Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2014, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, at the outset, I would like to thank Chairmen McCaul and Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond for their support of the measure before us today.

I would like to thank Senator Tester for working with me to introduce companion legislation.

Finally, I commend Chairman Rockefeller for taking an interest in this legislation and moving it through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today has gone through regular order and is the product of thoughtful deliberation and bipartisan agreement.

Indeed, the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 improves upon the bill passed by the House in December of last year by enhancing transparency while preserving the ability of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to effectively and efficiently conduct its important work.

By concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204, and sending the bill to the President for his signature, the House will be ensuring that stakeholders, including labor organizations, airports, small business operators at airports, and airlines, have a permanent seat at the table when TSA is developing policies and procedures that directly impact their work and businesses.

When Congress established TSA in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the agency was granted broad latitude to develop, implement, and modify aviation security policies and procedures.

As a result, in many instances, TSA is not required to, and does not go through, the Federal rulemaking process to establish new policies or modify those already on the books.

I have introduced H.R. 1204 to ensure that input from the key stakeholders is sought, received, and considered by TSA. To that end, my bill not only makes the Aviation Security Advisory Committee permanent but puts new requirements on TSA to consult with this body and give its recommendations thoughtful and timely consideration.

It also requires the establishment of subcommittees within the larger Aviation Security Advisory Committee to focus on air cargo security, general aviation security, perimeter security, and security technology.

Whatever your views on TSA, I believe we can all agree that aviation security policymaking should reflect meaningful consultation and coordination with key stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, as you have heard, H.R. 1204 has broad bipartisan support within Congress and is supported by a wide array of stakeholders. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent, and the House initially passed the bill last December with over 400 Members voting in favor.

I urge my colleagues to display the same level of support for the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 so that this bipartisan legislation can be sent to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker I yield back the balance of my time.

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