[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 170 (Tuesday, December 3, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H7414-H7418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AVIATION SECURITY STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION ACT OF 2013
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 1204) to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security
Administration) to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee,
and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1204
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Aviation Security
Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. AVIATION SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 449 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 44946. Aviation Security Advisory Committee
``(a) Establishment.--The Assistant Secretary shall
establish within the Transportation Security Administration
an advisory committee to be known as the `Aviation Security
Advisory Committee'.
``(b) Duties.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall consult
the Advisory Committee on aviation security matters,
including on the development, refinement, and implementation
of policies, programs, rulemaking, and security directives
pertaining to aviation security, while adhering to sensitive
security guidelines.
``(2) Recommendations.--
``(A) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall develop, at
the request of the Assistant Secretary, recommendations for
improvements to aviation security.
``(B) Recommendations of subcommittees.--Recommendations
agreed upon by the subcommittees established under this
section shall be approved by the Advisory Committee for
transmission to the Assistant Secretary.
``(3) Periodic reports.--The Advisory Committee shall
periodically submit to the Assistant Secretary--
``(A) reports on matters identified by the Assistant
Secretary; and
``(B) reports on other matters identified by a majority of
the members of the Advisory Committee.
``(4) Annual report.--The Advisory Committee shall submit
to the Assistant Secretary an annual report providing
information on the activities, findings, and recommendations
of the Advisory Committee, including its subcommittees, for
the preceding year.
``(5) Feedback.--Not later than 90 days after receiving
recommendations transmitted by the Advisory Committee under
paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary shall respond in
writing to the Advisory Committee with feedback on each of
such recommendations, an action plan to implement any of such
recommendations with which the Assistant Secretary concurs,
and a detailed justification for why any of such
recommendations have been rejected.
``(6) Congressional notification.--Not later than 30 days
after providing written feedback to the Advisory Committee in
accordance with paragraph (5), the Assistant Secretary shall
brief the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate on such feedback.
``(7) Report to congress.--Prior to briefing the Committee
on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate in accordance with paragraph (6), the Assistant
Secretary shall submit to such committees a report containing
information relating to the recommendations transmitted by
the Advisory Committee in accordance with paragraph (4).
``(c) Membership.--
``(1) Appointment.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this section, the Assistant Secretary shall
appoint the members of the Advisory Committee.
``(B) Composition.--The membership of the Advisory
Committee shall consist of individuals representing not more
than 32 member organizations. Each organization shall be
represented by one individual (or the individual's designee).
``(C) Representation.--The membership of the Advisory
Committee shall include representatives of air carriers, all
cargo air transportation, indirect air carriers, labor
organizations representing air carrier employees, aircraft
manufacturers, airport operators, general aviation, privacy
organizations, the travel industry, airport based businesses,
including minority owned small businesses, businesses that
conduct security operations at airports, aeronautical repair
stations, passenger advocacy groups, the aviation technology
security industry, including biometrics, victims of terrorist
acts against aviation, and law enforcement and security
experts.
``(2) Removal.--The Assistant Secretary may review the
participation of a member of the Advisory Committee and
remove such member for cause at any time.
``(3) Prohibition on compensation.--The members of the
Advisory Committee shall not receive pay, allowances, or
benefits from the Government by reason of their service on
the Advisory Committee.
``(4) Meetings.--The Assistant Secretary shall require the
Advisory Committee to meet at least semiannually and may
convene additional meetings as necessary.
``(d) Air Cargo Security Subcommittee.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish
within the Advisory Committee an air cargo security
subcommittee to provide recommendations on air cargo security
issues, including the implementation of the air cargo
security programs established by the Transportation Security
Administration to screen air cargo on passenger aircraft and
all-cargo aircraft in accordance with established cargo
screening mandates.
``(2) Meetings and reporting.--The subcommittee shall meet
at least quarterly and submit to the Advisory Committee for
inclusion in the annual report required under subsection
(b)(4) information, including recommendations, regarding air
cargo security. Such submissions shall include
recommendations to improve the Transportation Security
Administration's cargo security initiatives established to
meet the requirements of section 44901(g).
