[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1447, 
the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2011, which 
amongst other things amends title 49 of the United States Code to 
direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation 
Security Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory 
Committee (ASAC).
  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the ASAC in 
1989 following the bombing of Pan American World Airways Flight 103. 
When the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established, 
the sponsorship of the ASAC transferred to TSA. Despite significant 
contributions to TSA policymaking, particularly with respect to air 
cargo security, and strong support from aviation security stakeholders 
who participated in the ASAC, TSA allowed the ASAC's charter to expire.
  H.R. 1447 provides for the establishment of an ASAC to assist and 
make recommendations to the TSA Assistant Secretary on aviation 
security matters, including the development and implementation of 
policies, programs, rulemaking, and security directives pertaining to 
aviation security. Within the Advisory Committee are three 
subcommittees: (1) an air cargo security working group, (2) a general 
aviation working group, and (3) an airport perimeter security working 
group.
  U.S. and industry stakeholders have expressed frustration about the 
level of dialogue with TSA about the threat of potential attacks. The 
lack of communication between TSA and stakeholders makes our aviation 
industry vulnerable to threats such as Yemen insurgents shipping 
explosive devices on our passenger and cargo airplanes. H.R. 1447 
provides us with the tools to reopen these lines of communication 
between air carriers to aircraft manufacturers from aviation technology 
security industries to labor organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I 
fought for and strongly supported legislation that protects our 
homeland and our people. I will continue to support legislation that 
enables us to stay ahead of any potential threat. That is why I support 
H.R. 1447, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2011, 
and urge my colleagues to do likewise.

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