[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H8968-H8973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ACQUISITION REFORM ACT

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in 
the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2719) to require the 
Transportation Security Administration to implement best practices and 
improve transparency with regard to technology acquisition programs, 
and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.

[[Page H8969]]

  The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
  Senate amendment:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Transportation Security 
     Acquisition Reform Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Transportation Security Administration has not 
     consistently implemented Department of Homeland Security 
     policies and Government best practices for acquisition and 
     procurement.
       (2) The Transportation Security Administration has only 
     recently developed a multiyear technology investment plan, 
     and has underutilized innovation opportunities within the 
     private sector, including from small businesses.
       (3) The Transportation Security Administration has faced 
     challenges in meeting key performance requirements for 
     several major acquisitions and procurements, resulting in 
     reduced security effectiveness and wasted expenditures.

     SEC. 3. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION 
                   REFORM.

       (a) In General.--Title XVI of the Homeland Security Act of 
     2002 (Public Law 107-296; 116 Stat. 2312) is amended to read 
     as follows:

                  ``TITLE XVI--TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

                    ``Subtitle A--General Provisions

     ``SEC. 1601. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this title:
       ``(1) Administration.--The term `Administration' means the 
     Transportation Security Administration.
       ``(2) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the 
     Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.
       ``(3) Plan.--The term `Plan' means the strategic 5-year 
     technology investment plan developed by the Administrator 
     under section 1611.
       ``(4) Security-related technology.--The term `security-
     related technology' means any technology that assists the 
     Administration in the prevention of, or defense against, 
     threats to United States transportation systems, including 
     threats to people, property, and information.

   ``Subtitle B--Transportation Security Administration Acquisition 
                              Improvements

     ``SEC. 1611. 5-YEAR TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT PLAN.

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall--
       ``(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform 
     Act, develop and submit to Congress a strategic 5-year 
     technology investment plan, that may include a classified 
     addendum to report sensitive transportation security risks, 
     technology vulnerabilities, or other sensitive security 
     information; and
       ``(2) to the extent possible, publish the Plan in an 
     unclassified format in the public domain.
       ``(b) Consultation.--The Administrator shall develop the 
     Plan in consultation with--
       ``(1) the Under Secretary for Management;
       ``(2) the Under Secretary for Science and Technology;
       ``(3) the Chief Information Officer; and
       ``(4) the aviation industry stakeholder advisory committee 
     established by the Administrator.
       ``(c) Approval.--The Administrator may not publish the Plan 
     under subsection (a)(2) until it has been approved by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(d) Contents of Plan.--The Plan shall include--
       ``(1) an analysis of transportation security risks and the 
     associated capability gaps that would be best addressed by 
     security-related technology, including consideration of the 
     most recent quadrennial homeland security review under 
     section 707;
       ``(2) a set of security-related technology acquisition 
     needs that--
       ``(A) is prioritized based on risk and associated 
     capability gaps identified under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) includes planned technology programs and projects 
     with defined objectives, goals, timelines, and measures;
       ``(3) an analysis of current and forecast trends in 
     domestic and international passenger travel;
       ``(4) an identification of currently deployed security-
     related technologies that are at or near the end of their 
     lifecycles;
       ``(5) an identification of test, evaluation, modeling, and 
     simulation capabilities, including target methodologies, 
     rationales, and timelines necessary to support the 
     acquisition of the security-related technologies expected to 
     meet the needs under paragraph (2);
       ``(6) an identification of opportunities for public-private 
     partnerships, small and disadvantaged company participation, 
     intragovernment collaboration, university centers of 
     excellence, and national laboratory technology transfer;
       ``(7) an identification of the Administration's acquisition 
     workforce needs for the management of planned security-
     related technology acquisitions, including consideration of 
     leveraging acquisition expertise of other Federal agencies;
       ``(8) an identification of the security resources, 
     including information security resources, that will be 
     required to protect security-related technology from physical 
     or cyber theft, diversion, sabotage, or attack;
       ``(9) an identification of initiatives to streamline the 
     Administration's acquisition process and provide greater 
     predictability and clarity to small, medium, and large 
     businesses, including the timeline for testing and 
     evaluation;
       ``(10) an assessment of the impact to commercial aviation 
     passengers;
       ``(11) a strategy for consulting airport management, air 
     carrier representatives, and Federal security directors 
     whenever an acquisition will lead to the removal of equipment 
     at airports, and how the strategy for consulting with such 
     officials of the relevant airports will address potential 
     negative impacts on commercial passengers or airport 
     operations; and
       ``(12) in consultation with the National Institutes of 
     Standards and Technology, an identification of security-
     related technology interface standards, in existence or if 
     implemented, that could promote more interoperable passenger, 
     baggage, and cargo screening systems.
       ``(e) Leveraging the Private Sector.--To the extent 
     possible, and in a manner that is consistent with fair and 
     equitable practices, the Plan shall--
       ``(1) leverage emerging technology trends and research and 
     development investment trends within the public and private 
     sectors;
       ``(2) incorporate private sector input, including from the 
     aviation industry stakeholder advisory committee established 
     by the Administrator, through requests for information, 
     industry days, and other innovative means consistent with the 
     Federal Acquisition Regulation; and
       ``(3) in consultation with the Under Secretary for Science 
     and Technology, identify technologies in existence or in 
     development that, with or without adaptation, are expected to 
     be suitable to meeting mission needs.
       ``(f) Disclosure.--The Administrator shall include with the 
     Plan a list of nongovernment persons that contributed to the 
     writing of the Plan.
       ``(g) Update and Report.--Beginning 2 years after the date 
     the Plan is submitted to Congress under subsection (a), and 
     biennially thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress--
       ``(1) an update of the Plan; and
       ``(2) a report on the extent to which each security-related 
     technology acquired by the Administration since the last 
     issuance or update of the Plan is consistent with the planned 
     technology programs and projects identified under subsection 
     (d)(2) for that security-related technology.

