficacy of fraud detection capabilities, and the relatively high cost of the credential have been persistent shortfalls that the Department of Homeland Security has never gotten right.
As explained by the bill's sponsor, the Coast Guard issued a flawed final rule in 2016 for the use of TWIC card biometric readers at high- risk maritime facilities. The Coast Guard issued this rule despite Congress directing the Department of Homeland Security in 2016 to conduct a ``top-to-bottom'' review of the effectiveness of the entire TWIC program.
If there was ever an example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing, the issuance of this reader rule was it. Considering the history and pattern of mismanagement of TWIC credentials, I agree with the purpose of this legislation. It makes prudent sense to put a hold on any new TWIC rulemaking until such time that the Department of Homeland Security completes its effectiveness review as required by Congress.
Ensuring the security of high-risk maritime facilities remains a vitally important homeland security priority. If the TWIC card is not up to the task, it is best for Congress to understand why and how the deficiencies might best be resolved.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the best course of action is to abandon the TWIC card, we need to evaluate alternative security measures that might fill the gap immediately.
I urge my colleagues to join me and support this noncontroversial legislation.
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