[House Report 115-917]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


115th Congress    }                                  {        Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                  {        115-917

======================================================================



 
                   TSA NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT FORCE ACT

                                _______
                                

 September 4, 2018.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

  Mr. McCaul, from the Committee on Homeland Security, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 6461]

      [Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

    The Committee on Homeland Security, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 6461) to amend title 49, United States Code, to 
establish in the Transportation Security Administration a 
National Deployment Office, and for other purposes, having 
considered the same, report favorably thereon without amendment 
and recommend that the bill do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose and Summary..............................................     2
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     2
Hearings.........................................................     2
Committee Consideration..........................................     2
Committee Votes..................................................     2
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................     2
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures     3
Congressional Budget Office Estimate.............................     3
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............     4
Duplicative Federal Programs.....................................     4
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
  Benefits.......................................................     4
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     4
Preemption Clarification.........................................     4
Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings..............................     4
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................     5
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................     5
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................     5
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............     6

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 6461 codifies and authorizes the National Deployment 
Force (NDF) within the Transportation Security Administration 
(TSA). The bill establishes the National Deployment Office and 
tasks it with managing the NDF, recruiting Transportation 
Security Officers (TSOs) to participate, and training the TSOs 
who join the NDF. Finally, H.R. 6461 requires TSA to provide 
Congress with an annual report on the NDF, including its 
activities, collaboration with other Department of Homeland 
Security components, staffing, and recruitment and training 
activities.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    TSA's National Deployment Force (NDF) is a rapid response 
force of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) and other TSA 
employees, based at airports around the country, who can be 
deployed around the country in support of homeland security 
operations. TSOs on the NDF typically serve one-year terms. 
Examples of situations where the NDF has been or could be 
deployed include National Special Security Events and the 
aftermath of natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The NDF 
has also been used to support airports across that country that 
have experienced hiring shortfalls or require additional 
personnel due to seasonal demands. H.R. 6461 codifies the NDF 
to ensure TSA maintains its important rapid response and 
security capabilities.

                                Hearings

    The Committee did not hold a legislative hearing on H.R. 
6461. However, the Committee held a hearing with Department 
officials on November 8, 2017, to discuss TSA's role in keeping 
our transportation systems secure. The Subcommittee on 
Transportation and Protective Security also held a hearing on 
April 12, 2018 entitled ``Examining the President's FY 2019 
Budget Request for the Transportation Security 
Administration''. Testimony was heard from David P. Pekoske, 
Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, 
Department of Homeland Security; and public witnesses.

                        Committee Consideration

    The Committee met on July 24, 2018, to consider H.R. 6461, 
and ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a 
favorable recommendation, without amendment, by unanimous 
consent.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires the Committee to list the recorded 
votes on the motion to report legislation and amendments 
thereto.
    No recorded votes were requested during consideration of 
H.R. 6461.

                      Committee Oversight Findings

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee has held oversight 
hearings and made findings that are reflected in this report.

   New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives, the Committee finds that H.R. 
6461, the TSA National Deployment Force Act, would result in no 
new or increased budget authority, entitlement authority, or 
tax expenditures or revenues.

                  Congressional Budget Office Estimate

    The Committee adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared 
by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to 
section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

                                     U.S. Congress,
                               Congressional Budget Office,
                                   Washington, DC, August 31, 2018.
Hon. Michael McCaul,
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has 
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 6459, the TSA 
Opportunities to Pursue Expanded Networks for Business Act, and 
H.R. 6461, the TSA National Deployment Force Act.
    If you wish further details on these estimates, we will be 
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan 
Carroll.
            Sincerely,
                                                Keith Hall,
                                                          Director.
    Enclosure.