     ``SEC. 1612. ACQUISITION JUSTIFICATION AND REPORTS.

       ``(a) Acquisition Justification.--Before the Administration 
     implements any security-related technology acquisition, the 
     Administrator, in accordance with the Department's policies 
     and directives, shall determine whether the acquisition is 
     justified by conducting an analysis that includes--
       ``(1) an identification of the scenarios and level of risk 
     to transportation security from those scenarios that would be 
     addressed by the security-related technology acquisition;
       ``(2) an assessment of how the proposed acquisition aligns 
     to the Plan;
       ``(3) a comparison of the total expected lifecycle cost 
     against the total expected quantitative and qualitative 
     benefits to transportation security;
       ``(4) an analysis of alternative security solutions, 
     including policy or procedure solutions, to determine if the 
     proposed security-related technology acquisition is the most 
     effective and cost-efficient solution based on cost-benefit 
     considerations;
       ``(5) an assessment of the potential privacy and civil 
     liberties implications of the proposed acquisition that 
     includes, to the extent practicable, consultation with 
     organizations that advocate for the protection of privacy and 
     civil liberties;
       ``(6) a determination that the proposed acquisition is 
     consistent with fair information practice principles issued 
     by the Privacy Officer of the Department;
       ``(7) confirmation that there are no significant risks to 
     human health or safety posed by the proposed acquisition; and
       ``(8) an estimate of the benefits to commercial aviation 
     passengers.
       ``(b) Reports and Certification to Congress.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than the end of the 30-day 
     period preceding the award by the Administration of a 
     contract for any security-related technology acquisition 
     exceeding $30,000,000, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives--
       ``(A) the results of the comprehensive acquisition 
     justification under subsection (a); and
       ``(B) a certification by the Administrator that the 
     benefits to transportation security justify the contract 
     cost.
       ``(2) Extension due to imminent terrorist threat.--If there 
     is a known or suspected imminent threat to transportation 
     security, the Administrator--
       ``(A) may reduce the 30-day period under paragraph (1) to 5 
     days to rapidly respond to the threat; and
       ``(B) shall immediately notify the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives of the 
     known or suspected imminent threat.

