[House Hearing, 119 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
AMERICA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE: EXAMINING
EFFORTS TO SECURE AND IMPROVE THE U.S.
TRAVEL SYSTEM AND PREPARE FOR SIGNIFI-
CANT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
APRIL 8, 2025
__________
Serial No. 119-12
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Homeland Security
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
61-304 PDF WASHINGTON : 2025
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
Mark E. Green, MD, Tennessee, Chairman
Michael T. McCaul, Texas, Vice Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi,
Chair Ranking Member
Clay Higgins, Louisiana Eric Swalwell, California
Michael Guest, Mississippi J. Luis Correa, California
Carlos A. Gimenez, Florida Shri Thanedar, Michigan
August Pfluger, Texas Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island
Andrew R. Garbarino, New York Daniel S. Goldman, New York
Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia Delia C. Ramirez, Illinois
Tony Gonzales, Texas Timothy M. Kennedy, New York
Morgan Luttrell, Texas LaMonica McIver, New Jersey
Dale W. Strong, Alabama Julie Johnson, Texas, Vice Ranking
Josh Brecheen, Oklahoma Member
Elijah Crane, Arizona Pablo Jose Hernandez, Puerto Rico
Andrew Ogles, Tennessee Nellie Pou, New Jersey
Sheri Biggs, South Carolina Troy A. Carter, Louisiana
Gabe Evans, Colorado Robert Garcia, California
Ryan Mackenzie, Pennsylvania Vacancy
Brad Knott, North Carolina
Eric Heighberger, Staff Director
Hope Goins, Minority Staff Director
Sean Corcoran, Chief Clerk
------
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND MARITIME SECURITY
Carlos A. Gimenez, Florida, Chairman
Andrew R. Garbarino, New York LaMonica McIver, New Jersey,
Elijah Crane, Arizona Ranking Member
Sheri Biggs, South Carolina Timothy M. Kennedy, New York
Mark E. Green, MD, Tennessee (ex Troy A. Carter, Louisiana
officio) Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi
(ex officio)
Roland Hernandez, Subcommittee Staff Director
Alex Marston, Minority Subcommittee Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
Statements
The Honorable Carlos A. Gimenez, a Representative in Congress
From the State of Florida, and Chairman, Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security:
Oral Statement................................................. 1
Prepared Statement............................................. 3
The Honorable LaMonica McIver, a Representative in Congress From
the State of New Jersey, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security:
Oral Statement................................................. 4
Prepared Statement............................................. 5
The Honorable Bennie G. Thompson, a Representative in Congress
From the State of Mississippi, and Ranking Member, Committee on
Homeland Security:
Oral Statement................................................. 7
Prepared Statement............................................. 8
Witnesses
Mr. Geoff Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S.
Travel Association:
Oral Statement................................................. 12
Prepared Statement............................................. 13
Mr. Jon Gruen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fortem
Technologies:
Oral Statement................................................. 17
Prepared Statement............................................. 19
Mr. Everett B. Kelley, Ph.D., National President, American
Federation of Government Employees (AFGE):
Oral Statement................................................. 20
Prepared Statement............................................. 22
For the Record
The Honorable Carlos A. Gimenez, a Representative in Congress
From the State of Florida, and Chairman, Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security:
Letter From Airlines for America (A4A)......................... 10
The Honorable Elijah Crane, a Representative in Congress From the
State of Arizona:
National Transportation Statistics............................. 38
Article, Defense Daily, October 8, 2015........................ 39
Article, ABC News, November 9, 2017............................ 40
Traffic Regulations for the U.S. Capitol Grounds............... 41
Proposed Bill.................................................. 42
Appendix
Supplemental Testimony of Geoff Freeman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, U.S. Travel Association..................... 55
AMERICA ON THE GLOBAL STAGE: EXAMINING EFFORTS TO SECURE AND IMPROVE
THE U.S. TRAVEL SYSTEM AND PREPARE FOR SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
----------
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Subcommittee on Transportation and
Maritime Security,
Washington, DC.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:10 a.m., in
room 310, Cannon House Office Building, Hon. Carlos A. Gimenez
(Chairman of the subcommittee) presiding.
Present: Representatives Gimenez, Crane, Biggs of South
Carolina, McIver, Kennedy of New York, and Thompson of
Mississippi (ex officio).
Mr. Gimenez. The Homeland Security Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security will come to order.
Without objection, the Chair may declare the subcommittee
in recess at any point.
Before we begin today's hearings, I want to take a moment
to acknowledge the absence of a valued Member of our
subcommittee. We are mourning the loss of our friend and
colleague, Congressman Turner. Sylvester's decades of dedicated
public service to the people of Houston and his contributions
to this Nation and Congress will be remembered as part of his
lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,
especially his daughter and grandson, as they grieve his
passing and honor his life of service.
I also want to welcome the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr.
Carter, to the subcommittee.
Today's hearing will assess the current state of U.S.
travel security and infrastructure, evaluating the readiness of
airports, ports, and border entry points to manage large
influxes of international travelers while ensuring the security
measures, technological advancements, and operational processes
meet future needs.
I now recognize myself for an opening statement. Good
morning, I want to thank everyone for being here today,
especially our witnesses, as we take a closer look at how the
United States is preparing to welcome the world over the next
few years for significant international events.
Beginning this summer, the United States will step onto
global stage by housing the FIFA Club World Cup. This
tournament will feature a league of professional clubs from
around the world, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Inter
Miami FC, my hometown team. It will take place at select venues
throughout the United States. This event will provide an early
opportunity to stress test our travel systems, infrastructure,
and security coordination ahead of even larger events on the
horizon.
In 2026, our country will host a FIFA World Cup with
matches played by national teams in cities across the Nation. I
am thrilled that this includes my home city of Miami. At the
same time, we will celebrate America's 250th anniversary in
July 2026, followed by the summer Olympics and Paralympics in
Los Angeles in 2028.
When I was mayor of Miami-Dade County, I witnessed first-
hand just how much planning and hard work goes into ensuring
these major events run smoothly. As a Member of Congress, I
intend to do all I can to make sure that these international
events are safe for millions of Americans and those traveling
here or planning or attending.
These events are more than just celebrations or
competitions; they are major opportunities to show the world
what America stands for and what we can achieve. If we get this
right, the payoff could be enormous. According to the U.S.
Travel Association, we could generate nearly $95 billion in
economic activity and welcome over 40 million international
visitors. That will only happen if we plan ahead, invest
wisely, and make sure that the travel experience in the United
States is smooth, modern, and secure.
Right now, we have work to do. A recent report from the
United States Travel Association makes it clear that, while the
United States remains one of the top destinations for
international travels, we now rank last among the top travel
destinations when it comes to national planning and leadership.
Long waits for visas, outdated airport technology, and
staffing shortages at our ports of entry are slowing us down.
These problems are not just frustrating; they could cost us
jobs, investment, and global influence. This is why I support
President Trump's recent Executive Order creating a White House
task force focused on the 2026 World Cup. This kind of
coordination is exactly what we need. It brings people to the
table and sends a strong message that the United States is
serious about being ready.
I am currently working on a bill that will take this a step
further by creating a Federal task force to focus on all major
international events occurring in the United States over the
next 4 years. That includes the World Cup, America's 250th, and
the 2028 Olympics. We need to make sure every agency involved
is working together and that our policies and resources are
aligned.
We also need to think about security. Big crowds and high-
profile venues make these big events targets. That includes
threats from drones, which are becoming more common around
stadiums and public gatherings. We need to make sure agencies
like DHS, TSA, and State and local law enforcement have the
tools and coordination they need to stop these threats in the
planning stage long before they can cause harm. We should take
this opportunity to make long-needed reforms to our travel
system. We need to make the system more thorough and effective
while still being welcoming to legitimate travelers. That means
better technology at airports, shorter visa wait times, and
making sure that we have enough officers at our ports of entry.
The world will be watching. With the right vision and
coordination, the United States can set the global standard,
not just for security but for innovation, hospitality, and
safety.
I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about how we
turn that vision into the reality.
[The statement of Chairman Gimenez follows:]
Statement of Chairman Carlos A. Gimenez
April 8, 2025
Good morning. I want to thank everyone for being here today,
especially our witnesses, as we take a closer look at how the United
States is preparing to welcome the world over the next few years for
significant international events.
Beginning this summer, the United States will step onto the global
stage by hosting the FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament will feature
elite professional clubs from around the world, such as Real Madrid,
Manchester City, and Inter Miami FC, and will take place at select
venues throughout the United States. This event will provide an early
opportunity to stress-test our travel systems, infrastructure, and
security coordination ahead of even larger events on the horizon.
In 2026, our country will host the FIFA World Cup with matches
played by national teams in cities across the Nation, and I am thrilled
that this includes my home city of Miami. At the same time, we will
celebrate America's 250th anniversary in July 2026, followed by the
Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028. When I was
mayor of Miami-Dade County I witnessed first-hand just how much
planning and hard work goes into ensuring these major events run
smoothly. As a Member of Congress, I intend to do all I can to make
sure these international events are safe for the millions of Americans
and those traveling here who are planning on attending.
These events are more than just celebrations or competitions. They
are major opportunities to show the world what America stands for and
what we can achieve.
If we get this right, the payoff could be enormous. According to
the U.S. Travel Association, we could generate nearly $95 billion in
economic activity and welcome over 40 million international visitors.
But that will only happen if we plan ahead, invest wisely, and make
sure the travel experience in the United States is smooth, modern, and
secure.
Right now, we have work to do. A recent report from the U.S. Travel
Association made it clear that while the United States remains one of
the top destinations for international travelers; we now rank last
among the top travel destinations when it comes to national planning
and leadership. Long waits for visas, outdated airport technology, and
staffing shortages at our ports of entry are slowing us down. These
problems are not just frustrating, they could cost us jobs, investment,
and global influence.
That is why I support President Trump's recent Executive Order
creating a White House Task Force focused on the 2026 World Cup. This
kind of coordination is exactly what we need. It brings the right
people to the table and sends a strong message that the United States
is serious about being ready.
I'm currently working on a bill that would take this a step further
by creating a Federal task force to focus on all major international
events occurring in the United States over the next 4 years. That
includes the World Cup, America's 250th, and the 2028 Olympics. We need
to make sure every agency involved is working together and that our
policies and resources are aligned.
We also need to think about security. Big crowds and high-profile
venues make these events a target. That includes threats from drones,
which are becoming more common around stadiums and public gatherings.
We need to make sure agencies like DHS, TSA, and State and local law
enforcement have the tools and coordination they need to stop these
threats in the planning stage, long before they can cause harm.
We should take this opportunity to make long-needed reforms to our
travel system. We need to make the system more thorough and effective,
while still being welcoming to legitimate travelers. That means better
technology at airports, shorter visa wait times and making sure we have
enough officers at our ports of entry.
The world will be watching. And with the right vision and
coordination, the United States can set the global standard--not just
for security, but for innovation, hospitality, and safety. I look
forward to hearing from our witnesses about how we turn that vision
into reality.
Mr. Gimenez. Now I recognize the Ranking Member, the
gentlewoman from New Jersey, Mrs. McIver, for her opening
statements.
Mrs. McIver. Good morning. Thank you to our witnesses for
joining us today.
Thank you to Chairman Gimenez for holding today's hearing.
I too want to join in on just expressing our condolences
and sympathy to Representative Turner's family--who passed
away, who was a part of this committee--as we continue to pray
and keep his family and his friends and his close colleagues in
our thoughts. So definitely join us in that and sending well
wishes to his family.
The travel and tourism industry is a vital part of the U.S.
economy. In November 2021, President Biden signed the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, providing a
$1.2 trillion investment in American transportation and
infrastructure. In December 2022, President Biden signed an
omnibus spending package into law funding pay raises and an
expanded collective bargaining framework for TSA employees.
These historic investments have helped spur continued growth in
U.S. travel and tourism and helped secure our transportation
networks.
In 2024, travel in the United States produced an economic
output of $2.8 trillion and supported more than 15 million
American jobs, and record numbers of passengers traveled
through TSA security checkpoints. To continue to grow the U.S.
travel system and prepare for upcoming international events,
any sane administration would continue to invest in our
infrastructure, update our security technology, and support our
Federal work force.
Unfortunately, President Trump and Republicans in Congress
are doing the exact opposite. Take for example making
investments in cutting-edge security technology to fund new CT
scanners and other equipment at TSA checkpoints at the
necessary scale and pace. Congress must stop using passenger
security fee collections as a slush fund and return that money
to TSA. But, instead, Republicans are considering increasing
passenger security fees and using that money to help pay for
tax cuts for billionaires, according to a document showing
their reconciliation plans.
Republicans want to charge airline passengers more and then
put the money in billionaire pockets. The passenger security
fee was created to help fund TSA and prevent another 9/11, but
Republicans care more about giving tax cuts to billionaires.
That's despicable.
Let's turn to work force issues. Transportation security
officers are the backbone of our transportation security system
as they screen millions of passengers and pieces of luggage
every day to keep our skies safe. Yet, over the past month,
President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
have taken the first steps in dismantling the professional
aviation security work force we have worked so hard to build
over the past 2 decades.
On March 7, Secretary Noem ended TSA's 7-year collective
bargaining agreement and dismantled union rights in a political
and illegal move to advance President Trump's union-busting
agenda. I am glad this move is being challenged in the courts.
But, in the mean time, it undermines the TSO work force just as
it had finally stabilized after decades of high attrition.
Worse yet, the termination of TSA's collective bargain
agreement may pave the way for Project 2025's goal of
privatizing the agency, an effort Republicans in Congress are
already trying to advance. Privatizing more than 400 airports
and over 50,000 screening officers would throw the entire
aviation security system into chaos and return us to the pre-9/
11 model that failed to prevent the largest terrorist attack in
U.S. history.
Democrats will fight tooth and nail to prevent Republicans
from sacrificing our national security at the altar of
corporate greed. Unfortunately, the problems the Trump
administration is creating for travel and tourism industry go
well beyond TSA. In 2024, the International Trade
Administration reported a 9 percent increase of international
visitors to the United States. Under the Biden administration,
U.S. tourism was booming and open for business. However, in
just 2 months since President Trump took office, he has managed
to throw that all away by detaining tourists, attacking allies,
and tanking the economy.