Transportation Security Administration Legislation

    On July 24, the House Committee on Homeland Security 
ordered two bills to be reported related to activities of the 
Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
           H.R. 6459, the TSA Opportunities to Pursue 
        Expanded Networks for Business Act, would require the 
        agency to develop a strategy for diversifying and 
        encouraging participation of small businesses in the 
        marketplace through which TSA acquires security-related 
        technologies; and
           H.R. 6461, the TSA National Deployment Force 
        Act, would establish an office responsible for 
        deploying TSA personnel to provide additional security 
        at airports and other locations and to respond to 
        manmade disasters and other situations.
    Using information from the TSA regarding the costs of 
similar activities, CBO estimates that neither of those bills 
would lead to additional federal spending of more then $500,000 
annually. (Such spending would be subject to appropriation.)
    Neither H.R. 6459 nor H.R. 6461 would affect direct 
spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do 
not apply for either bill.
    Neither bill would increase net direct spending or on-
budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods 
beginning in 2029, CBO estimates.
    H.R. 6459 and H.R. 6461 contain no intergovernmental or 
private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act.
    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. 
The estimate was reviewed by Leo Lex, Deputy Assistant Director 
for Budget Analysis.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, H.R. 6461 contains the following 
general performance goals and objectives, including outcome 
related goals and objectives authorized.
    This legislation establishes a National Deployment Office 
within the Transportation Security Administration to create and 
maintain a National Deployment Force, comprised of TSA 
employees, to be utilized in times of emergency or excessive 
demand. This bill's goals will be assessed by directing the 
Administrator of the TSA to submit a report regarding the 
activities of the National Deployment Office to the Committee 
on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate, not later than one year after the date of the enactment 
of this legislation and annually thereafter for five years.

                      Duplicative Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c) of rule XIII, the Committee finds 
that H.R. 6461 does not contain any provision that establishes 
or reauthorizes a program known to be duplicative of another 
Federal program.

   Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
                                Benefits

    In compliance with rule XXI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no 
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff 
benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of the rule 
XXI.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal 
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget 
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

                        Preemption Clarification

    In compliance with section 423 of the Congressional Budget 
Act of 1974, requiring the report of any Committee on a bill or 
joint resolution to include a statement on the extent to which 
the bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt State, 
local, or Tribal law, the Committee finds that H.R. 6461 does 
not preempt any State, local, or Tribal law.

                  Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings

    The Committee estimates that H.R. 6461 would require no 
directed rule makings.

                      Advisory Committee Statement

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this 
legislation.

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

             Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation


Section 1. Short title

    This section provides that this bill may be cited as the 
``TSA National Deployment Force Act''.

Sec. 2. National Deployment Office

    This section establishes a National Deployment Office (NDO) 
within the Transportation Security Administration. The head of 
the National Deployment Office shall be responsible for 
maintaining a National Deployment Force (NDF) comprised of 
Transportation Security Officers, who will provide the TSA with 
rapid and efficient response capabilities. The NDO shall 
augment homeland security operations, including in the 
following situations: airports temporarily requiring additional 
security personnel due to an emergency, seasonal demands, 
hiring shortfalls, severe weather conditions, passenger volume 
mitigation, equipment support or other reasons; special events 
requiring enhanced security determined by the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, including National Special Security events; 
response in the aftermath of any manmade disaster, including 
terrorist attack; and other situations determined by the TSA 
Administrator.
    In addition to maintaining the NDF, the head of the NDO is 
also responsible for educating transportation security officers 
on ways to participate in the National Deployment Force, 
recruiting officers to serve on the NDF in accordance with the 
staffing model developed by the TSA, and selecting and training 
the officers that serve on the NDF.

Sec. 3. Conforming amendment

    This section makes conforming changes to the United States 
code.

Sec. 4. Career development

    This section allows for service in the National Deployment 
Force to serve as a positive factor when evaluating applicants 
for promotions within TSA.

Sec. 5. Annual report

    This section requires TSA to submit a report to Congress, 
no later than one year after the enactment of this Act, on the 
activities of the National Deployment Office and the National 
Deployment Force. The report will include: when, where, why, 
how many, and for how long the National Deployment Force was 
deployed over the past year; the costs associated with the 
deployments; a description of collaboration between the 
National Deployment Office and other components of the 
Department of Homeland Security, other Federal agencies, and 
State and local transportation security stakeholders; the size 
of the National Deployment Force; and information on 
recruitment, appointment, and training activities of the 
National Deployment Force.

