Ayotte's Bill to Boost TSA Accountability Approved by Commerce Committee

Press Release

As part of her ongoing efforts to bring greater transparency to government, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced today that the Senate Commerce Committee has approved the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act (S. 1893) - legislation she introduced to help ensure the most effective use of security technology and responsible use of taxpayer dollars at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The House of Representatives unanimously passed companion legislation in December.

"This legislation continues my efforts to bring greater accountability to government," said Senator Ayotte, who is the Ranking Member (top Republican) on the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security. "Through common sense oversight, this bill will help make sure our homeland security dollars are being spent responsibly while ensuring the safety of airlines and passengers. The House has already passed its version of this legislation, and I will push for a vote on final passage in the full Senate."

The Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act would require TSA to develop a public five-year strategic technology investment plan; justify to Congress major acquisitions of security-related technology and report to Congress incidents of schedule delays, cost overruns, or technical failures; establish measures to manage and track equipment in inventory to reduce costly storage of unusable or outdated technologies; and report annually on its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.

Gerardine Ferlins, President/CEO of Cirtronics in Milford, said: "On behalf of the employee owners of Cirtronics Corporation, we appreciate Senator Ayotte's sponsorship of S. 1893 and the Senate Commerce Committee's decision to approve this bill. The implementation of these best practices will improve transparency for the private sector and Congress. As a manufacturer of trace detection equipment, it will enable us to offer continued employment in New Hampshire."

Ayotte's legislation is supported by the following organizations: Aeronautical Repair Station Association, National Air Transportation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, Airlines for America, National Business Aviation Association, Airports Council International - North America, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, American Association of Airport Executives, Regional Airline Association, Cargo Airline Association, Security Industry Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Security Manufacturers Coalition, Helicopter Association International, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, International Air Transport Association, U.S. Travel Association, and the National Air Carrier Association.

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