The list of countries that have changed their advisory to
warn travelers to the United States of potential risk is
growing longer by the day. That list now includes the United
Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark,
Finland, Belgium, and Canada.
Canadians who visit the United States more than anyone are
now canceling their trips, as flight bookings from Canada have
dropped by 70 percent. Since Trump took office, several
travelers trying to enter the United States have been turned
away or detained for days or weeks with little to no
explanation.
A French scientist scheduled to attend a conference in
Houston was turned away reportedly because his personal device
contained opinions criticizing Trump's research's policies. A
Canadian was put in a jumpsuit and chains and detained for over
2 weeks as she legally went through the process to obtain a
work visa. A German tourist spent more than 6 weeks in a
detention center, including 8 days in solitary confinement,
because she was traveling with tattooing equipment.
Through these cases and others, Donald Trump is sending the
message that visitors to the United States may be arrested
without explanation. Trump is sending a message that the United
States is closed for business. Trump's policies put at risk
trillions of dollars in tourism spending and millions of
American jobs. Let me be clear, if you aren't, even from
watching the news today: Donald Trump is tanking the economy.
I look forward to discussing with our witnesses how the
dire situation will impact our national security and the
success of upcoming high-profile events like the World Cup and
the Olympics.
Thank you. With that, I yield back.
[The statement of Ranking Member McIver follows:]
Statement of Ranking Member LaMonica McIver
April 8, 2025
The travel and tourism industry is a vital part of the U.S.
economy.
In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act into law, providing a $1.2 trillion investment
in American transportation and infrastructure. In December 2022,
President Biden signed an omnibus spending package into law, funding
pay raises and an expanded collective bargaining framework for TSA
employees.
These historic investments have helped spur continued growth in
U.S. travel and tourism and helped secure our transportation networks.
In 2024, travel in the United States produced an economic output of
$2.8 trillion and supported more than 15 million American jobs, and
record numbers of passengers traveled through TSA security checkpoints.
To continue to grow the U.S. travel system and prepare for upcoming
international events, any sane administration would continue to invest
in our infrastructure, update our security technology, and support our
Federal workforce. Unfortunately, President Trump and Republicans in
Congress are doing the exact opposite. Take, for example, making
investments in cutting-edge security technology.
To fund new CT scanners and other equipment at TSA checkpoints at
the necessary scale and pace, Congress must stop using Passenger
Security Fee collections as a slush fund and return that money to TSA.
But instead, House Republicans are considering increasing Passenger
Security Fees and using that money to help pay for tax cuts for
billionaires, according to a document showing their reconciliation
plans. Republicans want to charge airline passengers more and then put
that money in billionaires' pockets.
The Passenger Security Fee was created to help fund TSA and prevent
another 9/11--but Republicans care more about giving tax cuts to
billionaires. That's despicable. Let's turn to workforce issues.
Transportation Security Officers are the backbone of our
transportation security system, as they screen millions of passengers
and pieces of luggage every day to keep our skies safe. Yet over the
past month, President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi
Noem have taken the first steps in dismantling the professional
aviation security workforce we have worked so hard to build over the
past 2 decades.
On March 7, Secretary Noem ended TSA's 7-year collective bargaining
agreement and dismantled union rights in a blatantly political and
illegal move to advance President Trump's union-busting agenda. I am
glad this move is being challenged in the courts, but in the mean time
it undermines the TSO work force just as it had finally stabilized
after decades of high attrition.
Worse yet, the termination of TSA's collective bargaining agreement
may pave the way for Project 2025's goal of privatizing the agency--an
effort Republicans in Congress are already trying to advance.
Privatizing more than 400 airports and over 50,000 screening
officers would throw the entire aviation security system into chaos and
return us to the pre-9/11 model that failed to prevent the largest
terrorist attack in U.S. history. Democrats will fight tooth and nail
to prevent Republicans from sacrificing our national security at the
altar of corporate greed. Unfortunately, the problems the Trump
administration is creating for the travel and tourism industry go well
beyond the TSA.
In 2024, the International Trade Administration reported a 9
percent increase of international visitors to the United States. Under
the Biden administration, U.S. tourism was booming and open for
business. However, in just the 2 months since President Trump took
office, he has managed to throw that all away by detaining tourists,
attacking allies, and tanking the economy. The list of countries that
have changed their advisories to warn travelers to the United States of
potential risks is growing longer by the day.
That list now includes the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway,
Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, and Canada.
Canadians, who visit the United States more than anyone, are now
canceling their trips, as flight bookings from Canada have dropped by
70 percent. Since Trump took office, several travelers trying to enter
the United States have been turned away or detained for days or weeks
with little to no explanation.
A French scientist scheduled to attend a conference in Houston was
turned away reportedly because his personal device contained opinions
criticizing Trump's research policies. A Canadian citizen was put in a
jumpsuit and chains and detained for over 2 weeks as she legally went
through the process to obtain a work visa. A German tourist spent more
than 6 weeks in a detention center, including 8 days in solitary
confinement, because she was traveling with tattooing equipment.
Through these cases and others, Donald Trump is sending the message
that visitors to the United States may be arrested without explanation.
Trump is sending the message that the United States is closed for
business. Trump's policies put at risk trillions of dollars in tourism
spending and millions of American jobs. Let me be clear: Donald Trump
is tanking the economy.
I look forward to discussing with our witnesses how this dire
situation will impact our national security and the success of upcoming
high-profile events like the World Cup and the Olympics.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you.
I now recognize the Ranking Member of the committee, the
gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Let me welcome our witnesses on the panel today.
I am glad the subcommittee is examining the state of U.S.
travel system ahead of high-profile international events. The
outlook for the World Cup, the Olympics, and other major events
set to be hosted in the United States over the next few years
is dire. In just a couple of short months in office, Donald
Trump and his Republican lackeys have done tremendous damage to
the U.S. travel and tourism. People visiting the United States
can no longer be confident that they will be treated fairly by
our Government.
Just last week, a renowned mixed martial arts fighter and
coach trying to visit the United States for a seminar was
detained upon entry, sent to a Federal detention facility, and
ultimately sent back to Australia--all without little
explanation. If this is how we treat foreign athletes and
coaches visiting the United States, one can only imagine how
the World Cup and Olympics will go.
This is just one of the many instances of the Trump
administration inflicting unnecessary trauma upon foreign
visitors. The cruelty is the point. Donald Trump apparently
does not want foreign visitors to visit the United States, even
though travel represented $2.8 trillion of U.S. economic output
in 2023.
The impact of Trump's chaotic and undefined detention and
deportation policies is already apparent. Canada, the United
Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Belgium,
and the Netherlands have all updated travel guidance for people
visiting the United States to warn of potential for detention
or discrimination. Airline bookings from Canada, which provides
the most visitors to the United States by far, is already down
70 percent. The impacts of this loss of international travel
will be devastating to local economies.
In 2023, more than $1.3 trillion in travel spending
contributed $89 billion in tax revenue to States and
communities across the country. More than 15 million American
workers are either directly employed or heavily supported by
the travel industry.
Some of those workers are also facing more direct assaults
from the Trump administration. Last month, Secretary of
Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a memo to strip TSA
employees of their union rights and rescind their existing
collective bargaining agreement. Transportation security
officers screen millions of passengers every day to protect air
travel. For many years, the TSA work force was plagued by low
morale and high attrition.
In 2022, President Biden signed into law an omnibus
spending bill providing pay raises and funding and expanded
collective bargaining framework for TSOs. Those measures have
had a dramatic impact on TSA's ability to carry out its
security mission, as attrition has dropped in half.
Undoing this progress is dumb, cruel, and illegal. The
Secretary cannot unilaterally rescind a binding legal contract.
I hope the courts will put a stop to this nakedly political
madness. In the mean time, I am proud to have reintroduced my
bill, the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, which would provide
TSA workers with full collective bargaining rights and a fair
pay under title 5 of the U.S. Code.
Now is the time for Members of both parties to stand up
against Donald Trump and push back against his cruel and
foolish policies. Donald Trump is putting America last. The
U.S. travel and tourism industry will be among the Trump
administration's first casualties if we do not change course
quickly.
Thank you again to our witnesses for joining us today to
discuss this critical challenge.
I yield back, Mr. Chair.
[The statement of Ranking Member Thompson follows:]
Statement of Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson
April 8, 2025
The outlook for the World Cup, the Olympics, and other major events
set to be hosted in the United States over the next few years is dire.
In just a couple short months in office, Donald Trump and his
Republican lackeys have done tremendous damage to U.S. travel and
tourism. People visiting the United States can no longer be confident
they will be treated fairly by our Government.
Just last week, a renowned mixed martial arts fighter and coach
trying to visit the United States for a seminar was detained upon
entry, sent to a Federal detention facility, and ultimately sent back
to Australia--all with little explanation. If this is how we treat
foreign athletes and coaches visiting the United States, one can only
imagine how the World Cup and Olympics will go.
This is just one of many instances of the Trump administration
inflicting unnecessary trauma upon foreign visitors. The cruelty is the
point.
Donald Trump apparently does not want foreign travelers to visit
the United States, even though travel represented $2.8 trillion of U.S.
economic output in 2023. The impact of Trump's chaotic and undefined
detention and deportation policies is already apparent.
Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Finland,
Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands have all updated travel guidance
for people visiting the United States to warn of the potential for
detention or discrimination. Airline bookings from Canada--which
provides the most visitors to the United States by far--are already
down 70 percent.
The impacts of this loss of international travelers will be
devastating to local economies. In 2023, more than $1.3 trillion in
travel spending contributed $89 billion in tax revenues in States and
communities across the country. More than 15 million American workers
are either directly employed or heavily supported by the travel
industry. Some of those workers are also facing more direct assaults
from the Trump administration.
Last month, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem issued a
memo to strip TSA employees of their union rights and rescind their
existing collective bargaining agreement. Transportation Security
Officers screen millions of passengers every day to protect air travel.
For many years, the TSA workforce was plagued by low morale and high
attrition.
In 2022, President Biden signed into law an omnibus spending bill
providing pay raises and funding an expanded collective bargaining
framework for TSOs. Those measures have had a dramatic impact on TSA's
ability to carry out its security mission, as attrition has dropped in
half. Undoing this progress is dumb, cruel, and illegal.
The Secretary cannot unilaterally rescind a binding legal contract.
I hope the courts will put a stop to this nakedly political madness. In
the mean time, I am proud to have reintroduced by bill, the Rights for
the TSA Workforce Act, which would provide TSA workers with full
collective bargaining rights and fair pay under title 5 of the U.S.
Code.
Now is the time for Members of both parties to stand up to Donald
Trump and push back against his cruel and foolish policies. Donald
Trump is putting America last. The U.S. travel and tourism industry
will be among the Trump administration's first casualties if we do not
change course quickly.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you to the Ranking Member.
Other Members of the committee are reminded that opening
statements may be submitted for the record.
I am pleased to have a distinguished panel of witnesses
before us today on this critical topic. I ask that our
witnesses please rise and raise your right hands.
[Witnesses sworn.]
Mr. Gimenez. Let the record reflect that the witnesses have
answered in the affirmative.
Thank you and please be seated.
I would now like to formally introduce our witnesses. Mr.
Geoff Freeman is the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel
Association, the leading advocate for $1.1 trillion U.S. travel
and hospitality industry. Mr. Freeman is a seasoned association
CEO with a proven track record of building successful
organizations that unite members' interest, grow members'
values, increase revenue and unlock growth opportunities. Prior
to joining U.S. travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the
Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for
America's $2.1 trillion food, beverage, and consumer products
industry.
Mr. Jon Gruen is the CEO and executive chairman of Foreign
Technologies, a tech company that provides artificial-
intelligence-enabled air space awareness and counter-drone
solutions to defense, law enforcement, and commercial
customers. Previously, Mr. Gruen was a corporate business
development and strategy lead for Lockheed Martin. Prior to
joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Gruen was a Navy SEAL officer,
where he served in increasing leadership positions in Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He is currently a
Naval Reserve captain and has commanded unmanned air systems
and technology innovation units. Jon received his bachelor of
science degree from the United States Naval Academy and
received his master of business administration from the Haas
School of Business, University of California Berkeley.
Dr. Everett Kelley is the national president of the
American Federation of Government Employees, which is the
largest union representing Federal and D.C. government
employees. He began his first term of service as national
president in February 2020, was elected to another term during
the 42nd national convention in June 2022, and was reelected
during the 43rd national convention in August 2024. Dr. Kelley
has been a member of AFGE since 1981. He worked at Anniston
Army Depot and retired from there after 30 years of service.
I thank each of our distinguished witnesses for being here
today. Also, I would like to offer the following letter from
the Airlines for America, for the record.
Without objection, so ordered.
[The information follows:]
Letter From Airlines for America (A4A)
April 4, 2025.
The Honorable Carlos A. Gimenez,
Chairman, U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation
and Maritime Security, H2-176 Ford House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515.
RE: Hearing on ``America on the Global Stage: Examining Efforts to
Secure and Improve the U.S. Travel System for Significant International
Events.''
Dear Chairman Gimenez: As the United States prepares for upcoming
international events over the next decade, Airlines for America
(A4A)\1\ welcomes the opportunity to submit comments for the record
regarding your hearing entitled ``America on the Global Stage:
Examining Efforts to Secure and Improve the U.S. Travel System for
Significant International Events.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A4A is the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines,
both passenger and cargo carriers. Members of the association are
Alaska Airlines; American Airlines; Atlas Air; Delta Air Lines; FedEx;
Hawaiian Airlines; JetBlue Airways; Southwest Airlines; United
Airlines; and UPS. Air Canada is an associate member.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
With preparations already under way for the FIFA Club World Cup in
2025, FIFA World Cup 2026, and the International Summer Olympic Games
in 2028, A4A and our member airlines are committed to working with the
Government to ensure transit to and from these events is safe and
secure. Aviation plays a key role in our Nation's critical
infrastructure and our sector's operations are dependent and reliant
upon the Federal agencies we interact with including the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP).
