Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Thompson, for his steadfast leadership on this critical issue and for working with me to ensure that this amendment be made in order.

Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the hiring of veterans and related preference-eligible individuals, including disabled veterans and widows or widowers of veterans, for positions within the Transportation Security Administration.

Mr. Chair, I rise as a supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 1140 because I believe we must do what we can to ensure our public servants have fair pay and adequate protections. This is especially true for the Federal workforce charged with preserving our national security and protecting our Nation.

As the threats against our Nation continue to evolve in complexity, TSA employees are tasked with adapting just the same. They deserve the ability to negotiate compensation equitable to the service they provide.

I rise to offer this amendment to ensure that our TSA workforce includes the fortitude of our Nation's heroes, veterans who are already mission-driven, molded in integrity, national-security minded, and, above all, driven by a proven track record of service to the mission. I have heard firsthand testimony of servicemen and -women, many returning with service-connected disabilities, but many who still yearn to serve and protect our Nation.

What better way than with the Transportation Security Administration, a crucial necessity to the safekeeping of our Nation's citizens?

My amendment would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize our Nation's heroes first when hiring to support TSA's workforce. This includes veteran-related-preference-eligible individuals such as disabled veterans and widows or widowers of veterans. As a Navy veteran and member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, the hiring of our servicemembers and veterans is one of my top priorities.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment to ensure we do not overlook veterans who would strengthen the TSA workforce.

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Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

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Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close.

Mr. Chairman, I just want to reiterate this is a simple amendment in support of our Nation's veterans. I urge my colleagues to adopt the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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