``(3) Membership.--The subcommittee shall--
``(A) include members of the Advisory Committee with
expertise in air cargo operations; and
``(B) be cochaired by a Government and industry official.
``(e) General Aviation Security Subcommittee.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish
within the Advisory Committee a general aviation subcommittee
to provide recommendations on transportation security issues
for general aviation facilities, general aviation
[[Page H7415]]
aircraft, and helicopter operations at general aviation and
commercial service airports.
``(2) Meetings and reporting.--The subcommittee shall meet
at least quarterly and submit to the Advisory Committee for
inclusion in the annual report required under subsection
(b)(4) information, including recommendations, regarding
aviation security at general aviation airports.
``(3) Membership.--The subcommittee shall--
``(A) include members of the Advisory Committee with
expertise in general aviation; and
``(B) be cochaired by a Government and industry official.
``(f) Perimeter Security, Exit Lane Security, and Access
Control Subcommittee.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish
within the Advisory Committee an airport perimeter security,
exit lane security, and access control subcommittee to
provide recommendations on airport perimeter security, exit
lane security at commercial service airports, and access
control issues.
``(2) Meetings and reporting.--The subcommittee shall meet
at least quarterly and submit to the Advisory Committee for
inclusion in the annual report required under subsection
(b)(4) information, including recommendations, regarding
improving perimeter security, exit lane security at
commercial service airports, and access control procedures at
commercial service and general aviation airports.
``(3) Membership.--The subcommittee shall--
``(A) include members of the Advisory Committee with
expertise in airport perimeter security and access control
issues; and
``(B) be co-chaired by a Government and industry official.
``(g) Risk-based Subcommittee.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish
within the Advisory Committee a risk-based subcommittee to
provide recommendations on passenger screening policies and
cargo.
``(2) Meetings and reporting.--The subcommittee shall meet
at least quarterly and submit to the Advisory Committee for
inclusion in the annual report required under subsection
(b)(4) information, including recommendations, regarding the
Transportation Security Administration's risk-based security
programs.
``(3) Membership.--The subcommittee shall--
``(A) include members of the Advisory Committee with
expertise in passenger advocacy and airport security
operations; and
``(B) be cochaired by a Government and industry official.
``(h) Security Technology Subcommittee.--
``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall establish
within the Advisory Committee a security technology
subcommittee to provide recommendations on security
technology issues, including harmonization of security
technology standards and requirements.
``(2) Meetings and reporting.--The subcommittee shall meet
at least quarterly and submit to the Advisory Committee for
inclusion in the annual report required under subsection
(b)(4) information, including recommendations, regarding
security technology. Such submissions shall include
recommendations to improve the Transportation Security
Administration's utilization of security technology and
harmonization of security technology standards and
requirements. All recommendations shall be in furtherance of
aviation security and technology neutral.
``(3) Membership.--The subcommittee shall--
``(A) include members of the Advisory Committee with
expertise in checkpoint, baggage, and air cargo security
technology; and
``(B) be co-chaired by a Government and industry official.
``(i) Other Subcommittees.--The Assistant Secretary, in
consultation with the Advisory Committee, may establish
within the Advisory Committee any other subcommittee that the
Assistant Secretary and Advisory Committee determine
necessary.
``(j) Subject Matter Experts.--Each subcommittee under this
section shall include subject matter experts with relevant
expertise who are appointed by the respective subcommittee
chairperson.
``(k) Nonapplicability of FACA.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory
Committee and its subcommittees.
``(l) Definitions.--In this section, the following
definitions apply:
``(1) Advisory committee.--The term `Advisory Committee'
means the Aviation Security Advisory Committee established
under subsection (a).
``(2) Assistant secretary.--The term `Assistant Secretary'
means the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security
(Transportation Security Administration).