     ``SEC. 1613. ACQUISITION BASELINE ESTABLISHMENT AND REPORTS.

       ``(a) Baseline Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Before the Administration implements any 
     security-related technology acquisition, the appropriate 
     acquisition official of the Department shall establish and 
     document a set of formal baseline requirements.
       ``(2) Contents.--The baseline requirements under paragraph 
     (1) shall--
       ``(A) include the estimated costs (including lifecycle 
     costs), schedule, and performance milestones for the planned 
     duration of the acquisition;
       ``(B) identify the acquisition risks and a plan for 
     mitigating those risks; and
       ``(C) assess the personnel necessary to manage the 
     acquisition process, manage the ongoing program, and support 
     training and other operations as necessary.

[[Page H8970]]

       ``(3) Feasibility.--In establishing the performance 
     milestones under paragraph (2)(A), the appropriate 
     acquisition official of the Department, to the extent 
     possible and in consultation with the Under Secretary for 
     Science and Technology, shall ensure that achieving those 
     milestones is technologically feasible.
       ``(4) Test and evaluation plan.--The Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Under Secretary for Science and 
     Technology, shall develop a test and evaluation plan that 
     describes--
       ``(A) the activities that are expected to be required to 
     assess acquired technologies against the performance 
     milestones established under paragraph (2)(A);
       ``(B) the necessary and cost-effective combination of 
     laboratory testing, field testing, modeling, simulation, and 
     supporting analysis to ensure that such technologies meet the 
     Administration's mission needs;
       ``(C) an efficient planning schedule to ensure that test 
     and evaluation activities are completed without undue delay; 
     and
       ``(D) if commercial aviation passengers are expected to 
     interact with the security-related technology, methods that 
     could be used to measure passenger acceptance of and 
     familiarization with the security-related technology.
       ``(5) Verification and validation.--The appropriate 
     acquisition official of the Department--
       ``(A) subject to subparagraph (B), shall utilize 
     independent reviewers to verify and validate the performance 
     milestones and cost estimates developed under paragraph (2) 
     for a security-related technology that pursuant to section 
     1611(d)(2) has been identified as a high priority need in the 
     most recent Plan; and
       ``(B) shall ensure that the use of independent reviewers 
     does not unduly delay the schedule of any acquisition.
       ``(6) Streamlining access for interested vendors.--The 
     Administrator shall establish a streamlined process for an 
     interested vendor of a security-related technology to request 
     and receive appropriate access to the baseline requirements 
     and test and evaluation plans that are necessary for the 
     vendor to participate in the acquisitions process for that 
     technology.
       ``(b) Review of Baseline Requirements and Deviation; Report 
     to Congress.--
       ``(1) Review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The appropriate acquisition official of 
     the Department shall review and assess each implemented 
     acquisition to determine if the acquisition is meeting the 
     baseline requirements established under subsection (a).
       ``(B) Test and evaluation assessment.--The review shall 
     include an assessment of whether--
       ``(i) the planned testing and evaluation activities have 
     been completed; and
       ``(ii) the results of that testing and evaluation 
     demonstrate that the performance milestones are 
     technologically feasible.
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than 30 days after making a 
     finding described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of 
     subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall submit a report to 
     the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives that includes--
       ``(A) the results of any assessment that finds that--
       ``(i) the actual or planned costs exceed the baseline costs 
     by more than 10 percent;
       ``(ii) the actual or planned schedule for delivery has been 
     delayed by more than 180 days; or
       ``(iii) there is a failure to meet any performance 
     milestone that directly impacts security effectiveness;
       ``(B) the cause for such excessive costs, delay, or 
     failure; and
       ``(C) a plan for corrective action.