As a result of these dependencies and as the subcommittee provides
oversight of the preparation of these events, A4A offers the following
recommendations for consideration:
designate events appropriately to ensure interagency coordination and
adequate human and technology capital investment
A4A member airlines are adept at supporting high-profile events
designated as Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events or National
Special Security Events (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS). In these instances, the DHS applies a risk-based methodology to
assign a rating based on the threat, vulnerability, and consequences
for each event. These security ratings determine the level of Federal
assistance needed to support large-scale events with supplemental
resources such as the TSA's Federal Air Marshals (FAMS), Visible
Intermodal Protection and Response (VIPR) teams, explosive detection
canine teams, venue screening and field intelligence teams, and forward
deployed Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) as a part of the
National Deployment Force (NDF). TSA has demonstrated its ability to
adequately staff and support similar events as seen during last year's
Superbowl and the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, which
occurred without any significant aviation security risks or operational
impacts.
Adequately staffing the DHS component agencies which support the
aviation sector is vital to our industry. U.S. airlines operate 27,000
flights per day around the globe, transporting an average of 2.7
million passengers to/from more than 80 countries each day and move
more than 61 tons of cargo daily to/from more than 220 countries.
Domestically, in 2024 alone, U.S. airlines set records for single-day
passenger travel, TSA had over 30 record-setting passenger screening
days, and on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the TSA set an all-time high
record surpassing 3 million passengers screened in a single day.
Internationally, in 2024, U.S.travel grew 9 percent year over year
surpassing the largest domestic growth rate since the pandemic. In
order for these trends to continue, and to be accommodated, it is
paramount that TSA and CBP are provided the leadership and resources
needed to adequately plan for future passenger travel and cargo
transportation demands and the staffing levels necessary to effectively
and efficiently operate airport checkpoints and major Ports of Entry
(POEs).
One major component of providing those resources would be the
repeal of the diversion of TSA Passenger Security Fee, as all fees
collected for security should go directly toward their intended
purpose. Ending diversion would restore $10 billion in funding to
modernize TSA and put new identity verification, on-person screening
and baggage scanning technology in every U.S. airport lane within 5
years. Equally important are investments in checked baggage screening
Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), cargo screening algorithms,
detection standards, and at-scale screening methods to include the use
of canine.
Additionally, since 2004, checked baggage EDS recapitalization has
been funded by the Aviation Security Capital Fund (ASCF). The ASCF
currently provides $250 million each fiscal year, and its authorization
will sunset at the end of fiscal year if not extended or modernized. We
urge the committee to ensure these important technology funds remain a
priority.
prioritize advance planning and information sharing to manage aviation
security and operational impacts
In 2024, A4A reported a record-setting summer travel season
transporting an increase of 6.3 percent more passengers than the year
prior. As international passenger travel returned last year, CBP
experienced a significant number of peak passenger facilitation days as
well.
In addition to TSA's ability to support SEAR 1 and NSSEs, it must
manage operations during peak travel seasons in the United States
including spring break, Memorial Day, July 4th, and other significant
holiday periods. A4A and our member airlines have robust stakeholder
engagement at both the Headquarters and local airport levels.
Bidirectional communication and information sharing is critical for
advance planning to ensure adequate resources are available and
contingency plans are ready in anticipation of unexpected weather,
screening equipment failures, or other unforeseen events. In advance of
peak travel periods, TSA briefs industry on its operational staffing
plans that includes key metrics projecting how many people are expected
to travel and undergo screening, the estimated busiest travel days
based on prior year and estimated growth data, how many officers are
needed to support screening operations and what their plans are for
forward deploying officers or other additional resources like passenger
screening canine teams or prepositioning equipment parts to the busiest
airport locations.
As the United States prepares for these significant international
events, TSA must also consider creative ways to manage unprecedented
travel volumes and the pressure this will put on the traditional
checkpoint locations. The Reimbursable Screening Services Program
(RSSP) is a pilot program that enables TSA to be reimbursed for
establishing and providing screening services outside an airport
terminal's existing primary screening area for passengers. Authorized
as a pilot program by Congress in 2019, this allows TSA to enter into
reimbursable agreements with up to 8 TSA regulated entities, as
outlined in 49 CFR Part 1500, to provide screening services at
locations other than primary passenger terminal screening areas. Under
program agreements, selected participants will reimburse TSA fully for
all personnel and non-personnel costs associated with establishing and
providing these additional security screening services. Congress should
extend this authorization to allow for a larger number of locations and
for a longer period of time.
leverage innovation for security and facilitation during large-scale
events
The airline industry drives innovation through constant investment
in new technologies and services. We believe industry's contributions
lead to better security and facilitation outcomes. The aviation
industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with new technologies
being integrated into every aspect. From on-line booking and self-
service check-in to biometric identification and artificial
intelligence, technology is changing how we travel. In the last year,
there has been a significant increase in the use of biometric
technology, such as facial recognition, at airports for security and
boarding procedures. This technology enhances security and efficiency
while improving the passenger experience by reducing wait times and
eliminating the need for physical document checks.
By investing in modernized infrastructure and technologies, the
United States can reduce long airport screening times, streamline
customs processes, and eliminate bureaucratic delays, all while
strengthening national security. CBP is working with industry on
solutions that improve the arrival process. For example, Seamless
Border Entry (SBE) is a new benefit for trusted travelers that provides
a touchless experience and minimizes delays while entering the country
through Global Entry. Similarly, CBP is working with aviation
stakeholders to make improvements to the international arrival process
for U.S. Citizens in the air environment. The Enhanced Passenger
Process (EPP) leverages technology to increase efficiencies by
connecting the passenger's identity through the auto-capture photograph
of a traveler; conducting a U.S. citizen check and performing a real-
time vetting check. Our members are working closely with CBP to promote
the use of digital applications such as Global Entry (GE), NEXUS,
SENTRI, and Mobile Passport Control (MPC) to help expedite the arrival
of eligible passengers, allowing CBP to focus on processing the
additional volume of arriving foreign nationals. We recommend the
committee support and encourage DHS, CBP, and TSA effectively utilizing
and leveraging innovation to better the travel experience.
The use of recreational drones during special events or the
potential for nefarious activity is something DHS and Congress should
take seriously and ensure Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)
legislation is passed. Federal agencies have long called for expanded
C-UAS authorities beyond the Department of Justice and DHS remit, and
A4A would like to see TSA designated as a lead Federal agency with
authority to detect, track, identify, and mitigate threats to aviation
in the airport environment.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide recommendations and we
look forward to working with the committee to help promote innovation
while prioritizing the safety and security of the traveling public.
Sincerely,
Haley Gallagher,
Vice President, Security and Facilitation, Airlines for America.
Mr. Gimenez. I now recognize Mr. Freeman for 5 minutes to
summarize his statement.
Mr. Freeman, you're recognized for 5 minutes.
STATEMENT OF GEOFF FREEMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
Mr. Freeman. Thank you, Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member
McIver, Ranking Member Thompson, Congressman Crane, I
appreciate the opportunity to be with you today.
I'm Jeff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel
Association, representing all aspects of the $2 trillion travel
industry: airlines, airports, theme parks, hotels, destinations
from coast to coast. I want to thank you at the outset for your
appreciation for the travel industry and the impact that it
has.
Travel is a vital economic engine, contributing nearly $3
trillion annually and supporting more than 15 million jobs
across the United States, more than 10 percent of our Nation's
work force.
Travel strengthens America's global standing, encourages
business and cultural exchange, and generates significant tax
revenue. In 2024, international visitors alone contributed $181
billion to our economy.
But we can't count on this continued success without
investments and reforms. Our infrastructure is failing to keep
pace with the increasing demand for travel. For example, the
Transportation Security Administration screened more than 3
million travelers on 2 occasions last year. By 2028, we are
projected to see 100 days per year with that same volume. Our
systems, from security to customs to air traffic control, are
outdated and not prepared for this surge.
It is not just about inefficiencies. It is also about
global competition. Countries like China, India, and Saudi
Arabia are making rapid advancements to their travel
infrastructure, and we risk falling behind if we don't act
swiftly.
The next decade presents a tremendous opportunity. Major
events like the 2026 World Cup, America's 250th anniversary,
and the 2028 Olympics are expected to spur domestic travel and
bring millions of international travelers to the United States.
But, without modernizing our travel infrastructure, we will not
capture the full economic benefit of these events.
President Trump's creation of the White House task force
for the World Cup is a step in the right direction, but much
more is necessary to ensure that our country can maximize the
travel opportunity.
To help meet these challenges U.S. Travel developed a
comprehensive blueprint for the future of American travel,
focusing on the following key policy recommendations: No. 1, we
need greater government leadership. Travel needs dedicated
leadership at the highest levels of government. We urge
Congress and the administration to prioritize travel policy and
create a sustainable model for overseeing travel improvements
from end to end.
No. 2, we've got to address visa processing reform. Long
delays and visitor visa processing hurts our ability to attract
international visitors. We recommend providing full-strength
consular staffing, extending visa validity for vetted lawful
visitors, and establishing a national vetting service to lead
visa processing. This will ensure the United States remains an
attractive destination while maintaining strong national
security.
No. 3, we have got to revolutionize TSA screening. Airport
screening relies on inconsistent, unpleasant, and manual
processes. We recommend immediately ending the diversion of the
passenger security fee and increasing technology funding to
place new identity verification on person-screening and
baggage-screening technology in every U.S. airport lane within
the next 5 years. This will improve security, reduce wait
times, and create a more seamless experience, allowing all
travelers to carry water bottles and larger liquids, leave all
electronics in their bags, and keep their shoes, jackets, and
belts on their person.
Finally, we have got to create a world-class customs
process. We need to modernize the international arrival process
for our guests. We recommend increasing CBP officer staffing at
airports of entry while using biometric technology and enhanced
traveler vetting to reduce processing times. This will allow
the automated entry of trusted travelers and returning
Americans while enabling CBP officers to focus their inspection
efforts on unknown individuals.
These 4 steps are critical to ensuring the United States
remains a global leader in travel and that our infrastructure
can handle the increasing demand. The status quo is not an
option. Travel demand is growing. Our infrastructure is aging.
Global competitors are moving quickly. If we fail to act, we
risk losing economic opportunities, diminishing America's
competitive edge, and foregoing millions of foreign visitors.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward
to answering any questions you may have.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Freeman follows:]
Prepared Statement of Geoff Freeman
April 8, 2025
Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member McIver, Chairman Green, Ranking
Member Thompson, and Members of the Subcommittee on Transportation and
Maritime Security: Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on
behalf of the U.S. Travel Association. I am Geoff Freeman, president
and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the leading organization
advocating for the travel industry in the United States. Our
association represents every segment of the travel industry--airlines,
airports, hotels, theme parks, rental car companies, cruise lines, and
destinations--working together to grow travel to and within the United
States.
1. introduction to u.s. travel and the travel industry
Travel is an economic powerhouse in the United States, driving
nearly $2.9 trillion in economic activity each year. The travel
industry supports more than 15 million jobs across the country--
representing more than 10 percent of the U.S. workforce. These jobs
span a diverse range of sectors, from aviation to hospitality to
destination services. Beyond the numbers, travel drives critical tax
revenue at the Federal, State, and local levels and strengthens
America's standing in the world by fostering international diplomacy
and business.
In 2024, international visitors injected $181 billion into our
economy. Beyond its economic contributions, the travel industry helps
strengthen America's standing globally, attracts talent and investment,
and encourages cultural exchange. The United States is a world leader
in travel, but we now face growing challenges that threaten both the
future of the industry and America's competitive edge.
2. the american travel system is under pressure
The reality is: Bold leadership is required now to prioritize
travel. Our travel systems are under pressure, and without immediate
action, we risk falling behind. Last year, TSA broke records screening
more than 3 million passengers not once, but twice. By next year, TSA
will hit that number 50 times annually--equivalent to 50 Thanksgiving
days in a single year. By 2028, we're looking at 100 days per year with
3 million screenings. These numbers reflect the exponential growth in
demand for air travel, as more people travel domestically and
internationally.
However, our travel infrastructure is not equipped to handle these
increasing numbers. We face:
Bureaucratic inefficiencies.--Long wait times at TSA
checkpoints, customs, and visa processing hurt both the travel
experience and our economy.
Outdated technology.--Much of our air traffic control (ATC)
infrastructure still uses antiquated systems that need
modernizing. Airport security and customs technology also need
significant investment to streamline passenger flow and
maintain high security standards.
Global competition.--Countries like China, India, and Saudi
Arabia are rapidly advancing their travel infrastructure,
putting the United States at risk of losing market share. These
nations are making massive investments in their travel sectors,
leaving the United States vulnerable if we don't act
decisively.
Without modernization, we risk not only missing out on economic
opportunities but also failing to meet the growing demands of global
travelers. The competition is moving fast, and we must accelerate our
own efforts to keep pace.
3. golden opportunity with a mega decade of events
The next decade presents an extraordinary opportunity for the
United States to further solidify its leadership in global travel.
Major events over the next 4 years such as the 2025 Club World Cup,
Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup, America's 250th anniversary, and 2028
Olympics are expected to contribute nearly $100 billion in economic
activity and bring an estimated 40 million international travelers.
However, with this tremendous opportunity comes a set of
challenges. The surge in travel will place immense pressure on our
infrastructure, and we must ensure we are ready to handle the increased
demand. This means addressing key issues in safety, security, and
efficient travel facilitation. If we fail to modernize and adapt, we
risk not fully capturing the economic benefits and the potential for
growth these events will bring, while giving our competitors the chance
to question our leadership on the global stage.
We are grateful for President Trump's immediate action to establish
the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will
provide senior leadership and coordination across Government to ensure
the United States is fully prepared to accommodate the millions of
travelers expected for the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
By bringing together the necessary resources and expertise, the task
force will provide the foundation for a transformative mega decade of
events that will benefit not only the travel industry but the Nation as
a whole.
Through this effort, we have an opportunity to drive innovation,
modernize infrastructure, and ensure America remains a premier
destination for travel and business. With careful planning and
strategic investments, we can leverage this moment to further
strengthen our economy, enhance security, and showcase America's role
as a global leader in the travel and hospitality sectors.
