Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, many U.S. truck drivers and other transportation workers must undergo Transportation Security Administration background checks as a requirement for employment.

Workers requiring access to secure areas within maritime posts must undergo a background check to receive a Transportation Worker Identification Credential known as a TWIC.

Likewise, truck drivers authorized to transport hazardous materials must undergo a background check to receive hazardous materials or hazmat endorsement.

In fact, many workers with both a TWIC and a hazmat endorsement--and though TSA has made some progress in reducing requirements for such workers--they are still subject to far too many duplicative burdens and costs.

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 would help eliminate and ease those burdens by streamlining requirements and reducing costs.

Importantly, the bill will push TSA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to allow truck drivers and other individuals to visit a TSA enrollment center once and use their application to enroll in multiple programs.

This bill will reduce barriers to employment for these essential workers who are keeping our economy moving.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
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Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and as such, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, TSA's vetting programs are critical to ensuring the security of our Nation's transportation systems. At the same time, we must ensure these programs do not place unnecessary burdens on frontline workers.

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 will help reduce these burdens while upholding security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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