     ``SEC. 1614. INVENTORY UTILIZATION.

       ``(a) In General.--Before the procurement of additional 
     quantities of equipment to fulfill a mission need, the 
     Administrator, to the extent practicable, shall utilize any 
     existing units in the Administration's inventory to meet that 
     need.
       ``(b) Tracking of Inventory.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     process for tracking--
       ``(A) the location of security-related equipment in the 
     inventory under subsection (a);
       ``(B) the utilization status of security-related technology 
     in the inventory under subsection (a); and
       ``(C) the quantity of security-related equipment in the 
     inventory under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Internal controls.--The Administrator shall implement 
     internal controls to ensure up-to-date accurate data on 
     security-related technology owned, deployed, and in use.
       ``(c) Logistics Management.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish 
     logistics principles for managing inventory in an effective 
     and efficient manner.
       ``(2) Limitation on just-in-time logistics.--The 
     Administrator may not use just-in-time logistics if doing 
     so--
       ``(A) would inhibit necessary planning for large-scale 
     delivery of equipment to airports or other facilities; or
       ``(B) would unduly diminish surge capacity for response to 
     a terrorist threat.

     ``SEC. 1615. SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTING GOALS.

       ``Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the 
     Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, and annually 
     thereafter, the Administrator shall submit a report to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
     Representatives that includes--
       ``(1) the Administration's performance record with respect 
     to meeting its published small-business contracting goals 
     during the preceding fiscal year;
       ``(2) if the goals described in paragraph (1) were not met 
     or the Administration's performance was below the published 
     small-business contracting goals of the Department--
       ``(A) a list of challenges, including deviations from the 
     Administration's subcontracting plans, and factors that 
     contributed to the level of performance during the preceding 
     fiscal year;
       ``(B) an action plan, with benchmarks, for addressing each 
     of the challenges identified in subparagraph (A) that--
       ``(i) is prepared after consultation with the Secretary of 
     Defense and the heads of Federal departments and agencies 
     that achieved their published goals for prime contracting 
     with small and minority-owned businesses, including small and 
     disadvantaged businesses, in prior fiscal years; and
       ``(ii) identifies policies and procedures that could be 
     incorporated by the Administration in furtherance of 
     achieving the Administration's published goal for such 
     contracting; and
       ``(3) a status report on the implementation of the action 
     plan that was developed in the preceding fiscal year in 
     accordance with paragraph (2)(B), if such a plan was 
     required.

     ``SEC. 1616. CONSISTENCY WITH THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION 
                   REGULATION AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES AND 
                   DIRECTIVES.

       ``The Administrator shall execute the responsibilities set 
     forth in this subtitle in a manner consistent with, and not 
     duplicative of, the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the 
     Department's policies and directives.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 
     1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by 
     striking the items relating to title XVI and inserting the 
     following:

                  ``TITLE XVI--TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

                    ``Subtitle A--General Provisions

``Sec. 1601. Definitions.

   ``Subtitle B--Transportation Security Administration Acquisition 
                              Improvements

``Sec. 1611. 5-year technology investment plan.
``Sec. 1612. Acquisition justification and reports.
``Sec. 1613. Acquisition baseline establishment and reports.
``Sec. 1614. Inventory utilization.
``Sec. 1615. Small business contracting goals.
``Sec. 1616. Consistency with the Federal acquisition regulation and 
              departmental policies and directives.''.

       (c) Prior Amendments Not Affected.--Nothing in this section 
     may be construed to affect any amendment made by title XVI of 
     the Homeland Security Act of 2002 as in effect before the 
     date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 4. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS.