4. vision for american travel dominance
To meet these challenges head-on, U.S. Travel has worked alongside
a slate of distinguished commission of leaders to create a
comprehensive blueprint for the future of American travel. This is the
Congress that can truly usher in robust innovation, make wholesale
upgrades, and create a new system that sets America apart from the rest
of the world.
Our proposed solutions focus on transforming the entire travel
experience, from pre-travel planning to arrival, to ensure a seamless
and secure process for travelers. The United States is currently the
only G20 nation without a dedicated leader or agency overseeing travel
policy. We encourage Congress and the administration to ensure a
similar sustainable model that prioritizes travel policy and drives
meaningful progress for decades to come.
Our full report and recommendations can be viewed at
showcaseamericantravel.org and I have included an executive summary of
the report as an addendum to my testimony. Here are the key components
of our vision:
Government Leadership.--Bold leadership from the highest
levels of government is essential. We commend President Trump's
creation of Task Force 250 and the 2026 World Cup Task Force,
and we urge continued focus on ensuring our travel
infrastructure is ready for the future.
Visa Processing Reform.--Long delays in visa processing
remain a major barrier to attracting international visitors--
with some U.S. embassies and consulates seeing more than 400-
day wait times for visa applicants to secure an interview. We
recommend reforms to streamline and reduce bureaucratic delays,
ensuring that the United States remains an attractive
destination for global travelers while continuing to strengthen
national security.
Revolutionizing TSA Screening.--It's time to rethink
aviation security. The last breakthrough in airport screening
was TSA PreCheck, which is more than a decade old. It's time
for the next big leap in innovation. By equipping every TSA
lane with state-of-the-art biometrics, advanced imaging
technology (AIT), and Computed Tomography (CT) baggage scanners
within 5 years, we can significantly improve security while
reducing wait times. A largely manual operation that creates an
inefficient and unpleasant process for both officers and
travelers can become a modern, automated experience where
officers focus on risk and travelers can carry larger liquids
and leave their shoes, jackets, and belts on.
Creating a World-Class Customs Process.--We must modernize
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations to make the
arrival process as seamless as possible. This means
implementing advanced traveler vetting and biometric
capabilities to dramatically reduce processing times at
airports--allowing U.S. travelers to clear customs faster than
ever, and Trusted Travelers passing through without even
stopping--thanks to full automation. With the right tools and
increased CBP staffing at international airports, we can
maintain the highest levels of security while facilitating the
smooth entry of millions of lawful visitors for these global
events.
Modern and Fully-Staffed Air Traffic Control System.--The
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is approximately 3,000
controllers short of its staffing needs and 77 percent of the
most critical facilities across the system are understaffed.
The ATC system relies on decades-old radar, paper strips, and
systems run on floppy disks. We applaud President Trump and
Secretary Duffy for their commitment to expanding pathways for
controller certification. We call on Congress to do its part by
providing full funding for ATC staffing, providing emergency
appropriations to rapidly upgrade key parts of the ATC system,
and by designating ATC investments as mandatory spending.
5. conclusion
The next decade represents a defining moment for the American
travel experience. The status quo is not an option. Travel demand is
surging, our infrastructure is aging, and global competitors are moving
fast. If we fail to act, we risk turning travelers away, ceding
economic opportunities, and compromising our leadership in the world.
The steps we take today will determine whether the United States
remains the global leader in travel or struggles to keep pace with
competitors.
Travel is not just an economic driver--it is essential to America's
global competitiveness and leadership. U.S. Travel stands ready to
partner with Congress and the administration to ensure we modernize our
infrastructure and unlock the full economic potential of our travel
system. But we cannot afford to wait. This is the future of travel.
It's bold, it's achievable--and it's time to make it happen.
I look forward to working with you to make this vision a reality.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to answer any
questions you may have.
Executive Summary
America is no longer the top destination for global travel.
International visitation to the United States peaked in 2018 under
President Trump but has failed to reach those levels since. The United
States now ranks behind Spain and France in the global competition for
visitors. China is on a path to catch or surpass us over the next
decade. Our competitors are investing billions to leapfrog the United
States and win a bigger share of the $11.1 trillion in economic
benefits from the global travel market.
It's time for a new strategy--a strategy to secure America's global
travel leadership and establish the United States as the world's top
destination. Just regaining our lost market share, which declined from
12.8 percent to 9.1 percent since 2015, would generate 127 million
additional visitors over the next decade, resulting in $478 billion in
additional spending with U.S. businesses, 140,000 new American jobs,
and generate $55 billion in tax revenue.
But we should aim higher. And the opportunity is right on our
doorstep.
Over the next 4 years, America is set to host several premier
events--including the 2025 Ryder Cup, America's 250th birthday, the
2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With Presidential leadership and the right policies in place, these
events can welcome 40 million international visitors and drive $95
billion in economic activity.
To help seize this opportunity and regain American travel
dominance, the U.S. Travel Association established the Commission on
Seamless and Secure Travel. Comprised of key leaders across the private
and public sectors, the commission spent nearly a year gathering
evidence, studying the latest security technologies, and learning how
progress is being made both at home and abroad.
The commission's report offers a guide for the Trump administration
and Congress to fulfill President Trump's pledge to usher in a Golden
Age of Travel. Based on the commission's work, U.S. Travel recommends
that Congress and the Trump administration take 4 crucial steps to make
America the top travel destination:
1
Establish White House leadership to showcase America at premier
events.--In the first 100 days, the Trump administration should
establish an interagency task force, chaired by a senior White House
official, to bring sustained leadership and focus across the Federal
Government to take advantage of global events coming our way over the
next 4 years. The administration should leverage Brand USA, a public-
private partnership, to market America's destinations to the world and
increase international visitation for these events.
2
Deliver on President Trump's promise to efficiently and securely
process visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Provide full-strength consular staffing for visa
processing.--Fully staff visa processing windows during all
available business hours and surge staff to remotely process
visa applications.
Extend visa validity for vetted, lawful visitors.--Extend B-
1/B-2 visa validity for 2 years for lawful visa holders who
have never been refused a visa, have previously visited the
United States, left the country on time, and have no
immigration or criminal violations.
Establish a National Vetting Service that builds on
President Trump's National Vetting Center.--Rather than relying
on entry-level foreign service bureaucrats to conduct visa
processing, seek legislation to establish a new National
Vetting Service (NVS) dedicated to visa processing and traveler
vetting. The NVS would be a professional national security
workforce that is fully funded through visa fees, separate from
the Foreign Service, and could be surged anywhere in the world
to efficiently handle visa processing demand.
Create a ``Secure Travel Partnership'' program to increase
countries that have strong travel security agreements with the
United States.--Establish a Secure Travel Partnership program
where countries could qualify for visa facilitation benefits by
meeting all security requirements of the Visa Waiver Program
(VWP) and keeping refusal rates below 12 percent and overstay
rates below 5 percent. In return, highly qualified first-time
B-1/B-2 visa applicants from Partnership countries could have
in-person interviews and biometric collection done by U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival at U.S.
airports, rather than by appointment at U.S. consulates and
embassies.
3
Create the world's most advanced and secure airport screening
process.--Deploy state-of-the-art screening technology that strengthens
security AND reduces wait times by allowing all travelers to carry
water bottles and larger liquids, leave all electronics in their bags
and keep their shoes, jackets, and belts on.
Make a historic investment in security technology.--
Immediately end the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee and
increase technology funding to generate $10 billion to
modernize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and
put new identity verification, on-person screening and baggage
scanning technology in every U.S. airport lane within 5 years.
4
Create strong, modern and efficient airport borders to keep America
safe and global travel moving.
Provide full-strength staffing at airport customs.--Fund an
additional 2,000 CBP officers to fully staff U.S. airports of
entry. Surge CBP staffing to the National Targeting Center,
National Vetting Center, and Global Entry processing to
maximize security while facilitating record travel.
End hours-long customs wait times for Americans returning
home from abroad.--Expand CBP's Enhanced Passenger Processing
(EPP) and Seamless Border Entry (SBE) to the top 25 airports by
the end of 2026. EPP allows low-risk U.S. citizens to forgo
customs interviews if they pass pre-arrival vetting, have their
identities biometrically confirmed, and have nothing to
declare. SBE uses advanced biometric technology to confirm the
identities of Global Entry travelers on the move, without the
need to stop at a kiosk.
Strengthen protection against immigration overstays.--Invest
$600 million to complete CBP's biometric air exit system within
2 years and enhance the Traveler Verification Service (TVS)
that is used to identify travelers entering and exiting the
United States.
Implementing these recommendations will strengthen our economy,
create jobs across the country, and improve our trade balance while
ensuring America remains a secure and welcoming destination for
international travelers. We need a new strategy to secure America's
global travel leadership.
To learn how modernizing our travel systems will deliver a world-
class experience for both domestic and international travelers, visit
ShowcaseAmericanTravel.org.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you, Mr. Freeman.
Now I recognize Mr. Gruen for 5 minutes to summarize his
opening statement.
STATEMENT OF JON GRUEN, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
FORTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Mr. Gruen. Good morning, Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member
McIver, and honorable Members of the Transportation and
Maritime Security Subcommittee.
My name is Jon Gruen, and I am the chief executive officer
of Fortem Technologies. I'm grateful for the opportunity to
testify today on the security of upcoming international events.
Fortem was founded in 2016 to develop and produce the
technology needed to defeat drones. We have become a global
leader in drone detection and mitigation, focused on systems
that can operate safely in the populated areas and in the
national air space.
Our technology is currently deployed by CBP at the Southern
Border, on U.S. military bases, and at critical infrastructure
sites worldwide.
Fortem also provided counter-drone solutions to the 2020
Olympic games in Tokyo, the 2022 World Cup games in Qatar, and
the recent inauguration of President Trump here in the District
of Columbia.
Over the next decade, the United States will host multiple
major international sporting events. As we approach these
global events, it is vital that we assess today's threat
landscape and act now to lower the risk of incidents.
As you are well aware, the occurrence of drone threats has
surged in recent years, with the Department of Defense and
Homeland Security reporting thousands of unauthorized drone
incidents annually. Recent domestic drone incidents, like the
collision with the firefighting aircraft in Los Angeles and one
that halted an NFL playoff game are warnings of what is to come
if we don't act.
Another example includes the incursion that occurred over
Joint Base Langley-Eustis in 2023, which triggered a month-long
interagency attempt to deploy counter-drone assets to no avail.
In this incident, standard detection and defeat systems failed,
offering no advanced warning of incoming drones or a means to
defeat what should have been considered a clear and present
danger. This event highlighted a new category of threats we are
facing: dark drones, aircraft designed to evade detection by
not emitting RF signals.
To protect sensitive sites and large public gatherings,
dark drone detection and kinetic mitigation must be the core of
any successful counter-drone system.
Thankfully, we do have the technology to defeat rogue
drones before they cause harm. Companies like mine have
developed AI-powered sensors necessary to identify the threats,
including dark drones, as well as autonomous interceptor drones
capable of safely taking down the threats. Our system
intercepts drones with an aerial net capture system and tows
them to predetermined locations, ensuring the safety of
bystanders and allowing for forensics on the captured drone.
As I mentioned, this technology has protected spectators at
the World Cup, Olympics, and other significant events before.
We must field these defensive solutions at scale in the
homeland now, as time is a critical aspect in fielding an
effective counter-drone system. Based on our experience,
counter-drone systems must start to be deployed 12 months
before the event, to allow time for system delivery, site
analysis, and operational training.
With the 2026 World Cup just over a year away, Federal
agencies must be given the tools and authorities they need, and
local law enforcement must be empowered to respond to drone
threats quickly and effectively.
Currently, counter-drone authorities are spread across
multiple agencies, with delayed abilities to mitigate known
threats. In the instance a drone is detected and determined to
be a danger, authorized Federal personnel must be present and
still request explicit clearance to take mitigation action.
The chaos that ensured when drone activity disrupted
flights at Newark airport last year is a glaring example of our
inability to respond to drone threats in real time. I commend
this committee's thoughtful bipartisan work to resolve this
challenge through H.R. 8610 last year and believe this bill
should be passed swiftly in the new Congress. We need
centralized, streamlined counter-drone processes now. We must
delegate mitigation authority to State and local law
enforcement. Their involvement is critical for faster response
and better security at a 12-plus city event like the World Cup,
where Federal resources will be stretched thin.
I thank you. I look forward to answering your questions.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gruen follows:]
Prepared Statement of Jon Gruen
April 8, 2025
Good morning, Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member McIver, and
honorable Members of the Transportation and Maritime Security
Subcommittee. My name is Jon Gruen, and I am the chief executive
officer of Fortem Technologies. I'm grateful for the opportunity to
testify today on the timely issue of security in upcoming international
events in the United States.
Fortem was founded in 2016 with the explicit intention of
developing and producing the technology necessary to defeat a key
threat that we saw on the horizon: drones. Nine years later, we have
grown to be a global leader in drone detection and kinetic mitigation
capabilities, specializing in low-collateral effect systems that can
operate safely in populated areas and in the National air space. This
unique specialty has garnered attention from Government agencies and
private stakeholders alike, and we are currently deployed at military
bases both in the homeland and abroad, with CBP at the Southern Border,
and with dozens of partners across the globe in critical infrastructure
and public-event security.
Over the next decade, the United States will host the 2026 Men's
World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2031 Women's World Cup, the
2031 Rugby World Cup, and the 2034 Winter Olympics. These are in
addition to our regularly-held domestic sporting events that frequently
surpass 100,000 patrons in attendance.
As we approach these large events in the United States, all of
which will have a significant international presence, it is incredibly
important to do what this committee is discussing today: analyze what
the state of security threats will be to the public and participants at
the time of those events, and what should be done now to lower the risk
of a security incident.
I started gaining experience in securing large international events
as the U.S. Special Operations Command lead to the inter-agency Task
Force for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. At the time, the largest
deployment of U.S. inter-agency personnel ever. My recent experiences
are based on my company's work providing air space awareness and
counter-drone solutions to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 2022
World Cup Games in Qatar, and the recent inauguration of President
Trump right here on Capitol Hill.