         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italic, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                      TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE




           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
           
SUBTITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


CHAPTER 1--ORGANIZATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *



Sec. 114. Transportation Security Administration

  (a) In General.--The Transportation Security Administration 
shall be an administration of the Department of Transportation.
  (b) Under Secretary.--
          (1) Appointment.--The head of the Administration 
        shall be the Under Secretary of Transportation for 
        Security. The Under Secretary shall be appointed by the 
        President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
        Senate.
          (2) Qualifications.--The Under Secretary must--
                  (A) be a citizen of the United States; and
                  (B) have experience in a field directly 
                related to transportation or security.
          (3) Term.--The term of office of an individual 
        appointed as the Under Secretary shall be 5 years.
  (c) Limitation on Ownership of Stocks and Bonds.--The Under 
Secretary may not own stock in or bonds of a transportation or 
security enterprise or an enterprise that makes equipment that 
could be used for security purposes.
  (d) Functions.--The Under Secretary shall be responsible for 
security in all modes of transportation, including--
          (1) carrying out chapter 449, relating to civil 
        aviation security, and related research and development 
        activities; and
          (2) security responsibilities over other modes of 
        transportation that are exercised by the Department of 
        Transportation.
  (e) Screening Operations.--The Under Secretary shall--
          (1) be responsible for day-to-day Federal security 
        screening operations for passenger air transportation 
        and intrastate air transportation under sections 44901 
        and 44935;
          (2) develop standards for the hiring and retention of 
        security screening personnel;
          (3) train and test security screening personnel; and
          (4) be responsible for hiring and training personnel 
        to provide security screening at all airports in the 
        United States where screening is required under section 
        44901, in consultation with the Secretary of 
        Transportation and the heads of other appropriate 
        Federal agencies and departments.
  (f) Additional Duties and Powers.--In addition to carrying 
out the functions specified in subsections (d) and (e), the 
Under Secretary shall--
          (1) receive, assess, and distribute intelligence 
        information related to transportation security;
          (2) assess threats to transportation;
          (3) develop policies, strategies, and plans for 
        dealing with threats to transportation security;
          (4) make other plans related to transportation 
        security, including coordinating countermeasures with 
        appropriate departments, agencies, and 
        instrumentalities of the United States Government;
          (5) serve as the primary liaison for transportation 
        security to the intelligence and law enforcement 
        communities;
          (6) on a day-to-day basis, manage and provide 
        operational guidance to the field security resources of 
        the Administration, including Federal Security Managers 
        as provided by section 44933;
          (7) enforce security-related regulations and 
        requirements;
          (8) identify and undertake research and development 
        activities necessary to enhance transportation 
        security;
          (9) inspect, maintain, and test security facilities, 
        equipment, and systems;
          (10) ensure the adequacy of security measures for the 
        transportation of cargo;
          (11) oversee the implementation, and ensure the 
        adequacy, of security measures at airports and other 
        transportation facilities;
          (12) require background checks for airport security 
        screening personnel, individuals with access to secure 
        areas of airports, and other transportation security 
        personnel;
          (13) work in conjunction with the Administrator of 
        the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to any 
        actions or activities that may affect aviation safety 
        or air carrier operations;
          (14) work with the International Civil Aviation 
        Organization and appropriate aeronautic authorities of 
        foreign governments under section 44907 to address 
        security concerns on passenger flights by foreign air 
        carriers in foreign air transportation; [and]
          (15) establish and maintain a National Deployment 
        Office as required under section 44947 of this title; 
        and
          [(15)] (16) carry out such other duties, and exercise 
        such other powers, relating to transportation security 
        as the Under Secretary considers appropriate, to the 
        extent authorized by law.
  (g) National Emergency Responsibilities.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to the direction and control 
        of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, during a 
        national emergency, shall have the following 
        responsibilities:
                  (A) To coordinate domestic transportation, 
                including aviation, rail, and other surface 
                transportation, and maritime transportation 
                (including port security).
                  (B) To coordinate and oversee the 
                transportation-related responsibilities of 
                other departments and agencies of the Federal 
                Government other than the Department of Defense 
                and the military departments.
                  (C) To coordinate and provide notice to other 
                departments and agencies of the Federal 
                Government, and appropriate agencies of State 
                and local governments, including departments 
                and agencies for transportation, law 
                enforcement, and border control, about threats 
                to transportation.
                  (D) To carry out such other duties, and 
                exercise such other powers, relating to 
                transportation during a national emergency as 
                the Secretary shall prescribe.
          (2) Authority of other departments and agencies.--The 
        authority of the Under Secretary under this subsection 
        shall not supersede the authority of any other 