       (a) Implementation of Previous Recommendations.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a 
     report to Congress that contains an assessment of the 
     Transportation Security Administration's implementation of 
     recommendations regarding the acquisition of security-related 
     technology that were made by the Government Accountability 
     Office before the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (b) Implementation of Subtitle B of Title XVI.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and 3 
     years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit a report to Congress that contains an 
     evaluation of the Transportation Security Administration's 
     progress in implementing subtitle B of title XVI of the 
     Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended by section 3, 
     including any efficiencies, cost savings, or delays that have 
     resulted from such implementation.

     SEC. 5. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF INVENTORY TRACKING.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Transportation Security 
     Administration shall submit a report to Congress on the 
     feasibility of tracking security-related technology, 
     including software solutions, of the Administration through 
     automated information and data capture technologies.

     SEC. 6. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW OF TSA'S TEST 
                   AND EVALUATION PROCESS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit a report to Congress that includes--
       (1) an evaluation of the Transportation Security 
     Administration's testing and evaluation activities related to 
     security-related technology;
       (2) information on the extent to which--
       (A) the execution of such testing and evaluation activities 
     is aligned, temporally and otherwise, with the 
     Administration's annual budget request, acquisition needs, 
     planned procurements, and acquisitions for technology 
     programs and projects; and
       (B) security-related technology that has been tested, 
     evaluated, and certified for use by the Administration but 
     was not procured by the Administration, including the reasons 
     the procurement did not occur; and
       (3) recommendations--
       (A) to improve the efficiency and efficacy of such testing 
     and evaluation activities; and
       (B) to better align such testing and evaluation with the 
     acquisitions process.

     SEC. 7. NO ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this Act or the amendments made by this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Latham). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson) and the gentleman from 
Mississippi (Mr. Thompson) each will control 20 minutes.

[[Page H8971]]

  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Senate amendment 
to H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, a 
bill that I introduced in July of last year, which passed the House 
unanimously 1 year ago.
  This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is the culmination of 2 
years of collaborative efforts by my colleagues in the House and Senate 
and 4 years of strong oversight by the Transportation Security 
Subcommittee.
  H.R. 2719 will save significant tax dollars by forcing TSA to make 
thoughtful, informed decisions about what kinds of technology to deploy 
in our Nation's airports. We simply cannot afford to see TSA repeat the 
mistakes of the past which have resulted in technologies such as 
``puffer machines'' and body scanners being pulled out of airports 
prematurely and others sitting idle in warehouses, never to see the 
light of day.
  H.R. 2719 requires TSA to develop and share with industry and the 
public a detailed 5-year technology investment plan. The bill gives 
Congress early warning about any cost overruns, delays, or technical 
failures encountered by TSA.
  It ensures that TSA is implementing acquisition best practices as 
identified by the Government Accountability Office and other experts. 
It also mandates a better process for managing security equipment in 
TSA's inventory. Finally, the Senate strengthened the bill by, among 
other things, requiring more consultation with experts in the public 
and private sectors during the acquisition process.
  I would like to thank the chairman of the Committee on Homeland 
Security, Mr. McCaul, for his assistance in moving this bill through 
the committee and the House, as well as the ranking member of the full 
committee, Mr. Thompson, for his work alongside myself and our 
chairman. I really appreciate the work and cooperation of Mr. Thompson 
and the ranking member for our subcommittee, Mr. Richmond. Again, their 
work made this a better bill.
  I would also like to thank Senator Ayotte for introducing a companion 
bill in the Senate and leading the effort to see it through the Senate 
Commerce Committee and the full Senate. I would also like to thank 
Senators Rockefeller, Thune, and Tester and their staffs for their 
strong support and their important efforts to move this bill.
  Finally, I would like to thank the 18 industry groups that have 
endorsed this bill, including the Security Manufacturers Coalition, 
Airlines for America, Airports Council International--North America, 
the American Association of Airport Executives, the General Aviation 
Manufacturers Association, the Security Industry Association, the U.S. 
Travel Association, and many others who provided valuable feedback and 
worked with us throughout this process.
  I will insert into the Record a letter from these groups and others.