There are numerous potential threats to large public events, but
law enforcement and security personnel have developed capabilities to
mitigate most of them. However, there is one threat which evolves every
day, and has proliferated at such a fast pace, that law enforcement
does not have the tools to mitigate it. Drones are the new weapon of
choice for bad actors around the world, posing an escalating threat to
security. Public venues and critical infrastructure, such as airports
and energy sites, are equally vulnerable to what might be the greatest
asymmetric advantage ever achieved by people intent on death and
damage.
As you are well aware, the occurrence of drone threats against
critical infrastructure has surged by over 400 percent in the past 5
years, with the Department of Defense and Homeland Security reporting
thousands of unauthorized drone incidents annually, posing escalating
risks to national security. The effectiveness of these drones to cause
catastrophic damage is also growing, as displayed in real-time on the
battlefields of Ukraine where the development time line for new drone
technologies and tactics is 60 days.
Recent domestic incidents, such as a drone collision with a
firefighting aircraft in Los Angeles and a rogue drone that shut down
the Steelers-Ravens NFL Playoff game, will happen again at coming
attractions if we don't act now. Even larger incidents, such as at
Joint Base Langley-Eustis on December 6, 2023, resulted in a near-
month-long inter-agency response to deploy counter-drone assets,
technology and personnel, all to no avail. Months later a similar
incident over a key critical infrastructure site took place in the
Pacific Northwest, where law enforcement personnel observed multiple
drones flying at consistent intervals for more than a week. In both
incidents, traditional drone detect-and-defeat solutions did not work.
There was no advanced warning of incoming drones and no countermeasure
to defeat what should be considered a clear and present danger.
These incidents have led to the broad acceptance that traditional
drone countermeasures are no longer sufficient to protect against what
was once thought to be a future threat--dark drones, or drones
specifically designed to not emit RF signatures and thereby evade
traditional drone detection solutions. In order to adequately protect
any sensitive site or large public gathering today, dark drone
detection and kinetic mitigation must be the core of any successful
counter-drone system.
Thankfully, we do have the technology to detect, track, and
neutralize rogue drones before they cause harm. Companies like mine
have developed AI-powered sensors necessary to identify the threats,
including dark drones, as well as autonomous interceptor drones capable
of taking down threats in real-time without collateral damage. Our
system intercepts drones with aerial net capture, and then tows them to
a pre-determined location, ensuring the safety of bystanders and
allowing for forensics on the captured drone. As I mentioned before,
this technology has protected spectators at the World Cup, Olympics,
the Inauguration and other significant international events. We must
field these defensive solutions at scale in the homeland now, as time
is a critical aspect in fielding an effective counter-drone system.
Based on our experience, counter-drone systems must start to be
deployed 12 months before the event. During that time, there needs to
be analysis of site-specific layered solutions; hardware must be
purchased, delivered, and integrated; teams identified and trained on
this new technology; concepts of operations developed; and small
hardware and software modifications made to maximize the effectiveness
of those operations.
With the 2026 World Cup just over a year away, we must act quickly
to enable relevant Federal agencies to procure and deploy these assets
as fast as possible and ensure that these agencies and their local law
enforcement partners have the authority to act quickly in response to a
threat. In a drone attack, seconds count: giving law enforcement
personnel on the ground the ability to do their jobs is just common
sense.
Currently, the responsibility of countering the threat of drones is
spread across multiple agencies with limited authority to counter drone
threats in real time. In the instance a drone is detected and
determined to be a threat, authorized Federal personnel must be present
and still request explicit clearance in order to take mitigative
action. These barriers prevent even well-prepared organizations, such
as owners of stadiums or energy sites, from taking proactive action,
and point to a larger systemic challenge that extends beyond large
events like the World Cup. The chaos that ensued when unauthorized
drone activity disrupted flights at Newark International Airport is a
glaring example of our inability to detect and respond in real time.
Long-term resolution to the authorities' challenge has been a topic
of debate in Congress for some time, and I am grateful for the
thoughtful bipartisan legislation from this committee's work on H.R.
8610 last year. However, these upcoming events require centralized and
streamlined counter-drone processes as soon as possible to ensure their
security. In addition, there needs to be delegation of authorities to
more State and local law enforcement, even if it is temporary
authorization for these events. Their involvement will enable greater
flexibility, faster responses, and better security at a 12+ city event
like the World Cup where there may not be enough Federal personnel or
assets to deploy. Empowering State and local law enforcement to defend
high-risk locations from unauthorized drones will be critical to
success.
We have been lucky that many recent drone incidents were not
catastrophic, but luck is not a security strategy. The threat is real,
but the solution is within reach. I urge Congress to provide Federal
agencies with the resources necessary to procure capable counter-drone
systems as soon as possible, and to make sure that Federal, State, and
local law enforcement are granted the appropriate authorities needed to
protect these high-visibility events. I'm grateful for the opportunity
to testify today, and look forward to engaging with all of you on this
topic.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you, Mr. Gruen.
I now recognize Dr. Kelley for 5 minutes to summarize his
opening statement.
STATEMENT OF EVERETT B. KELLEY, PH.D., NATIONAL PRESIDENT,
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES (AFGE)
Mr. Kelley. Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member McIver,
Chairman Green, Ranking Member Thompson, and Members of the
subcommittee, my name is Everett Kelley. I am the national
president of the American Federation of Government Employees,
AFGE. On behalf of the over 820,000 Federal and D.C. Government
workers represented by my union, including more than 47,000
transportation security officers, I appreciate the opportunity
to testify today.
The decision by the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi
Noem to unilaterally rescind the 2024 collective bargaining
agreement between AFGE and the Transportation Security
Administration has created an unprecedented crisis for TSOs at
a time when our Nation's aviation security system is facing
increasing demands.
This decision undermines work force stability and aviation
security as we prepare for significant international events
like America's 250th birthday next year and the summer Olympic
games in 2028.
Since 2011, AFGE has worked with TSA to establish a
framework for genuine collective bargaining that balances
aviation security needs with workers' rights. Our agreement has
strengthened workplace policies while maintaining TSA's
operational flexibilities.
The 2024 CBA marked a significant milestone, providing
long-term stability and predictable working conditions for TSOs
while supporting TSA's mission.
The abrupt termination of this agreement by Secretary Noem
has dismantled years of progress. This action has left over
47,000 TSOs vulnerable to arbitrary management decisions,
undermining morale, and creating instability within the TSA's
work force.
Secretary Noem's decision to rescind our CBA has created
immediate uncertainty for TSOs, who rely on this protection for
predictable working conditions. Without established procedures
for shift bidding, leave approval, or grievance resolution,
TSOs face arbitrary decisions that undermine morale and job
satisfaction. This instability will lead to higher turnover
rates, a direct threat to aviation security and experienced
officers leave their post.
The timing could not be worse. Major interaction in
international events will significantly increase traveler
volumes in the coming years, regarding a fully-staffed and
motivated work force operating under standardized procedures.
Workforce instability threatens screening consistencies and
efficiency during these critical periods when heightened
security vigilance is essential.
To address this crisis, Congress must take immediate
action. And this is an ask. First, AFGE urges Congress to pass
legislation to codify collective bargaining rights for TSOs.
AFGE strongly supports the right--for the TSA Workforce Act,
H.R. 2086, introduced by Ranking Member Bennie Thompson. This
bipartisan legislation will provide permanence to TSOs' labor
rights under title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring fair agreement
procedures and Merit System Protection Board appeal rights.
Congress needs to prioritize this legislation.
Second, AFGE asks Congress to restore our rescinded
collective bargaining agreement. Congress needs to pass
legislation mandating the reinstatement of 2024 CBA immediately
to restore stability to the TSA work force.
Finally, Congress needs to utilize the oversight authority.
Congress must investigate Secretary Noem's decisions through
public hearings that examine its legal basis and factual
justification. DHS officials should be required to provide
evidence supporting the claim against AFGE while explaining how
this actually aligns with national security priorities.
The decision to rescind the 2024 collective bargaining
agreement represents an unprecedented attack on workers' rights
that threatens aviation security at a critical time for our
Nation. TSO performs vital functions in protecting America's
transportation system. They deserve dignity, respect, and fair
working conditions provided to bind the agreements negotiated
on their behalf.
AFGE remains committed to fighting for TSOs' rights while
working with Congress to find solutions that balance labor
protections with aviation security needs.
So thank you for holding this hearing today. I look forward
to answering any questions that you might have. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Kelley follows:]
Prepared Statement of Everett B. Kelley
April 8, 2025
Chairman Gimenez, Ranking Member McIver, Chairman Green, Ranking
Member Thompson, and Members of the Homeland Security Committee: My
name is Everett B. Kelley and I am the national president of the
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO. On behalf
of the over 820,000 Federal and District of Columbia workers
represented by our union, including over 47,000 Transportation Security
Officers (TSOs) as of February 26, I appreciate the opportunity to
offer testimony at today's hearing before the Subcommittee on
Transportation and Maritime Security, ``America on the Global Stage:
Examining Efforts to Secure and Improve the U.S. Travel System for
Significant International Events.'' The recent unilateral rescission of
the collective bargaining agreement between AFGE and the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) has created an unprecedented crisis for
the TSO workforce at a time when our Nation's transportation security
system faces increasing challenges. This decision not only violates the
Administrative Procedure Act and is a clear form of retaliation in
violation of the First Amendment, but also threatens to undermine our
aviation security and the recovery of America's travel economy, as we
prepare for significant international events, including America's 250th
birthday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and
Paralympic Games.
background
For over 20 years, AFGE has represented TSOs at airports
nationwide, with union membership remaining completely voluntary
throughout this period. Following the establishment of the
Transportation Security Administration after September 11, 2001, a
framework for collective bargaining gradually evolved to balance the
needs of management and the workforce. In February 2011, after careful
consideration of TSA's mission requirements and consultation with
stakeholders, then-Administrator John Pistole established a framework
for ``genuine, binding collective bargaining'' for TSOs, recognizing
that labor rights could be compatible with the agency's mission. This
decision came after thoughtful evaluation of workforce data and
listening to the perspectives of TSOs, Federal security directors,
management, and union representatives to ensure that collective
bargaining would support rather than hinder TSA's mission. This
milestone represented a significant recognition that respecting
workers' rights and ensuring transportation security are complementary,
not contradictory goals.
In June 2011, TSOs elected AFGE as their exclusive representative,
establishing a labor-management relationship that would endure across
multiple administrations, both Democratic and Republican. Our first
collective bargaining agreement, signed in November 2012, established
new award programs for employees, improved processes for bidding on
shifts and leave, and created new policies governing uniforms that
balanced professional requirements with officer comfort and
practicality. Subsequent agreements in 2016 and 2020 built upon these
foundations, gradually expanding the scope of bargaining while
maintaining TSA's operational flexibility. In December 2022,
Administrator David P. Pekoske further extended bargaining rights to
more closely align with standard Federal-sector labor relations ``to
the same extent as permitted under Chapter 71 of Title 5,'' reflecting
the agency's growing recognition of the value of meaningful collective
bargaining. This evolution demonstrated that collective bargaining at
TSA could mature and strengthen across different administrations,
proving that labor rights and government excellence are not mutually
exclusive.
the 2024 collective bargaining agreement and its abrupt termination
The 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which became effective on
May 24, 2024, represented the culmination of years of evolving labor
relations at TSA and was structured with a 7-year term to provide long-
term stability for both the workforce and the agency. This agreement
represented significant advancements in addressing workplace concerns
while ensuring TSA maintained the flexibility needed to fulfill its
security mission. The contract included provisions for fair shift
assignments, transparent leave policies, objective performance
evaluation standards, and equitable disciplinary procedures--all
fundamental elements of a productive and stable workplace. The
agreement's 7-year duration reflected confidence in the maturity of the
labor-management relationship and a commitment to stability and
predictability in working conditions for the TSO workforce.
Additionally, the agreement permitted limited mid-term bargaining to
address emerging issues, creating a flexible framework that could adapt
to changing mission needs while preserving essential worker
protections.
On February 27, 2025, without warning or consultation, Secretary of
Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a memorandum that specifically
targeted AFGE by name and unilaterally rescinded the 2024 collective
bargaining agreement. The memorandum made unsupported allegations that
AFGE was harming TSOs and declared the 9-month-old agreement non-
binding and rescinded without any factual justification. Secretary
Noem's directive went beyond merely terminating the contract--it
revoked AFGE's status as the exclusive representative of TSOs,
eliminated all collective bargaining rights and obligations, and
stripped AFGE of all rights as the union representing TSO's.
Approximately 1 week later, TSA informed AFGE of this decision and
simultaneously announced it publicly, making demonstrably false claims
about AFGE's use of official time and baselessly asserting that our
union ``did not represent or protect'' its members' interests. This
extraordinary action came with no identified breach of contract or
change in circumstances that could justify such a drastic measure,
raising serious concerns about its true motivations.
impact on transportation security and workforce stability
The rescission of the 2024 CBA has created immediate uncertainty
for over 47,000 TSOs who relied on its protections for basic workplace
fairness and predictability. Without established procedures for shift
bidding, leave approval, and performance evaluation, TSOs now face
arbitrary and unpredictable working conditions that undermine morale
and job satisfaction at a time when their focus should be entirely on
security operations. The elimination of negotiated grievance procedures
has removed an essential mechanism for resolving workplace disputes
fairly and efficiently, leaving TSOs vulnerable to potentially
arbitrary management decisions without recourse. These conditions will
create unnecessary stress and anxiety among the workforce, leading to
decreased job satisfaction and ultimately higher turnover rates among
the TSO workforce. There is currently a very high level of anxiety
within the TSO workforce and many TSOs are fearful they will be
targeted for being an AFGE member or an officer for their local. The
potential loss of experienced TSOs represents a direct threat to our
aviation security capabilities, as these officers possess invaluable
institutional knowledge and screening expertise that cannot be quickly
replaced by new TSOs or machines.
consequences for aviation security and global events
The timing of this disruption could not be more concerning as the
United States prepares to host in several major international events in
the coming years, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, America's 250th
birthday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic and
Paralympic Games, that will significantly increase demands on our
aviation security system.
