[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.
____________________