                                                November 12, 2014.
     Hon. Harry Reid,
     Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, 
         DC.
     Hon. Mitch McConnell,
     Senate Minority Leader, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Leaders Reid and McConnell: Together our associations 
     proudly represent the strength of the aviation, aerospace, 
     and travel industry, which combined contribute billions of 
     dollars to the U.S. economy every year and maintain thousands 
     of high-tech jobs in the United States. We write to express 
     our strong support for S. 1893, the Transportation Security 
     Acquisition Reform Act introduced by Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-
     NH) and S. 1804, the Aviation Security Stakeholder 
     Participation Act introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). 
     Companion versions (H.R. 2719 and H.R. 1204) of these two 
     bills passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming 
     bipartisan support on December 3, 2013, and were reported 
     unanimously from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation on July 24, 2014.
       Both bills were developed with significant input from our 
     industries and represent important progress toward 
     streamlining the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 
     acquisition process and improving decision-making, by 
     including industry stakeholders on issues affecting 
     aviation'' security. These no-cost, common-sense bills will 
     benefit the transportation industry by requiring TSA to 
     conduct meaningful private sector engagement and 
     coordination, strategic planning, and transparent technology 
     procurements, which will save taxpayer dollars and strengthen 
     security in the long term.
       As associations concerned with improving aviation safety 
     and security, we ask that you bring S.1804/H.R. 1204 and S. 
     1893/H.R. 2719 to the Senate floor for the Senate's prompt 
     consideration and passage in order to send these critical 
     bills to the President for his signature.
           Sincerely,
         American Association of Airport Executives, Airlines for 
           America, Aeronautical Repair Station Association, 
           General Aviation Manufacturers Association, 
           International Air Transport Association, National 
           Association of State Aviation Officials, NetJets 
           Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Security 
           Manufacturers Coalition, U.S. Travel Association, 
           Airports Council Intemational-North America, Aircraft 
           Owners and Pilots Association, Cargo Airline 
           Association, Helicopter Association International, 
           National Air Transportation Association, National 
           Business Aviation Association, Security Industry 
           Association, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, 
           National Air Carrier Association.

  Mr. HUDSON. This no-cost, bipartisan legislation will go a long way 
toward improving transparency and accountability for TSA. I urge my 
colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 
2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act.
  For years, both as chairman and ranking member of the Committee on 
Homeland Security, I have been troubled by the way TSA goes about 
technology acquisition. Time and again, taxpayer dollars have been 
wasted on technologies that either do not work or cannot be upgraded to 
meet the agency's need.
  I have also been troubled by TSA's apparent inability to effectively 
manage its inventory of security-related technology and meet its goals 
for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.
  The bill before us today addresses these concerns through greater 
transparency and accountability. In this age of tight budgets, TSA 
cannot purchase technologies on a whim and outside of robust 
acquisition controls. Under H.R. 2719, of which I was proud to be an 
original cosponsor, TSA will be required to develop and publish a 
multiyear technology investment plan that will guide the agency's 
security-related technology purchases.
  This plan will give both the agency and Congress a clear 
understanding of how taxpayer dollars will be allocated in future 
years.
  The bill also requires TSA to develop a plan for managing its 
inventory of security-related technologies. Last year, the Department 
of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General found that TSA had 
more than 17,000 items in its warehouse inventory, at an estimated cost 
of $185 million. The IG concluded that TSA may be able to put 
approximately $800,000 per year to better use by managing its inventory 
more effectively.
  For fiscal year 2012, TSA's goal for prime contracting with small 
businesses was set at 23 percent; yet the agency barely reached 16 
percent. While TSA improved its performance in 2013, it still failed to 
meet its goal for prime contracting with small businesses.
  To address TSA's chronic problems meeting its small business 
contracting goal, the bill requires TSA to consult with other Federal 
agencies that get small business contracting done and done right. Under 
H.R. 2719, TSA will be required to develop an action plan for improving 
its performance and report to Congress on its progress in implementing 
the plan.