``(3) Perimeter security.--The term `perimeter security'--
``(A) means procedures or systems to monitor, secure, and
prevent unauthorized access to an airport, including its
airfield and terminal; and
``(B) includes the fence area surrounding an airport,
access gates, and access controls.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of
chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new item:
``44946. Aviation Security Advisory Committee.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. McCaul) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
General Leave
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
{time} 1300
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, the Aviation
Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013, sponsored by the
ranking member of the full Committee on Homeland Security, Mr.
Thompson.
Mr. Speaker, the American people know that the TSA is charged with
protecting our aviation systems against another horrific terrorist
attack like we experienced on September 11, 2001. However, the role of
industry stakeholders--from pilots and flight attendants to private
screening companies and airport operators--is equally as critical,
albeit less visible.
TSA is in the spotlight, for better or for worse; but many of TSA's
private sector partners are also responsible for implementing effective
security programs and keeping travelers safe. This shared
responsibility is precisely why TSA cannot make decisions in a vacuum,
as it has been known to do.
The bill before us sends a necessary message to TSA leadership, and
frankly to all DHS leadership, that the Congress values stakeholder
input, private sector collaboration, and thoughtful planning prior to
rolling out new policies and procedures that affect millions of
travelers.
The Aviation Security Advisory Committee that is authorized in this
legislation serves as a valuable sounding board for TSA decisionmakers.
By codifying the committee in statute, we will prevent a needless
expiration of its charter and disbandment, which has already happened
once under TSA.
As chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am proud of the
manner in which this bill was thoughtfully considered and amended in
committee by Members on both sides of the aisle, and I thank the
ranking member for his work on this important issue.
I think the more recent example we have with the knives being allowed
on the airplanes without input and participation by the flight
attendants and the pilots is a classic example of this Department not
talking to the private sector about what can better protect them and
passengers on airplanes. Of course, that decision was reversed by the
Director of TSA, eventually, after he consulted with the stakeholders
in the community. This bill will provide that they consult with those
stakeholders before such decisions are made.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder
Participation Act.
Mr. Speaker, soliciting input from impacted stakeholders is critical
to developing effective policies. H.R. 1204, introduced by the ranking
member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative Thompson
of Mississippi, codifies that sentiment by making permanent the
Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
Soon after 9/11, industry representatives from all corners of the
transportation sector gathered to support TSA's efforts to develop an
efficient, effective, and workable security program. For a number of
years, the advisory committee was a productive partner to TSA.
Unfortunately, TSA allowed the advisory committee to become inactive by
letting the charter lapse.
Although the Aviation Security Advisory Committee's charter was
renewed in 2011, it was only in response to congressional pressure by
Ranking Member Thompson in this committee and the repeated complaints
about the lack of dialogue between TSA and the industry stakeholders.
The advisory committee is a valuable asset to our Nation's aviation
security because it helps ensure that the policies that TSA develops
are responsive to security challenges and can be effectively integrated
into security operations. Simply
[[Page H7416]]
put, the advisory committee is too valuable to Homeland Security to
risk it becoming inactive again.
I applaud Ranking Member Thompson for introducing this legislation to
make the Aviation Security Advisory Committee permanent, and I thank
the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee for making sure that it
moved through the process quickly, and both for seeing the wisdom of
making this legislation law.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson), chairman of the
Subcommittee on Transportation Security.
Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Aviation
Security Stakeholder Participation Act introduced by my friend, the
ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, Mr. Bennie Thompson.
This commonsense bill ensures stakeholders have a seat at the table
when working with their partners at the Transportation Security
Administration. Too many times in government we see a lack of
communication between government officials and industry stakeholders.
This gap is troubling as it creates a vacuum of ideas and does not
allow for a flow of information between the Federal Government and the
private sector that is necessary.
Mr. Thompson's bill, which passed out of our committee unanimously,
would bridge that gap by allowing the Aviation Security Advisory
Committee to take effect and have the constant line of communication to
exchange ideas and formulate thoughtful procedures at the agency
responsible for security of commercial aviation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson), the ranking member of the
Committee on Homeland Security.
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security
Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013.