The anticipated surge in international travelers will require a
fully staffed, experienced, and motivated TSO workforce operating at
maximum effectiveness to ensure security while managing increased
passenger volumes. Workforce instability resulting from the CBA
rescission threatens to compromise screening consistency and
thoroughness during this critical period when heightened security
vigilance is essential for both safety and America's global reputation
as a premier destination for international travelers. The elimination
of established work rules introduces unnecessary operational
variability at a time when standardization and predictability are most
needed to handle increased passenger volumes efficiently while
maintaining rigorous security standards. This disruption to labor
relations and wanton display of disrespect to the workforce at TSA
represents a self-inflicted wound to our Nation's transportation
security readiness at a time when we can least afford it.
recommendations for congressional action
Congress must consider legislative action to clarify and strengthen
the collective bargaining rights of Transportation Security Officers to
prevent similar unilateral actions in the future. AFGE greatly
appreciates Ranking Member Thompson and Ranking Member McIver for
reintroducing the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act (H.R. 2086) on March
11. This legislation, when enacted into law, will provide permanence
and predictability of the statutory rights and protections of title 5
of the U.S. Code, the fairness of negotiated grievance and arbitration
provisions, and U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board appeal rights that
are currently lacking in the work lives of the TSO workforce. The
Rights for the TSA Workforce Act is bipartisan legislation, supported
by both Republicans and Democrats. AFGE urges the Homeland Security
Committee to consider this legislation as soon as possible.
In addition, Congress needs to pass legislation that would
reinstate TSOs' collective bargaining agreement immediately. Ranking
Member Thompson and Ranking Member McIver offered legislation as an
amendment to the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act
(H.R. 1968) last month that would prevent funds being made available
unless the Department of Homeland Security rescinds the February 27
publication ``Supporting the TSA Workforce by Removing a Union That
Harms Transportation Security Officers'' and replace it with the 2024
collective bargaining agreement that TSA made with AFGE. AFGE thanks
Ranking Member Thompson and Ranking Member McIver for their leadership
and urges Congress to take up this legislation immediately to reinstate
TSOs' collective bargaining agreement and make clear that Congress
stands with America's public service officers and ensuring there are no
negative impacts to aviation security.
Furthermore, AFGE urges Congress to immediately exercise its
oversight authority to examine the legal basis and factual
justifications for Secretary Noem's decision to rescind the 2024 CBA.
This investigation should include public hearings where TSA and DHS
officials explain the timing, rationale, and legal authority for this
unprecedented action against a binding contract. The oversight process
should also examine the specific allegations made against AFGE in
Secretary Noem's memorandum and the public announcement, requiring DHS
to provide evidence to support claims that our union was harming TSOs
or failing to represent their interests. These oversight activities are
essential to ensure transparency and accountability for a decision
impacting both aviation security and the rights of over 47,000 Federal
employees.
conclusion
The rescission of the 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement
represents an unprecedented attack on the rights of Transportation
Security Officers and threatens to undermine aviation security at a
critical time for our Nation. The men and women who serve as TSOs
perform vital functions in protecting our Nation's transportation
systems from threats and deserve to be treated with dignity and
respect, including by honoring binding workplace agreements negotiated
on their behalf. AFGE remains committed to fighting for the rights of
TSOs through all available legal and legislative means and stands ready
to work with Congress to find solutions that respect workers' rights
while ensuring effective transportation security. As Congress examines
efforts to secure and improve the U.S. travel system and prepare for
significant international events, addressing this urgent issue needs to
be a priority. The stability and effectiveness of our Nation's
transportation security system depend on a motivated, experienced
workforce operating under fair and predictable conditions of
employment--conditions that were provided by the very agreement that
has been unlawfully rescinded.
Thank you for holding today's hearing and for the opportunity to
speak on behalf of the TSO workforce represented by AFGE. I am prepared
to answer any questions the subcommittee may have.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you, Dr. Kelley.
Members will be recognized in the order of seniority for
their 5 minutes of questions.
I recognize myself for 5 minutes of questioning.
Mr. Freeman, have we ever reached--I know that we had the
pandemic, and then what was the highest year that we had
international passengers in the United States?
Mr. Freeman. The highest year for international travel was
2018. We have gone down or remained below that every year
since. We, at the end of last year, were only at about 90
percent of where we were prepandemic. So the United States
continues to struggle to welcome international visitors in the
numbers we previously did.
Coming into this year, visa concerns, Customs concerns were
top reasons for that. We can't ignore the strength of the
dollar. We can't ignore our economy versus others coming into
this year, but the issues that were within our control were
500-day-plus wait times to get an interview for a visa, multi-
hour waits to get through Customs. Both of those were big
deterrents for foreign travelers.
Mr. Gimenez. Was that a reality before the Trump
administration, or has that just happened in the last 60 days?
Mr. Freeman. We've ebbed and flowed in terms of where we
are on visa wait times. The lowest we have ever been was during
the Obama administration where consuls around the world
processed visas at 2 weeks or less. That has ebbed and flowed
ever since. There were successes.
During the Trump turn, there were more struggles coming out
of the pandemic. We have really struggled to get the consular
officials we need around the world and to get these visa wait
times down.
Mr. Gimenez. How do we end up with wait times of 2 weeks to
500 days? How did that happen?
Mr. Freeman. When you look at what happened post-pandemic
or in the early days of the pandemic, all these Foreign Service
officers came back home. They were slow to get back out to
their consuls around the world. Processing visas is also the
lowest rung on the totem pole of jobs within the Foreign
Service officer community. It is not the most desired job out
there. That is why we recommended an alternative approach to
doing this. If we want to get all wait times down to 30 days or
less, which is something the United States of America should
aspire to do, we need to take a new look at how we do this.
These fees that foreign travelers pay can cover the cost of
creating a new service that processes travelers. There is no
need for Foreign Service officers to do this. There is a better
way to do it.
We think we could also use kind-of emergency SWAT teams.
Whenever wait times get high, we could send these officers or
these officials into jurisdictions where they get high. The
United States could be the most secure Nation in the world and
also the most efficient when it comes to processing travelers.
Mr. Gimenez. But we lack the technology, and we lack the
manpower, and we have lacked the manpower and technology for
some time in order to do that--also probably policy, right?
Mr. Freeman. I'm sorry?
Mr. Gimenez. Policy.
Mr. Freeman. Manpower has been an enormous issue.
Technology is an even bigger issue. I think the will to get it
done is the largest issue, right? Where is the goal? We don't
have a goal when it comes to processing visas. At the end of
the Biden administration, they established the goal of 90 days
or less. If we achieved that goal, we would have still been
last in the world when it comes to processing visas.
Mr. Gimenez. This was at the end of the Biden
administration?
Mr. Freeman. The--November of the Biden administration. We
need to have greater aspirations when it comes to how we
welcome travelers into this country. They want to do nothing
more than come here, spend their money, and go home and tell
their family and friends what a great time they had.
Mr. Gimenez. So the Biden administration was, in close to 4
years, basically right at the end of his administration he
decided, well, maybe we have a 90-day period versus the 500-day
period that some these visas have taken.
Mr. Freeman. There is no doubt that the wait times peaked
coming out of COVID. There were steps taken. It was a little
too little too late. We are hopeful we can find bipartisan
support to be more efficient in the future.
Mr. Gimenez. By the way, I agree that the passenger
security fee, that has been diverted for a number of years,
needs to be fully invested in TSA. I don't believe--you're
going to be paying for something, you are saying, ``I am paying
a passenger security fee, it should be for passenger
security.'' That's a novel concept I think here in the Federal
Government. I think that that can be said for administrations
on both sides of the aisle.
So I would hope--I know that one of my colleagues, Nick
LaLota, had a bill to make sure that the passenger fee went to
technology, et cetera, that we need at TSA. I certainly support
that. I think we need to do more of that. The fact that we're
not going to be upgrading our system to the middle of 2040's,
that's totally unacceptable.
Mr. Gruen, in terms of drones--and I only have about 30
seconds left--I found it interesting that you said that, even
if you put your technology, say, at all these stadiums, et
cetera, to protect, that it would take a Federal individual to
say, ``Go ahead and knock that drone out of the sky,'' that the
local law enforcement could not make that call on its own or
protect its own citizens.
Mr. Gruen. Correct. The local law enforcement, State and
local, do not have the current authorities. Even Federal had it
only authorized in temporary durations and only certain
agencies.
Mr. Gimenez. Fair enough. OK. Maybe I'll come back to a
second round.
With that, I yield back. Now I recognize the Ranking
Member, the gentlewoman from New Jersey.
Mrs. McIver. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman.
For many years, we all know that TSA experienced very high
attrition rates among its front-line officers. AFGE worked for
many years to advocate for better pay for TSOs to put them on
the same pay scale as other Federal workers and help address
attrition.
In 2023, when pay raises for TSOs finally went into effect,
TSA's attrition rate dropped nearly half.
President Kelley, with the Trump administration now trying
to bust TSOs union, do you expect attrition rates to rise
again? How would higher attrition rates affect the security of
commercial travel, as well as wait times at checkpoints?
Mr. Kelley. Thank you for the question. I certainly think
that it will affect attrition rates because, as we all know,
that attrition rate went down more than half because there was
a CBA, because there was adequate pay, because there was some
rights for these employees on the job. They felt very secure.
The morale was up. But now that they don't have a CBA, it was
certainly--I expect the attrition rate to go back to where it
was or maybe even lower, because they don't have any
protection. They don't have any--morale seems to be going down.
As I travel the airports and talk to various wards, you know,
we all see that. So I think that you will see it go completely
south.
I think that wait time will be the result of this attrition
rate going back because you're talking about now employee
burnout, you know, and all these types of things that's going
to happen that's going to affect wait time.
Mrs. McIver. Thank you.
Mr. Freeman, earlier this year, the press reported on a
document listing options House Republicans are considering
including in their reconciliation bill. The document included
proposals for increasing the passenger security fee passengers
pay on each airline ticket and extending the diversion of fee
collections away from TSA's budget to help fund tax cuts. What
is the U.S. Travel Association's position on extending fee
diversions away from TSA's budget?
Mr. Freeman. TSA plays a critical role in the travel
process. We value our partnership with TSA. We believe that TSA
needs to better balance its funding between technology and
staffing. To do that, it needs to maintain all of the resources
that it achieves through the transportation security fee. As
the Chairman said, none of that money should be diverted. It is
a violation of every traveler that is out there who is
expecting the contributions they are making when they buy that
airline ticket to be supportive of the travel process. How we
do that through both technology and staffing is a critical
question.
Mrs. McIver. Thank you for that.
In my opening statement, I talked about the decrease in
visitation from Canadians. You talked a little bit about just
the decrease and the differences in between travel currently
right now. How will these reductions in Canadian visitors to
the United States impact the travel industry and economy in
your opinion?
Mr. Freeman. If indeed we have a decline in Canadian
visitation, it will be significant in terms of the effects on
our economy. A 10 percent decline in Canadian travelers would
cost the market about $2 billion in spending. Canada is
critical to the United States. It's critical that we send the
message that we want Canadian visitors to come.
We've seen tensions in the past between nations. That
doesn't need to become a part of the travel process. We'd like
to see that clear message right now that Canadians, Europeans,
all travelers are encouraged to come to the United States. That
message could be sent more loudly right now.
Mrs. McIver. Thank you, Mr. Freeman.
With that, I yield back.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you.
I now recognize the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Crane.
Mr. Crane. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
This is a very important hearing today talking about travel
into the United States and some of the big events that we have
coming up, like the Olympics and the World Cup.
Mr. Freeman, I want to start with you. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, TSA has either halted
data collection or has over-classified information on
prohibited items detected and seized by TSA since 2008. My
concern is that TSA purposely hasn't collected data or is over
classifying data to hide embarrassing statistics that show that
they routinely fail what the industry calls covert tests. These
tests are an event where an undercover operative from the
agency tests security by attempting to smuggle prohibited items
through TSA.
In 2015, DHS OIG John Roth issued a scathing report
highlighting, under the Obama administration, the OIG found
that, 96 percent of instances TSA officers used advanced
imaging technology, or AIT, at 8 airports failed to detect
hidden threat items. AIT is still in use today at U.S. airports
by TSA.
The agency doesn't have any data to suggest that these
figures from 2025 have been improved in 2025. I am currently
working with the Chairman on drafting a bill that would require
TSA to submit the results of all covert testing and/or red-
teaming testing to the Committee on Homeland Security, and I
hope this bill can be bipartisan.
My question, sir, and please answer briefly, with TSA's
covert test failures coupled with the fact that the agency
hasn't collected or submitted data on failed covert testing in
recent years, how can Congress ensure that TSA is capable of
handling incoming travelers from around the world for upcoming
events like America's 250th birthday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup,
and the 2028 summer Olympics?
Mr. Freeman. Thank you, Congressman. TSA's success is
critical to all travelers. Travelers need confidence in their
safety, in their security, or else they are simply not going to
travel. So we share your concern with anything that would
suggest that the process is anything but as safe and secure as
it could be.
TSA's accountability is to you and to Congress. It is to
the traveling public. So we support your efforts to find ways
to ensure that the technology and the staffing levels are
working in the ways that they need to work.
I will point out that, in recent years, while staffing has
increased, spending on staffing has increased, spending on
technology has decreased. The technology that is so desperately
needed in airports is not slated to get into the airports until
the 2040's. We need to be more urgent about providing the best
technology and as quickly as we can to TSA to ensure the safety
and security of the traveling public.
Mr. Crane. Were you aware of that statistic that I read you
to that, under the Obama administration, OIG found that, in 96
percent, the TSA officers using advanced image technology
failed their tests when employees from the TSA tried to smuggle
weapons, bombs, knives, guns, et cetera through their security
checkpoints?
Mr. Freeman. I was not aware of that specific statistic.
Mr. Crane. What do you think about that, sir?
Mr. Freeman. It sounds like every day we have work to do.
We have work to do to get better. We have got to make sure we
have got the right training; we have got the right technology;
we have got the right people in place.