                              {time}  1500

  For too long TSA has relied upon the same limited number of companies 
to

[[Page H8972]]

develop and produce the security-related technologies it puts into the 
field. Doing so comes at the peril of small and minority-owned 
businesses that are essential to innovation. This dynamic also results 
in additional cost to taxpayers due to a lack of competition in the 
marketplace.
  H.R. 2719 received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland 
Security and this full House later last year. The Senate amendment to 
this bill that we are considering today makes minor and beneficial 
modifications.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUDSON. I have no further speakers. If the gentleman from 
Mississippi has no further speakers, I am prepared to close once the 
gentleman does.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have one speaker before I 
close. I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson 
Lee), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime 
Security of the Committee on Homeland Security.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Thompson for his leadership 
as ranking member and formerly chair, and Mr. Hudson. Let me also 
acknowledge Mr. Richmond, who is the ranking member on the Subcommittee 
on Transportation Security.
  It is clear that this committee, Homeland Security overall, has 
worked together for the betterment of the national security of this 
Nation, and these legislative initiatives in particular. I remember 
distinctly the hearings, the collaboration with a number of groups, and 
so I rise today to speak on the transportation security bill regarding 
best practices to improve transparency with regard to technology 
acquisition programs, and for other purposes.
  The Transportation Security Administration, now under Homeland 
Security, is one of our vital organs that relates to the security of 
America. We only need look at special holidays throughout the Nation 
and throughout the year and realize how vital the aviation system is 
and how important it is to work together with the Transportation 
Security Administration, covering TSOs and certainly a large component 
of research and technology dealing with the security of our airports.
  This initiative is an important one. It is almost unspeakable to have 
this size of inventory, some $185 million in assessment, languishing in 
warehouses under the name of the Transportation Security 
Administration.
  Over the years as a ranking member and chairwoman on Transportation 
Security and now Border Security, likewise I have joined my colleagues 
in fighting for small businesses because there lies technology.
  So this initiative to open the doors for the idea of a multiyear 
technology investment plan and underutilized innovation opportunities 
that can be provided in this area of security I believe is very 
important, and then of course to insist that 16 percent not be the 
number that we rely upon in terms of investment and opportunity for 
minorities and small businesses.
  I support this initiative, and I must at this moment add my support 
for the legislation dealing with insisting on an aviation security 
advisory committee. I want to congratulate Mr. Thompson on that and 
indicate that the issue of aviation security matters needs 
collaboration.
  Let me finish by saying, as we experienced over the last year, a 
decision to add or take away what item you could bring through 
security--we found out that collaboration on this is crucial.
  So this is an important initiative, and I thank both the managers on 
the floor, and I support both of these initiatives and congratulate 
them for moving the security of America further.
  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. 
I am prepared to close.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman 
Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond for working in collaboration to 
develop this important legislation.
  I would also like to acknowledge the bipartisan staff work that went 
in to getting us to this point. Specifically, I want to acknowledge 
Brian Turbyfill on my staff and Amanda Parikh on the majority staff for 
their work on this legislation over the past 2 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the Senate amendment to 
H.R. 2719 so that this bill can be enacted and TSA's acquisition 
process is on a path to improvement.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the former chairman for his 
kind remarks and for the collaborative nature in which we have worked 
throughout this Congress. I appreciate his leadership and advice. I 
believe we have done good work, and we have done it because we have 
listened to each other and we have worked well together. I appreciate 
your leadership, as well as that of Cedric Richmond, the ranking member 
on this committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that this would not be 
possible had they not worked so closely with us. I would also like to 
thank the chairman for mentioning our staffs. Our staffs have worked 
very hard, they have worked in a bipartisan manner, and I attach myself 
to his compliments for our staff there and thank him for that kindness.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the accomplishments we have made on this 
subcommittee. In particular I am proud of this piece of legislation, 
H.R. 2719. It was developed with input from stakeholders in an 
exhaustive process with subject matter experts across government and 
industry to address different deficiencies we had identified throughout 
the TSA's acquisition process.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on Senator Ayotte's amendment to 
H.R. 2719, and let's send this bill to the President for his signature.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2719, the 
``Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act.''
  H.R. 2719 addresses longstanding concerns that I and other Members of 
this Committee have raised about the Transportation Security 
Administration's stewardship of taxpayer funds when pursuing, 
acquiring, and deploying security-related technologies.
  Importantly, the bill also seeks to address TSA's lackluster record 
of contracting with small businesses.
  Last year, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, of which I am 
the Ranking Member, held a hearing with industry stakeholders where we 
heard from representatives of both small and large businesses on how to 
improve TSA's acquisition practices and to engage with small businesses 
more effectively.
  There are ample small, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses 
that are ready, willing and able to provide services and technologies 
to TSA that would enhance our security and likely reduce contracting 
costs.
  If TSA cannot identify such businesses, I will be happy to refer them 
to some.
  The bill takes a significant step toward holding TSA accountable for 
achieving its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged 
businesses by requiring the agency to develop an action plan to 
accomplish its goals and report to Congress on how it plans to get 
there.
  I thank the Subcommittee Chairman, the gentleman from North Carolina, 
Mr. Hudson, for his willingness to include small businesses in the 
discussion as we developed the legislation before the House today.
  I also congratulate Chairman Hudson on his work on this legislation.
  As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, 
I was proud to work with the Chairman to lay the groundwork for this 
legislation through multiple hearings with both industry and TSA.
  The bill tackles head on the lack of transparency and accountability 
that has plagued TSA's acquisition practices since the Agency's 
inception.
  Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 is sound, bipartisan 
legislation that deserves the support of the Full House.
  I would like to express my gratitude to Chairman Hudson for the 
bipartisan manner in which he operated the Subcommittee on 
Transportation Security this Congress.
  I look forward to continuing to work with the gentleman in his new 
role as a Member on the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  With that Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 2719, the 
Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, which was developed, 
introduced, and championed by the Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Transportation Security,