Last Congress, I introduced a version of the legislation before us
today when the charter for the Aviation Security Advisory Committee was
allowed to expire, resulting in the advisory committee becoming
inactive.
Since shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the
advisory committee has provided formal stakeholder input and advice to
TSA with respect to aviation security policies. I was pleased that in
response to my bill, then-Secretary Napolitano restored this critical
forum for stakeholder input.
To prevent a lapse in the advisory committee's operation, it is
important that it be codified in law. That is exactly what H.R. 1204
does.
The bill authorizes, in law, the establishment of the Aviation
Security Advisory Committee to provide representatives from air
carriers, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, general aviation
stakeholders and labor organizations, among others, an opportunity to
provide input into policymaking and have their voices heard.
It also requires the establishment of subcommittees to focus on cargo
security, general aviation security, perimeter security, exit lane
security, security-related technologies, and risk-based security,
respectively.
Whatever your thoughts about TSA's policy decisions, I believe we can
all agree that such decisions should be made only after meaningful
consultation and coordination with stakeholders.
Earlier this year, when TSA announced proposed changes in its
Prohibited Items List that would have resulted in knives being allowed
on planes for the first time since 9/11, we got a firsthand glimpse of
the problems that arise when stakeholders are not consulted.
Only after an overwhelmingly negative reaction to this decision did
Administrator Pistole put the issue before the advisory committee for
review. Ultimately, after this critical consultation, TSA reversed its
decision.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that consultation is important; it is clear
that codifying this bill is that necessary. But I would also like to
add that there are other organizations who want to be placed in the
record in support of it: the Cargo Airline Association, the Association
of Flight Attendants, the U.S. Travel Association, the Airports Council
International, the Security Manufacturers Coalition, the General
Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to once again support
legislation to codify the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.
Aircraft Owners and
Pilots Association,
Washington, DC, September 30, 2013.
Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ranking Member Thompson: I write on behalf of the
nearly 400,000 members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association (AOPA) in support of your legislation H.R. 1204,
the ``Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of
2013.''
Your legislation requires TSA to formally establish an
Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) to advise on
aviation security matters. The ASAC will ensure that general
aviation (GA) has a seat at the table for discussion of
programs and policy changes related to the improvement of
aviation security. Also, the creation of a dedicated GA
Security Subcommittee will provide that our community is
consulted before major policy changes occur that have a
direct impact on GA pilots, aircraft, and airports.
We look forward to working with the Committee in the future
to continue to improve general aviation security.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Howerton,
AOPA, Vice President of Legislative Affairs.
____
General Aviation
Manufacturers Association,
Washington, DC, October 28, 2013.
Chairman Michael McCaul,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Bennie Thompson,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson: On behalf
of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, we write
to urge committee passage of H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security
Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013, introduced by
Congressman Bennie Thompson, and H.R. 2719, the
Transportation Security Acquisition and Reform Act,
introduced by Transportation Security Chairman Richard
Hudson. These items are slated to be marked up by the House
Homeland Security Committee on October 29, 2013.
GAMA supports passage of H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security
Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013, given the important
step this measure takes to ensure that stakeholders are
included in the policymaking process at TSA. H.R. 1204
establishes the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, in
statute, to ensure that all aviation stakeholders, including
general aviation, are able to provide input to the TSA in
advance of policies being formally proposed. We are also
encouraged that H.R. 1204 provides for a general aviation
advisory subcommittee to specifically consider issues related
to general aviation.
We also support passage of H.R. 2719, the Transportation
Security Acquisition and Reform Act, given the focus it
places on reform for the agency. While our member companies'
involvement in TSA acquisition is limited, the objectives of
this legislation are laudable and we hope such efforts will
be applied to other areas of TSA governance.
In general, we are pleased that both bills place a priority
on improving key processes at the agency. Our member
companies remain confounded by a bureaucracy that penalizes
manufacturers competing in a global environment for
government inaction. Almost ten years have elapsed since TSA
was directed to promulgate a final rulemaking to secure
repair stations overseas. Today, we still await approval of
this rule. While efforts have been made to move this rule
forward, the overall government process for TSA security
rulemaking lacks accountability and appears to be profoundly
dysfunctional.