        department or agency of the Federal Government under 
        law with respect to transportation or transportation-
        related matters, whether or not during a national 
        emergency.
          (3) Circumstances.--The Secretary shall prescribe the 
        circumstances constituting a national emergency for 
        purposes of this subsection.
  (h) Management of Security Information.--In consultation with 
the Transportation Security Oversight Board, the Under 
Secretary shall--
          (1) enter into memoranda of understanding with 
        Federal agencies or other entities to share or 
        otherwise cross-check as necessary data on individuals 
        identified on Federal agency databases who may pose a 
        risk to transportation or national security;
          (2) establish procedures for notifying the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
        appropriate State and local law enforcement officials, 
        and airport or airline security officers of the 
        identity of individuals known to pose, or suspected of 
        posing, a risk of air piracy or terrorism or a threat 
        to airline or passenger safety;
          (3) in consultation with other appropriate Federal 
        agencies and air carriers, establish policies and 
        procedures requiring air carriers--
                  (A) to use information from government 
                agencies to identify individuals on passenger 
                lists who may be a threat to civil aviation or 
                national security; and
                  (B) if such an individual is identified, 
                notify appropriate law enforcement agencies, 
                prevent the individual from boarding an 
                aircraft, or take other appropriate action with 
                respect to that individual; and
          (4) consider requiring passenger air carriers to 
        share passenger lists with appropriate Federal agencies 
        for the purpose of identifying individuals who may pose 
        a threat to aviation safety or national security.
  (i) View of NTSB.--In taking any action under this section 
that could affect safety, the Under Secretary shall give great 
weight to the timely views of the National Transportation 
Safety Board.
  (j) Acquisitions.--
          (1) In general.--The Under Secretary is authorized--
                  (A) to acquire (by purchase, lease, 
                condemnation, or otherwise) such real property, 
                or any interest therein, within and outside the 
                continental United States, as the Under 
                Secretary considers necessary;
                  (B) to acquire (by purchase, lease, 
                condemnation, or otherwise) and to construct, 
                repair, operate, and maintain such personal 
                property (including office space and patents), 
                or any interest therein, within and outside the 
                continental United States, as the Under 
                Secretary considers necessary;
                  (C) to lease to others such real and personal 
                property and to provide by contract or 
                otherwise for necessary facilities for the 
                welfare of its employees and to acquire, 
                maintain and operate equipment for these 
                facilities;
                  (D) to acquire services, including such 
                personal services as the Secretary determines 
                necessary, and to acquire (by purchase, lease, 
                condemnation, or otherwise) and to construct, 
                repair, operate, and maintain research and 
                testing sites and facilities; and
                  (E) in cooperation with the Administrator of 
                the Federal Aviation Administration, to utilize 
                the research and development facilities of the 
                Federal Aviation Administration.
          (2) Title.--Title to any property or interest therein 
        acquired pursuant to this subsection shall be held by 
        the Government of the United States.
  (k) Transfers of Funds.--The Under Secretary is authorized to 
accept transfers of unobligated balances and unexpended 
balances of funds appropriated to other Federal agencies (as 
such term is defined in section 551(1) of title 5) to carry out 
functions transferred, on or after the date of enactment of the 
Aviation and Transportation Security Act, by law to the Under 
Secretary.
  (l) Regulations.--
          (1) In general.--The Under Secretary is authorized to 
        issue, rescind, and revise such regulations as are 
        necessary to carry out the functions of the 
        Administration.
          (2) Emergency procedures.--
                  (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other 
                provision of law or executive order (including 
                an executive order requiring a cost-benefit 
                analysis), if the Under Secretary determines 
                that a regulation or security directive must be 
                issued immediately in order to protect 
                transportation security, the Under Secretary 
                shall issue the regulation or security 
                directive without providing notice or an 
                opportunity for comment and without prior 
                approval of the Secretary.
                  (B) Review by Transportation Security 
                Oversight Board.--Any regulation or security 
                directive issued under this paragraph shall be 
                subject to review by the Transportation 
                Security Oversight Board established under 
                section 115. Any regulation or security 
                directive issued under this paragraph shall 
                remain effective for a period not to exceed 90 
                days unless ratified or disapproved by the 
                Board or rescinded by the Under Secretary.
          (3) Factors to consider.--In determining whether to 
        issue, rescind, or revise a regulation under this 
        section, the Under Secretary shall consider, as a 
        factor in the final determination, whether the costs of 
        the regulation are excessive in relation to the 
        enhancement of security the regulation will provide. 
        The Under Secretary may waive requirements for an 
        analysis that estimates the number of lives that will 
        be saved by the regulation and the monetary value of 
        such lives if the Under Secretary determines that it is 
        not feasible to make such an estimate.
          (4) Airworthiness objections by FAA.--
                  (A) In General.--The Under Secretary shall 
                not take an aviation security action under this 