[[Page H8973]]

the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Hudson. The Senate 
amendment to H.R. 2719, offered by Senator Ayotte, would strengthen the 
underlying bill and ensure that TSA is consulting stakeholders 
throughout the technology acquisition process. I thank the Senator for 
working with our Committee to move this common sense bill across the 
finish line.
  As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have seen 
first-hand the need for TSA to develop a comprehensive investment plan 
for acquiring new technologies and to use its limited resources in a 
more efficient and effective manner. H.R. 2719 sets clear mandates for 
TSA to develop and maintain a five-year acquisition strategy that will 
help industry make informed investment decisions and lead to more 
effective technologies in our nation's airports to meet the evolving 
terrorist threats we face. The requirements of this bill will also 
ensure that Congress receives early warning and insight into 
potentially wasteful spending practices, which will strengthen the 
Committee's oversight and enable TSA to be a better steward of taxpayer 
dollars.
  I would like to thank Chairman Hudson for his dedicated effort to 
reform TSA, as well as the Ranking Member of the Full Committee and the 
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for their strong support of this 
important legislation, which will hold TSA accountable and increase 
transparency for the millions of dollars the agency spends every year 
on technology. I would also like to express appreciation to the many 
stakeholder associations that have provided their input and given their 
support to this no-cost, bipartisan bill.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 and 
send this bill to the President for his signature.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson) that the House suspend the 
rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 2719.
  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. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 10, 2014, on page H8973, the following appeared: Mr. 
THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas 
and nays.
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. HUDSON. Mr. 
Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  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.

                          ____________________