We urge the committee to favorably consider these bills and
to continue their critical and constructive oversight of the
Department of Homeland Security and its agencies.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Bunce,
President and CEO.
____
Washington, DC, September 6, 2013.
Hon. Bennie Thompson,
Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington,
DC.
Dear Ranking Member Thompson: On behalf of the members of
the Cargo Airline Association, I am writing to support H.R.
1204, the Aviation Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013.
This Bill would require the reestablishment and maintenance
of an Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) to
facilitate communications between the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) and the aviation industry.
[[Page H7417]]
Historically, the ASAC formed the basis of major
initiatives, with industry members working closely with
Government Agencies to address a variety of security-related
issues. These issues have been traditionally discussed in
various Working Groups or Sub-Committees established under
the ASAC umbrella. A prime example of the utility of this
structure was the establishment of three air cargo Working
Groups formed to develop proposed new regulations to address
air cargo security threats after the September 11, 2001,
attacks. The recommendations of these Working Groups
eventually formed the basis of an entirely new TSA air cargo
regulatory scheme. H.R. 1204 contains a mandate, not only for
ASAC itself, but also for various Sub-Committees that would
address the key issues of the day. We support your efforts to
ensure ASAC remains a forum for the aviation industry and TSA
to work together.
Sincerely,
Stephen A. Alterman,
President.
____
Security Manufacturers Coalition,
Alexandria, VA, October 25, 2013.
Hon. Bennie Thompson,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Thompson: On behalf of the Security Manufacturers
Coalition (SMC), I want to express SMC's support for HR 1204,
the ``Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of
2013.'' The Act, as we understand it, would codify the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Aviation
Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).
As you know the SMC membership is made up of nine of the
leading U.S. manufacturers of security screening technology.
This scanning equipment is used in every major airport in the
U.S. and abroad, operating continuously 365 days a year, as
part of the overall effort to ensure the security of the
traveling public. The SMC formed with the primary purpose of
creating a conduit for TSA and the industry to work closely
on specific issues facing the development and deployment of
screening technology.
The ASAC has been a valuable tool to foster an open
dialogue between TSA and aviation interest groups and
businesses. We believe the bill reinforces the proposition
that a robust, risked-based security system is the product of
input from all interested stakeholders.
Thank you for your willingness to take the lead on this
important issue. The members of the Coalition sincerely
appreciate your interest in preserving through legislation a
committee that will make recommendations that will create a
safer aviation system for passengers.
Sincerely,
T.J. Schulz,
Director, Security Manufacturers Coalition.
____
Association of Flight
Attendants--CWA, AFL-CIO,
Washington, DC, March 14, 2013.
Hon. Bennie Thompson,
Washington, DC.
Dear Congressman Thompson, On behalf of the Association of
Flight Attendants--CWA, I am writing to thank you for
introducing legislation to make the Aviation Security
Advisory Committee (ASAC) permanent.
Having been a member of ASAC throughout its operative years
since 1989, I can assure you that it should be required to
function on an ongoing basis to ensure that the varied and
valuable perspectives of the stakeholders affected by
aviation security policy and programs are given the
opportunity to provide advice and recommendations to the TSA
in order to enhance its processes of evaluating and
countering threats to aviation security.
Since 9/11, much has been asked of crewmembers to improve
aviation security and flight attendants serve as the last
line of defense on board the aircraft. Your bill to establish
a permanent ASAC will ensure that the forum for their input,
as well as that of other stakeholder members of the ASAC,
will contribute to a more thorough process for aviation
security without interruption.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Witkowski,
Director, Air Safety, Health and Security.
____
U.S. Travel Association,
Washington, DC, July 24, 2013.
Rep. Richard Hudson,
Chairman, Transportation Security Subcommittee, House
Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC.