                title if the Administrator of the Federal 
                Aviation Administration notifies the Under 
                Secretary that the action could adversely 
                affect the airworthiness of an aircraft.
                  (B) Review by Secretary.--Notwithstanding 
                subparagraph (A), the Under Secretary may take 
                such an action, after receiving a notification 
                concerning the action from the Administrator 
                under subparagraph (A), if the Secretary of 
                Transportation subsequently approves the 
                action.
  (m) Personnel and Services; Cooperation by Under Secretary.--
          (1) Authority of Under Secretary.--In carrying out 
        the functions of the Administration, the Under 
        Secretary shall have the same authority as is provided 
        to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration under subsections (l) and (m) of section 
        106.
          (2) Authority of agency heads.--The head of a Federal 
        agency shall have the same authority to provide 
        services, supplies, equipment, personnel, and 
        facilities to the Under Secretary as the head has to 
        provide services, supplies, equipment, personnel, and 
        facilities to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration under section 106(m).
  (n) Personnel Management System.--The personnel management 
system established by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration under section 40122 shall apply to employees of 
the Transportation Security Administration, or, subject to the 
requirements of such section, the Under Secretary may make such 
modifications to the personnel management system with respect 
to such employees as the Under Secretary considers appropriate, 
such as adopting aspects of other personnel systems of the 
Department of Transportation.
  (o) Authority of Inspector General.--The Transportation 
Security Administration shall be subject to the Inspector 
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) and other laws relating to 
the authority of the Inspector General of the Department of 
Transportation.
  (p) Law enforcement powers.--
          (1) In general.--The Under Secretary may designate an 
        employee of the Transportation Security Administration 
        or other Federal agency to serve as a law enforcement 
        officer.
          (2) Powers.--While engaged in official duties of the 
        Administration as required to fulfill the 
        responsibilities under this section, a law enforcement 
        officer designated under paragraph (1) may--
                  (A) carry a firearm;
                  (B) make an arrest without a warrant for any 
                offense against the United States committed in 
                the presence of the officer, or for any felony 
                cognizable under the laws of the United States 
                if the officer has probable cause to believe 
                that the person to be arrested has committed or 
                is committing the felony; and
                  (C) seek and execute warrants for arrest or 
                seizure of evidence issued under the authority 
                of the United States upon probable cause that a 
                violation has been committed.
          (3) Guidelines on exercise of authority.--The 
        authority provided by this subsection shall be 
        exercised in accordance with guidelines prescribed by 
        the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney 
        General of the United States, and shall include 
        adherence to the Attorney General's policy on use of 
        deadly force.
          (4) Revocation or suspension of authority.--The 
        powers authorized by this subsection may be rescinded 
        or suspended should the Attorney General determine that 
        the Under Secretary has not complied with the 
        guidelines prescribed in paragraph (3) and conveys the 
        determination in writing to the Secretary of 
        Transportation and the Under Secretary.
  (q) Authority to Exempt.--The Under Secretary may grant an 
exemption from a regulation prescribed in carrying out this 
section if the Under Secretary determines that the exemption is 
in the public interest.
  (r) Nondisclosure of Security Activities.--
          (1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 552 of title 
        5, the Under Secretary shall prescribe regulations 
        prohibiting the disclosure of information obtained or 
        developed in carrying out security under authority of 
        the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (Public 
        Law 107-71) or under chapter 449 of this title if the 
        Under Secretary decides that disclosing the information 
        would--
                  (A) be an unwarranted invasion of personal 
                privacy;
                  (B) reveal a trade secret or privileged or 
                confidential commercial or financial 
                information; or
                  (C) be detrimental to the security of 
                transportation.
          (2) Availability of information to Congress- 
        Paragraph (1) does not authorize information to be 
        withheld from a committee of Congress authorized to 
        have the information.
          (3) Limitation on transferability of duties- Except 
        as otherwise provided by law, the Under Secretary may 
        not transfer a duty or power under this subsection to 
        another department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
        United States.
          (4) Limitations.--Nothing in this subsection, or any 
        other provision of law, shall be construed to authorize 
        the designation of information as sensitive security 
        information (as defined in section 1520.5 of title 49, 
        Code of Federal Regulations)--
                  (A) to conceal a violation of law, 
                inefficiency, or administrative error;
                  (B) to prevent embarrassment to a person, 
                organization, or agency;
                  (C) to restrain competition; or
                  (D) to prevent or delay the release of 
                information that does not require protection in 
                the interest of transportation security, 
                including basic scientific research information 
                not clearly related to transportation security.
  (s) Transportation Security Strategic Planning.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
        shall develop, prepare, implement, and update, as 
        needed--
                  (A) a National Strategy for Transportation 
                Security; and
                  (B) transportation modal security plans 