Security, safety, is fundamental to people traveling. If
people don't have that confidence, we will see a decline in
travel. It is something that is of the upmost importance, and
you certainly have our support.
Mr. Crane. What about you, Mr. Gruen? Were you aware of
that?
Mr. Gruen. I was not aware of that statistic.
Mr. Crane. What do you think about the fact that they are
no longer reporting those numbers?
Mr. Gruen. Again, oversight and requiring an agency to do
their job is essential to good governance.
Mr. Crane. OK.
Mr. Freeman, during the 2024 Fourth Annual Future of Travel
Mobility Conference, you mentioned the need to grasp the
opportunity right in front us. We're talking about a decade of
sporting events that will make the United States the most
sought-after destination; modernizing our TSA and travel
processing procedures are included.
My question is--please answer briefly--how should TSA and
Congress look at the use of AI for passenger processing to scan
faces and directly cross-reference international travelers with
criminal databases?
Mr. Freeman. It was at that same conference that I
interviewed former TSA Administrator Pekoske, who demonstrated
tremendous leadership during his time within TSA and
partnership with the private sector. I think, based on my
experience with Administrator Pekoske, TSA was going down the
right road in terms of what it looks at in AI. We see enormous
potential. The simple truth is that AI can detect things that
the human eye will miss. We see enormous potential in
technology.
Mr. Crane. Thank you. I yield back.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you. I now recognize the Ranking Member
of the committee, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Thompson. Thank you so much. I think it's interesting
to respond that Trump had nominated Mr. Pekoske to serve as the
TSA administrator, and he was allowed a second term, but in the
midst of it, he was fired. I think that is unfortunate. He had
done a good job. I think he deserved a better departure ramp
than what he received. Because, from my vantage point, both
Democrats and Republicans saw his vision for moving the agency
forward.
The other thing I'd like to say is that TSA and its workers
and technology have managed a successful screening effort so
that there's been nothing successful up to this point. That
doesn't mean things hadn't gotten through; it just hasn't been
successful. You can call it luck or whatever.
But we also believe that technology is a force multiplier
for security in all of this. There are only so many men and
women we can put in airports and do what we do other than that
technology can't do a better job.
It's unfortunate that we've had several opportunities to
invest in more technology. We've not had the kind of bipartisan
support to finance that technology, but we have to do it. I
look forward to doing that.
One of the things we are talking about the different events
here to this country and in the not-too-distant future.
So, Mr. Freeman, my concern is, is you or your organization
aware of what the administration is doing in its screening
protocols that are creating this discomfort? Have you seen
anything in writing on those protocols or anything?
Mr. Freeman. We have had discussions with Customs and
Border Protection to understand what policies are in place;
what, if any, policies have changed? My understanding is that
policies have not changed, but media coverage has certainly
increased. We are aware of that. We are aware of the concern
that travelers have. We are concerned about anything that would
discourage travelers from wanting to visit the United States.
So, just like with Canada, it is clear that we have work to
do to get the message out that we seek these travelers. We want
them bringing their spending here. We would be concerned about
anything that would drive them to take their spending somewhere
else.
Mr. Thompson. So, with that lack of clarity at this point,
it is having an adverse impact on people coming to the United
States.
Mr. Freeman. There is significant anecdotal evidence. I
think we need to see the data. We are still waiting on the data
from the Department of Commerce to better understand what is
happening. But, again, we are on our toes. We see the concern
that is out there. That leaves us obviously communicating to
the administration and various agencies the need to provide
travelers with the confidence that they desire.
Mr. Thompson. Thank you.
President Kelley, can you just describe for the committee
the benefits of having a Federalized work force?
Mr. Kelley. There are so many really when you think about
it. No. 1, they have a CBA, and CBA was negotiated by
Administrator Pekoske, who was appointed by President Trump. He
negotiated CBA that would bring about some stability inside of
the work force. Not only that, you know, you are free of any
form of striking because, if you had a private contractor, you
know, they can--you and I can go on strike any day. The Federal
system cannot strike. Do not talk about going on strike. You
talk about morale. We've already shown that attrition rate went
down about 50 percent, you know? We will continue to see
attrition rates go down when you have a unionized Federal work
force. You have flexibility.
That's the thing that I like about the contract; it allows
so much flexibility for the management to do what they need to
do in the event of a crisis. So it is insurmountable the
benefits that would be for this TSA.
Mr. Thompson. Thank you very much.
TSA, we created after 9/11 because the current protocol for
screening virtually didn't exist before that. So it's the new
kid on the block. We've been successful in not having, as I
indicated, a successful person getting on a plane and causing
that kind of crisis, but it's a work in progress. I mean, with
technology still growing, we still have to continue to beat as
best we can--our adversaries are constantly trying to figure
out how they can beat the system. In reality, it's technology
that's going to catch them. So I look forward to continuing
this discussion.
I yield back, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you, we're going to go through a second
round of questioning. I yield myself 5 minutes for questioning.
Mr. Freeman, you talked about the visa process and how we
can accelerate that. Could you be a little more specific
exactly what you're talking about in order to accelerate the
visa process, take it down from 300 days to something a little
bit more reasonable?
Mr. Freeman. Yes, there are multiple consuls around the
world right now. Colombia is the best example of where wait
times exceed 500 days to get an interview for a visa. We have
had similar wait times in India. In years past, we had wait
times like that in Brazil, where they have been successful
recently in bringing those wait times down. I think there are
several elements to this: No. 1, we simply have to establish a
goal as a country. How well do we want to process visas
regardless of what the demand may be? Once we establish that
goal, what's the technique for getting there?
Our proposal is to move things out of Foreign Service
officers, to create a new national vetting service where people
apply for that job; they sign up for that job. That's what they
want to do. Their job is to process visas. Those employees are
paid for by the fees that travelers pay when they apply for
visas. There is no additional cost to U.S. taxpayers. The key,
though, is having individuals who actually desire to be in this
role; it is what they signed up for. You don't get that today.
You don't get that because you've got--again, people on the
lowest rung of the totem pole. This is a job they don't want to
do. In many parts around the world, they are only doing one
shift a day. They work from, say, 9 to 3, and the consulate
closes. We have also got to get more creative in those
situations. There are countries where we only have 4 or 5
consulates for countries as big as the United States. How do we
get more creative in terms of how we then process those visas?
Where does video conferencing come in? We have all learned the
power and the limitations of video conferencing. How can that
play a role when it comes to processing visas?
Finally, when we look at the validity period of visas,
visas that are good for 6 months or 1 year, is it possible to
make those visas good for 2 years? When we have travelers who
have come here, abided by our rules, left on time, can we
allow, when their visa expires, can we allow rapid
recertification of that visa?
There are a number of things that we could follow through
if we simply have the will to do it. We establish a goal, and I
think this is a bipartisan challenge we've confronted. We just
simply haven't had that zeal within the State Department or the
leadership on Capitol Hill or in the White House to demand that
from the State Department.
Mr. Gimenez. If we did that, would you see an increase in
travel?
Mr. Freeman. Visas, from the 45 percent of our travelers
who are required to get a visa, visa access is a bigger concern
than the cost of travel. I think that tells us everything we
need to know. It is not the cost of coming to the United
States; it is the obstacle to getting the visa that is the
biggest deterrent.
Mr. Gimenez. Fair enough. Now, in terms of technology--and
Representative Crane, you know, brought up a very good
statistic. It seems to me that technology has improved in the
last 10 years. It has to, right, especially with the advent of
artificial intelligence. Is there technology now that will
self-identify threats and give cues to the TSA individual on
the screen and say, ``Hey, you need to look at this, this, this
and that,'' that will help reduce that 96 percent? Is that
technology available now?
Mr. Freeman. There is significant technology available now
that we're not using. Now, when you look at elements of the TSA
screening process, there is the identify verification; there is
the person screening; there is the baggage screening. I think
we've done very well on the identity verification as we have
moved to biometrics. I think we have a lot of work to do when
it comes to the baggage and the on-person screening of
individuals; that's where we have the greatest room for growth.
Mr. Gimenez. Do you have an estimate of how much that would
cost?
Mr. Freeman. I believe we have looked at a figure in the
neighborhood of--I'm going to use the wrong figure, so I don't
want to mention it. We do have that and are happy to give it to
the committee.
Mr. Gimenez. OK. So, if we stopped diverting the money, how
fast could we implement these new technologies--instead of
2040, which I think is a little bit too far out, 20 years from
now, OK? By then, we'll have something else, OK? So we need to
get the technology right. It has to be modular so that, as new
technologies come and it gets more and more--gets better, that
we need to be able to put that in as quickly as we can, not
wait 20 years for that technology to be put in so that, 20
years hence, there's something else, OK? So how much do you
think we are going to need?
Mr. Freeman. We believe it's reasonable that all of these
reforms could take place within the next 5 years. This is not
something we need to look at decades out. Within the next 5
years, we can give every American traveler the confidence that
they can keep their water in their bottle, their belt on their
pants, their laptop in their bags.
Mr. Gimenez. Fair enough.
I yield back, and I recognize the gentlelady from New
Jersey.
Mrs. McIver. Thank you, Chairman. I just have one follow-up
question, and it's for Mr. Freeman.
You, during your opening statement, even just now, you
talked about the United States and how, you know, if we want to
be a global leader in travel, we need to do, you know, X, Y,
and Z.
Do you currently consider the United States at the top of
the list as a leader in global travel?
Mr. Freeman. The United States is the world's most desired
nation to visit. Around the world, this is where travelers want
to come.
We commissioned a report through Euromonitor about 18
months ago to rank countries based on their travel
facilitation, based on their infrastructure, based on their
national leadership. The United States finished 17th out of 18
countries. Only China finished behind the United States.
You are seeing greater coordination, greater spending,
greater zeal in countries like Saudi and other parts of the
world that recognize just how important travel is to building
their economy, and they also recognize that travel doesn't
happen by accident. It takes a heck of a lot of coordination.
It takes a heck of a lot of planning to make these things
happen.
Every one of us in this room today are travelers. We all
know the hassles with the process. We all know the
inefficiencies. We all go through this and look at various
points and say, ``There's got to be a better way to do this.''
The answer is there is. Do we have any desire to work together
to implement those better ways because what we are dealing with
today, whether at TSA, at Customs, is not sustainable, and it's
not something we should be tolerating.
Mrs. McIver. When was this report done?
Mr. Freeman. This report was done in--came out early 2024.
We're happy to get you a copy of that.
Mrs. McIver. Yes. I would love a copy of that.
I just want to thank each of the witnesses for your
testimony today and for coming to share with us. I know that
this committee hearing is supposed to be about what we are--you
know, examining ourselves on a global level to prepare for
these big events, but there's just lots going on right now that
I think we really need to address before we can talk about like
being really prepared, being really, really prepared for all of
the big events that we have coming up.
So thank you so much for all of the information that you
provided today.
With that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Gimenez. I want to thank the Ranking Member.
Now I recognize the gentlelady from South Carolina, Mrs.
Biggs.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you to the witnesses for being here today.
As the United States gears up to welcome the world for the
2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games, our national
travel infrastructure stands at a crucial juncture demanding
comprehensive readiness.
The influx of international visitors for these events will
place unprecedented demands on our transportation networks and
border security.
The recent Executive Order signed by President Trump
creating the World Cup task force signifies a critical
recognition of the imperative for seamless inner-agency
collaboration.
This dedicated task force will be instrumental in
strategically preparing our ports of entry, modernizing airport
facilities and operations, and fortifying supporting systems,
such as Customs and Border Protection, security protocols, and
transportation logistics.
So, to Mr. Freeman, how should the World Cup task force
prioritize its efforts to address operational challenges at our
airports and our ports of entry?
Mr. Freeman. Thank you for the question, Congresswoman. I
think it's critical, as the World Cup task force gets up and
running, that, first, we acknowledge we're already behind the 8
ball. The World Cup starts in about 15 months. Other countries
are already planning, you know, for the 2029 World Cup--I'm
sorry. The 2030 World Cup. That planning is already ahead of
where we are. So we've got to acknowledge we're already behind
the 8 ball.
I have all the faith in the world in the local destinations
that are hosting the World Cup. They have been coordinating.
They're going to do great--a great job.
The question really becomes in terms of getting people to
the games, moving about the United States, and moving into the
United States. I think, for the domestic traveler, we're going
to see concerns when it comes to moving people through the
airports. The demand that we're going to see is basically a
Thanksgiving every day for about the 45 days of the World Cup.
We all know what it's like traveling on the Wednesday before
Thanksgiving; that's what we can expect. It begs the question,
what are the things we can do to be more efficient during that
period? This task force is critical about aligning the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of
Transportation, and other relevant agencies to ensure we can
meet that demand.
For the foreign travelers coming in, the truth is we're
already too late for some of them. I mentioned the wait times
for Colombians to get a visa. If they don't have their visa now
for the World Cup in 2026, their window is closed. That's shame
on us. Right. That's opportunity missed for the United States.
Then we've got to identify, what are the other markets
where that window is already closing, and how do we process
visas quickly in those markets so we can help those travelers
get here?
When we know they're coming, Customs will be the final area
where this task force has to work closely with DHS, with other
elements of the Government to ensure that we don't have 2-, 3-,
4-hour wait times to get through Miami, to get through LAX, to
get through JFK. That is a tremendous concern of ours.
There is nothing more predictable than when a plane is
going to land, how many people are on it, and who those people
are. So there's no excuse to not be staffed appropriately to
move these travelers through, and that's where the task force
needs to be focused.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you so much for your insight.
My second question, Mr. Gruen, with major international
events acting as high-profile targets for bad actors, how do
you think the task force should integrate threat intelligence,
interagency coordination, and emerging technologies, like
counter-UAS and AI-enabled surveillance into the strategic
planning?
Mr. Gruen. Thank you, Congresswoman.
Your second point, technology needs to be procured and
deployed now. So we recommend 12 months out from events to
really get the technology on the ground, get the personnel
trained, and run through different scenarios to mitigate
threats.
So we believe the task force needs to do that aspect. Part
of that is also going to be authorities, to enable local and
State law enforcement to have the authorities to mitigate large
threats, such as drones, when they're on the ground.