Rep. Cedric Richmond,
Ranking Member, Transportation Security Subcommittee, House
Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond: On behalf
of the U.S. Travel Association, it is my pleasure to lend our
support for two bills the subcommittee will be marking up
later this week--namely, H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security
Stakeholder Participation Act, and H.R. 2719, the
Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act. Both of these
bills are consistent with the recommendations for
transportation security and travel facilitation that U.S.
Travel made when issuing ``A Better Way: Building a World-
Class System for Aviation Security.'' Specifically, we
applaud the provisions of H.R. 1204, which recognize the role
of the travel industry as a stakeholder in the Aviation
Security Advisory Committee. Additionally, we strongly
support the sections of H.R. 2719, which require the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a
multiyear technology investment plan.
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit
organization representing all components of the travel
industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and
supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to
increase travel to and within the United States.
We look forward to working with you to see the House pass
both of these important pieces of legislation.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Dow,
President & CEO.
____
Airports Council International, July 24, 2013.
Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security,
Washington, DC.
Dear Ranking Member Thompson: On behalf of the Airports
Council International--North America (ACI-NA), which
represents local, regional, and state governing bodies that
own and operate commercial airports throughout the United
States and Canada, I am pleased to offer our endorsement of
H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation
Act of 2013.
Airport operators have long advocated for the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to re-establish
the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC). The ASAC
allowed aviation stakeholders, including airport operators to
advise TSA on aviation security policies, programs,
rulemakings and security directives pertaining to aviation
security. H.R. 1204 would allow the ASAC once again to
provide valuable input into TSA's proposed rules, security
directives and aviation security programs which help protect
airports, airlines and their passengers.
Again, thank you for your continued support of airport
operators and on recognizing the value of having stakeholder
input into aviation security programs and TSA regulations. We
look forward to working with you on the passage of H.R. 1204.
Sincerely,
Deborah McElroy,
Interim President, Airports
Council International--North America.
Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further Members to speak on this
bill and will close once the gentleman from Louisiana closes.
I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I thank again the chairman of the full
committee, Mr. McCaul; the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Hudson;
and the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Thompson, for moving
this legislation, and thank Mr. Thompson for introducing it.
I once again urge my colleagues to support this legislation to codify
the Aviation Security Advisory Committee so stakeholders have a
permanent seat at the table when TSA develops policies that have a
direct impact on our security and their operations.
Simply what it does is guarantees that policies won't be implemented
solely by people relying on theory, but ensures that the stakeholders
are at the table to talk about the reality of the policies that they
implement.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support the
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bipartisan bill.
I want to thank Chairman Hudson, ranking member of the full
committee, Mr. Thompson, and Ranking Member Richmond.
I am proud to report to this House that this committee has passed
several bills, all of which have passed unanimously out of our
committee. I am not sure if there is any committee in Congress that can
say that. I am very proud of that effort. I hope that we can continue
in that spirit with more complex legislation that we face in the
future. I know that with the ranking member and his spirit of
cooperation we will be able to get it done.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1204,
``Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013.'' Ranking
Member Thompson's steady and long term work on improving airport
security is recognized and respected by members on both sides of the
aisle.
The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act, introduced by
Ranking Member Thompson, establishes in law the critical Aviation
Security Advisory Committee.
The bill states that the Security Advisory Committee shall be
consulted by and advise the Assistant Security on aviation security
matters, including the development and implementation of policies,
programs, rulemaking,
[[Page H7418]]
and security directives pertaining to aviation security.
Since just after 9/11, the Aviation Security Advisory Committee has
played the critical role of being industry's voice before TSA, helping
to develop policies that make sense operationally, and more
importantly, work for the American people.
When Congress established TSA in the wake of the tragic terrorist
attack on 9/11, we granted TSA broad latitude to implement policies
stakeholders are required to comply with and, in some cases, implement.
The Aviation Security Advisory Committee ensures that the security
directives TSA develops are not created in a vacuum.
Establishing the Aviation Security Advisory Committee in law will
ensure that the Committee never again becomes inactive, as was the case
during the previous Administration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 1204, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
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