                addressing security risks, including threats, 
                vulnerabilities, and consequences, for 
                aviation, railroad, ferry, highway, maritime, 
                pipeline, public transportation, over-the-road 
                bus, and other transportation infrastructure 
                assets.
          (2) Role of Secretary of Transportation.--The 
        Secretary of Homeland Security shall work jointly with 
        the Secretary of Transportation in developing, 
        revising, and updating the documents required by 
        paragraph (1).
          (3) Contents of National Strategy for Transportation 
        Security.--The National Strategy for Transportation 
        Security shall include the following:
                  (A) An identification and evaluation of the 
                transportation assets in the United States 
                that, in the interests of national security and 
                commerce, must be protected from attack or 
                disruption by terrorist or other hostile 
                forces, including modal security plans for 
                aviation, bridge and tunnel, commuter rail and 
                ferry, highway, maritime, pipeline, rail, mass 
                transit, over-the-road bus, and other public 
                transportation infrastructure assets that could 
                be at risk of such an attack or disruption.
                  (B) The development of risk-based priorities, 
                based on risk assessments conducted or received 
                by the Secretary of Homeland Security 
                (including assessments conducted under the 
                Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 
                Commission Act of 2007 across all 
                transportation modes and realistic deadlines 
                for addressing security needs associated with 
                those assets referred to in subparagraph (A).
                  (C) The most appropriate, practical, and 
                cost-effective means of defending those assets 
                against threats to their security.
                  (D) A forward-looking strategic plan that 
                sets forth the agreed upon roles and missions 
                of Federal, State, regional, local, and tribal 
                authorities and establishes mechanisms for 
                encouraging cooperation and participation by 
                private sector entities, including nonprofit 
                employee labor organizations, in the 
                implementation of such plan.
                  (E) A comprehensive delineation of 
                prevention, response, and recovery 
                responsibilities and issues regarding 
                threatened and executed acts of terrorism 
                within the United States and threatened and 
                executed acts of terrorism outside the United 
                States to the extent such acts affect United 
                States transportation systems.
                  (F) A prioritization of research and 
                development objectives that support 
                transportation security needs, giving a higher 
                priority to research and development directed 
                toward protecting vital transportation assets. 
                Transportation security research and 
                development projects shall be based, to the 
                extent practicable, on such prioritization. 
                Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be 
                construed to require the termination of any 
                research or development project initiated by 
                the Secretary of Homeland Security or the 
                Secretary of Transportation before the date of 
                enactment of the Implementing Recommendations 
                of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
                  (G) A 3- and 10-year budget for Federal 
                transportation security programs that will 
                achieve the priorities of the National Strategy 
                for Transportation Security.
                  (H) Methods for linking the individual 
                transportation modal security plans and the 
                programs contained therein, and a plan for 
                addressing the security needs of intermodal 
                transportation.
                  (I) Transportation modal security plans 
                described in paragraph (1)(B), including 
                operational recovery plans to expedite, to the 
                maximum extent practicable, the return to 
                operation of an adversely affected 
                transportation system following a major 
                terrorist attack on that system or other 
                incident. These plans shall be coordinated with 
                the resumption of trade protocols required 
                under section 202 of the SAFE Port Act (6 
                U.S.C. 942) and the National Maritime 
                Transportation Security Plan required under 
                section 70103(a) of title 46.
          (4) Submissions of plans to Congress.--
                  (A) Initial strategy.--The Secretary of 
                Homeland Security shall submit the National 
                Strategy for Transportation Security, including 
                the transportation modal security plans, 
                developed under this subsection to the 
                appropriate congressional committees not later 
                than April 1, 2005.
                  (B) Subsequent versions.--After December 31, 
                2005, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall 
                submit the National Strategy for Transportation 
                Security, including the transportation modal 
                security plans and any revisions to the 
                National Strategy for Transportation Security 
                and the transportation modal security plans, to 
                appropriate congressional committees not less 
                frequently than April 1 of each even-numbered 
                year.
                  (C) Periodic progress report.--
                          (i) Requirement for report.--Each 
                        year, in conjunction with the 
                        submission of the budget to Congress 
                        under section 1105(a) of title 31, 
                        United States Code, the Secretary of 
                        Homeland Security shall submit to the 
                        appropriate congressional committees an 
                        assessment of the progress made on 
                        implementing the National Strategy for 