So, again, prioritizing that--we are behind the power curve
on this. We need the task force to prioritize the procurement
and deployment of technologies and the training of personnel so
that we have adequate protection.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you so much.
My time has expired. So I yield back.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you.
I now recognize the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Crane, for
his second round of questioning.
Mr. Crane. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Gruen, I find your testimony and experience very
interesting and important to this panel today. You're a former
Navy SEAL; is that correct?
Mr. Gruen. Yes, Congressman.
Mr. Crane. So you have a lot of background in
unconventional warfare?
Mr. Gruen. I do.
Mr. Crane. Now you're currently working in the counter-
drone space?
Mr. Gruen. Correct.
Mr. Crane. Have you spent any time overseas in Ukraine?
Mr. Gruen. Yes.
Mr. Crane. Do you feel that Americans and our agencies
understand the gravity of what's happening overseas and how
it's transforming modern warfare?
Mr. Gruen. Not at a scale that's necessary. There certainly
are pockets of individuals who are aware of the threat and are
working diligently to address it. But, as a whole Nation,
absolutely not.
Mr. Crane. Do you believe that the United States is
prepared to protect its citizens and infrastructure from drone
attacks in some of these major events that we're talking about
coming up in the United States?
Mr. Gruen. Not currently.
Mr. Crane. Give us an idea of what that could look like,
sir.
Mr. Gruen. There's--the drone threat is so wide-ranging
that it is hard to sometimes grasp because you have kind-of the
obvious situation of a stadium where you may have DJI-type
drones come into the stadium, either drop powders or be
explosive in themselves, and do actual physical damage to the
attendees.
You also have a lot of other types of operational
scenarios. Like airports, with all these folks that are trying
to arrive, if you have a drone that goes and parks itself on a
runway, the entire operation is going to shut down. It doesn't
even have to explode; it can just sit there. You have already
disrupted air travel to a level that we have not seen, or we're
not prepared for.
Mr. Crane. Right. It's a lot easier to get some type of
explosive into a stadium when a drone doesn't have to go
through some magnetometer; is that correct?
Mr. Gruen. Absolutely.
Mr. Crane. It's really not that expensive, either, for our
enemies to use drone warfare to attack us, is it?
Mr. Gruen. Absolutely not.
Mr. Crane. Sir, you said, I believe, in your testimony,
that your company has been tasked to do counter-drone
operations around key U.S. sites. Can you expound on that a
little bit?
Mr. Gruen. Yes. We are working with the Department of
Defense to do some initial base deployments, so both OCONUS and
CONUS.
In particular, in response to the New York and New Jersey
drone threats at the end of last year, we're at Picatinny
Arsenal now with an Army program of record, but we've also
deployed to Stewart Air National Guard Base with a coalition of
industry partners under NORTHCOM and all to, you know, yield
the latest capabilities to really get both at the detection,
identification aspect, and then have on-hand mitigation
capability, when authorized.
Mr. Crane. When you guys are doing these operations, are we
talking about lone-wolf bad actors? Are we talking about
nation-states that you guys are trying to prevent from flying
over these sites?
Mr. Gruen. The scary part about this, Congressman, is we
don't have good fidelity on that information. We know that
there are drones of various sizes, so ones that cannot be
easily procured off of an Amazon or an Alibaba. You have larger
drones, and you have drones, multiple drones at a time. So the
fact that we don't know who is operating these drones is the
real problem.
Mr. Crane. Are drones being used right now within the
United States to conduct espionage?
Mr. Gruen. Absolutely.
Mr. Crane. Absolutely. Can you expound on that any more?
Mr. Gruen. There are briefings from the Government
themselves at different classification levels, but we know that
there are other nation-states or proxies that are operating
near our borders and even, particularly in the homeland,
different sites.
Mr. Crane. Most people probably aren't aware that U.S.
Capitol Police are currently using traffic regulation, section
16.2.90, model rockets and boats, to mitigate drone threats on
Capitol Grounds. Congress must do its part to properly equip
Capitol Police for that reason.
On National Police Week, I plan to introduce the U.S.
Capitol Police Empowerment Act of 2025 to authorize the U.S.
Capitol Police to mitigate drone threats on the Capitol
complex. The bill was drafted with input from the House Admin,
Judiciary, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland
Security Committees. I'm hoping that everybody will support
this bill, as it should be bipartisan.
I do have a video that I would like to play of some of the
drone capabilities from your company, Mr. Gruen.
[Video shown.]
Mr. Crane. Now, Mr. Gruen, are we watching in real time
your company's drones being able to shoot out nets and capture
enemy drones?
Mr. Gruen. Correct, Congressman.
Mr. Crane. Why is that so important, sir?
Mr. Gruen. We're called the low-collateral effect
interceptor inside Government agencies because the way--by
catching with a net, we either keep it under a tether and drop
it somewhere that's been rendered safe where law enforcement
can look at the drone, get forensics, etc. So it's the
collateral damage aspect.
You're also not infringing on any publicly identifiable
information. It's not hacking a signal. It's not getting
personnel--personal information off of anything. So the
combination of that, the lack of PII and the low collateral, is
what makes it so impactful.
Mr. Crane. Mr. Chairman, I know my time has expired, but I
would like to enter into the record 5 separate articles.
Mr. Gimenez. Without objection, so ordered.
Mr. Crane. I've got, No. 1, U.S. Bureau of Transportation
Statistics: Prohibited Items Intercepted at Airport Screening
Checkpoints; No. 2, Defense Daily, ``TSA's Own Covert Testing
Showed Failures, DHS IG Says''; No. 3, ABC News, ``TSA fails
most tests in latest undercover operation at U.S. airports'';
No. 4, ``No Drone Zone,'' United States Capitol Police; and No.
5, a copy of my bill, the U.S. CP Empowerment Act of 2025.
Mr. Gimenez. So ordered.
[The information follows:]
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tsa's own covert testing showed failures, dhs ig says
defensedaily.com/tsas-own-covert-testing-showed-failures-dhs-ig-says/
congress/
By Calvin Biesecker, October 8, 2015
Spectacular failure rates of airport checkpoint security equipment
during covert testing by Homeland Security auditors was not a surprise
to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which operates the
screening equipment, because the agency's own internal testing showed
similar results, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector
General (IG) said on Thursday.
``The recent round of covert testing was not a surprise to us and
it was not a surprise to TSA,'' John Roth told the House Homeland
Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security. ``We had been doing
covert testing over the years with consistently disappointing results .
. . And what we found after the covert testing was even a little more
upsetting which was TSA does their own covert testing and those results
were very similar to our results.''
The covert testing referred to by Roth was done by his office and
showed that in 96 percent of instances Transportation Security Officers
using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) at eight airports failed to
detect hidden threat items. The report is classified but this summer
the findings were leaked to some media outlets.
The AIT systems in question are supplied by L-3 Communications
[LLL] and are used to screen individuals for metallic and non-metallic
threat items that may be hidden beneath their clothing.
Peter Neffenger, the TSA administrator, told the panel that the AIT
systems work as designed when used properly.
Roth said that TSA never ``elevated the issue'' of its own covert
test results so that no one else in DHS knew of the problems.
``One of the things we discovered after this round of testing and
the very vigorous response that the department gave with regard to our
briefing on the covert testing is that no one in DHS had ever known of
this issue,'' Roth said.
This was a ``surprise'' to senior DHS leadership, including the
secretary and deputy secretary, Roth said.
In a separate hearing last week and again on Thursday to examine
follow-up by DHS and TSA to the IG's report, Roth said that TSA has
consistently rejected negative reports coming from the IG's office over
the years.
``One of the conclusions or themes that I can draw from this is
that there is a mismatch between risk and meeting the risk,'' Roth said
of TSA. ``And the sort of working theory that we have is that either
TSA doesn't understand the nature of the risk or they do understand the
nature of the risk and worse from that, they don't address the risk in
any appropriate way.''
Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), Chairman of the subcommittee, said at the
outset of the hearing that despite being only 14 years old, TSA has
``become bureaucratized.'' He added that ``Many times TSA has not
responded'' to negative audit reports ``and that leads me to the
conclusion that TSA, while a young agency has become a very
bureaucratized agency already; too slow to respond and not nimble
enough to respond.''
Roth said he's hopeful that under Neffenger's leadership that TSA
will make the necessary cultural changes to own up to its deficiencies.
______
tsa fails most tests in latest undercover operation at us airports
abcnews.go.com/US/tsa-fails-tests-latest-undercover-operation-us-
airports/story
Source said the results were an improvement from 2 years
ago.
By ABC News, November 9, 2017, 1:10 AM
In recent undercover tests of multiple airport security checkpoints
by the Department of Homeland Security, inspectors said screeners,
their equipment or their procedures failed more than half the time,
according to a source familiar with the classified report.
When ABC News asked the source if the failure rate was 80 percent,
the response was, ``You are in the ballpark.''
In a public hearing after a private classified briefing to the
House Committee on Homeland Security, Members of Congress called the
failures by the Transportation Security Administration disturbing.
Rep. Mike Rogers went as far as to tell TSA Administrator David
Pekoske, ``This agency that you run is broken badly, and it needs your
attention.''
Pekoske was confirmed by the Senate this summer.
Inspectors ``identified vulnerabilities with TSA's screener
performance, screening equipment and associated procedures,'' according
to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
The statement added that the findings remain classified but that
eight recommendations have been made to the TSA to improve checkpoint
security. It is not clear what those recommendations are.
The news of the failure comes 2 years after ABC News reported that
secret teams from the DHS found that the TSA failed 95 percent of the
time to stop inspectors from smuggling weapons or explosive materials
through screening.
That report led to major changes ordered at the TSA by then-
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. The agency opened a training
academy for transportation security officers and changed procedures to
reduce long lines.
Although lawmakers described the TSA's performance in this round of
testing as poor, it was an improvement from 2 years ago, according to
the source familiar with the report.
In the public hearing today on Capitol Hill, members pushed for the
full implementation of a program using new scanning equipment that
creates a 3-D image of bags, giving screeners better ability to spot
possibly dangerous items.
Are biometric scans the checkpoint of the future?
The equipment is being tested in TSA checkpoints in at least two
airports, but software and installation challenges have slowed wider
implementation.
Rep. Bill Keating suggested that money is being diverted from the
agency to build President Trump's promised border wall.
``We have the technology and resources to do it, but we're not
doing it because . . . we're paying for a wall,'' Keating said.
He also noted that Viper teams, specially trained Homeland Security
units that use canines to secure transportation facilities, are being
cut from 31 to 8.
It is not clear when the report will be released publicly.
The TSA said in a statement that it ``concurs with the DHS OIG
[Office of Inspector General] findings and is committed to aggressively
implementing the recommendations.''
``We take the OIG's findings very seriously and are implementing
measures that will improve screening effectiveness at checkpoints,''
Pekoske said. ``We are focused on staying ahead of a dynamic threat to
aviation with continued investment in the workforce, enhanced
procedures, and new technologies.''
______
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Mr. Gimenez. The gentleman's time has expired.
I now recognize the gentlewoman from South Carolina for her
second round of questioning.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
So TSA has made progress in deploying biometric screening,
digital IDs, and automated security lanes, but outdated systems
and work force shortages still slow down those checkpoints.
Republicans have long advocated for smart investments in
innovative technologies that can improve the performance and
reduce reliance on biological Federal work forces.
So, Mr. Freeman, given TSA's growing use of AI-driven
threat detection and facial recognition, how far are we from
replacing outdated manual processes at checkpoints with fully
automated systems?
Mr. Freeman. Thank you, Congresswoman.
I think the first thing to acknowledge is what TSA has done
well is give travelers around the country, no matter what
airport they're at, a sense of not just security but also a
sense of consistency.
The biggest thing that frustrates travelers is, when you go
through one airport, you have a different experience when you
go through another airport. TSA has ensured that we have that
degree of consistency, and we applaud them for it.
Some of that consistency includes exactly what you're
talking about. We're already moving toward more of that
automated system. We see some of that with the identity
verification that's taking place. We see that with digital ID
that happens and is working with the airlines, with Delta,
United, with American.
If you fly through Newark and Atlanta, some of these other
major hubs, Detroit, you can go through the entire process just
based on your facial biometrics. It's a wonderful experience.
It's incredibly efficient. Travelers are moving through in 7
seconds or less using that technology.
So I think we're already there. The question is, how
quickly can we continue to build on this? How do we take it
beyond the identity verification and use it for baggage
screening, use it for individual screening? That's where
there's so much more opportunity.
I think there's opportunities for the private sector to
work more closely with TSA to help realize some of these
opportunities. You know, there's so much debate about privatize
TSA, not privatize TSA.
What there is, is a great opportunity for TSA, which has
done some very good things, to work more closely with the
private sector and really build a partnership here that can
give the travelers the experience they desire.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you. Just following up with that, are
there successful models abroad that the United States should
consider adapting to our aviation environment?
Mr. Freeman. There are absolutely lessons learned in the
United Kingdom and other parts of the world. In fact, the
report that we put out earlier this year referenced some of
those lessons learned in foreign markets.
I don't think there's one market that is the panacea for
what we need to do, but there's a combination of lessons
learned throughout Europe and in other parts of the world.
We're happy to bring those forward. We document several of
those in our proposal, and I think we just--sometimes the
United States acts as if we're the first ones to confront these
issues, as if we can't learn from some of our partners around
the world.
There's no need to reinvent the wheel here. There's some
very good things that are done. Europe has made much further
strides in terms of allowing people to bring liquids back onto
planes, to keep some of their clothes on, their shoes and
belts. We can learn from that, and we're hopeful that new TSA
leadership will be willing to do that.
Mrs. Biggs. Thank you so much for your testimony.
I yield back.
Mr. Gimenez. Thank you to the gentlewoman from South
Carolina.
I want to thank the witnesses for their valuable testimony,
also the Members for their questions.
The Members of the subcommittee may have additional
questions for the witnesses, and we would ask the witnesses to
respond to these in writing.
Pursuant to committee rule VII(E), the hearing record will
be held open for 10 days.
Without objection, this subcommittee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:28 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X I
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Supplemental Testimony of Geoff Freeman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, U.S. Travel Association
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