                        Transportation Security, including the 
                        transportation modal security plans.
                          (ii) Content.--Each progress report 
                        submitted under this subparagraph shall 
                        include, at a minimum, the following:
                                  (I) Recommendations for 
                                improving and implementing the 
                                National Strategy for 
                                Transportation Security and the 
                                transportation modal and 
                                intermodal security plans that 
                                the Secretary of Homeland 
                                Security, in consultation with 
                                the Secretary of 
                                Transportation, considers 
                                appropriate.
                                  (II) An accounting of all 
                                grants for transportation 
                                security, including grants and 
                                contracts for research and 
                                development, awarded by the 
                                Secretary of Homeland Security 
                                in the most recent fiscal year 
                                and a description of how such 
                                grants accomplished the goals 
                                of the National Strategy for 
                                Transportation Security.
                                  (III) An accounting of all--
                                          (aa) funds requested 
                                        in the President's 
                                        budget submitted 
                                        pursuant to section 
                                        1105 of title 31 for 
                                        the most recent fiscal 
                                        year for transportation 
                                        security, by mode;
                                          (bb) personnel 
                                        working on 
                                        transportation security 
                                        by mode, including the 
                                        number of contractors; 
                                        and
                                          (cc) information on 
                                        the turnover in the 
                                        previous year among 
                                        senior staff of the 
                                        Department of Homeland 
                                        Security, including 
                                        component agencies, 
                                        working on 
                                        transportation security 
                                        issues. Such 
                                        information shall 
                                        include the number of 
                                        employees who have 
                                        permanently left the 
                                        office, agency, or area 
                                        in which they worked, 
                                        and the amount of time 
                                        that they worked for 
                                        the Department.
                          (iii) Written explanation of 
                        transportation security activities not 
                        delineated in the National Strategy for 
                        Transportation Security.--At the end of 
                        each fiscal year, the Secretary of 
                        Homeland Security shall submit to the 
                        appropriate congressional committees a 
                        written explanation of any Federal 
                        transportation security activity that 
                        is inconsistent with the National 
                        Strategy for Transportation Security, 
                        including the amount of funds to be 
                        expended for the activity and the 
                        number of personnel involved.
                  (D) Classified material.--Any part of the 
                National Strategy for Transportation Security 
                or the transportation modal security plans that 
                involve information that is properly classified 
                under criteria established by Executive order 
                shall be submitted to the appropriate 
                congressional committees separately in a 
                classified format.
                  (E) Appropriate congressional committees 
                defined.--In this subsection, the term 
                ``appropriate congressional committees'' means 
                the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland 
                Security of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation, the Committee on Homeland 
                Security and Governmental Affairs, and the 
                Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
                Affairs of the Senate.
          (5) Priority status.--
                  (A) In general.--The National Strategy for 
                Transportation Security shall be the governing 
                document for Federal transportation security 
                efforts.
                  (B) Other plans and reports.--The National 
                Strategy for Transportation Security shall 
                include, as an integral part or as an 
                appendix--
                          (i) the current National Maritime 
                        Transportation Security Plan under 
                        section 70103 of title 46;
                          (ii) the report required by section 
                        44938 of this title;
                          (iii) transportation modal security 
                        plans required under this section;
                          (iv) the transportation sector 
                        specific plan required under Homeland 
                        Security Presidential Directive-7; and
                          (v) any other transportation security 
                        plan or report that the Secretary of 
                        Homeland Security determines 
                        appropriate for inclusion.
          (6) Coordination.--In carrying out the 
        responsibilities under this section, the Secretary of 
        Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary 
        of Transportation, shall consult, as appropriate, with 
        Federal, State, and local agencies, tribal governments, 
        private sector entities (including nonprofit employee 
        labor organizations), institutions of higher learning, 
        and other entities.
          (7) Plan distribution.--The Secretary of Homeland 
        Security shall make available and appropriately 
        publicize an unclassified version of the National 
        Strategy for Transportation Security, including its 
        component transportation modal security plans, to 
        Federal, State, regional, local and tribal authorities, 
        transportation system owners or operators, private 
        sector stakeholders, including nonprofit employee labor 
        organizations representing transportation employees, 
        institutions of higher learning, and other appropriate 
        entities.
  (u)  Transportation Security Information Sharing Plan.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Appropriate congressional committees.--
                The term ``appropriate congressional 
                committees'' has the meaning given that term in 
                subsection (s)(4)(E).
                  (B) Plan.--The term ``Plan'' means the 
                Transportation Security Information Sharing 
                Plan established under paragraph (2).
                  (C) Public and private stakeholders.--The 
                term ``public and private stakeholders'' means 
                Federal, State, and local agencies, tribal 
                governments, and appropriate private entities, 
                including nonprofit employee labor 
                organizations representing transportation 
                employees.
                  (D) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means 
                the Secretary of Homeland Security.
                  (E) Transportation security information.--The 
                term ``transportation security information'' 
                means information relating to the risks to 
                transportation modes, including aviation, 
                public transportation, railroad, ferry, 
                highway, maritime, pipeline, and over-the-road 
                bus transportation, and may include specific 
                and general intelligence products, as 
                appropriate.
          (2) Establishment of plan.--The Secretary of Homeland 
        Security, in consultation with the program manager of 
        the information sharing environment established under 
        section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
        Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 485), the Secretary of 
        Transportation, and public and private stakeholders, 
        shall establish a Transportation Security Information 
        Sharing Plan. In establishing the Plan, the Secretary 
        shall gather input on the development of the Plan from 
        private and public stakeholders and the program manager 
        of the information sharing environment established 
        under section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform and 
        Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 485).
          (3) Purpose of Plan.--The Plan shall promote sharing 
        of transportation security information between the 
        Department of Homeland Security and public and private 
        stakeholders.
          (4) Content of Plan.--The Plan shall include--
                  (A) a description of how intelligence 
                analysts within the Department of Homeland 
                Security will coordinate their activities 
                within the Department and with other Federal, 
                State, and local agencies, and tribal 
                governments, including coordination with 
                existing modal information sharing centers and 
                the center described in section 1410 of the 
                Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 
                Commission Act of 2007;
                  (B) the establishment of a point of contact, 
                which may be a single point of contact within 
                the Department of Homeland Security, for each 
                mode of transportation for the sharing of 
                transportation security information with public 
                and private stakeholders, including an 
                explanation and justification to the 
                appropriate congressional committees if the 
                point of contact established pursuant to this 
                subparagraph differs from the agency within the 
                Department that has the primary authority, or 
                has been delegated such authority by the 
                Secretary, to regulate the security of that 
                transportation mode;
                  (C) a reasonable deadline by which the Plan 
                will be implemented; and
                  (D) a description of resource needs for 
                fulfilling the Plan.
          (5) Coordination with information sharing.--The Plan 
        shall be--
                  (A) implemented in coordination, as 
                appropriate, with the program manager for the 
                information sharing environment established 
                under section 1016 of the Intelligence Reform 
                and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (6 U.S.C. 
                485); and
                  (B) consistent with the establishment of the 
                information sharing environment and any 
                policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, 
                or standards established by the President or 
                the program manager for the implementation and 
                management of the information sharing 
                environment.
          (6) Reports to Congress.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 150 days 
                after the date of enactment of this subsection, 
                and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
                submit to the appropriate congressional 
                committees, a report containing the Plan.
                  (B) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year 
                after the date of enactment of this subsection, 
                the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
                congressional committees a report on updates to 
                and the implementation of the Plan.
          (7) Security clearances.--The Secretary shall, to the 
        greatest extent practicable, take steps to expedite the 
        security clearances needed for designated public and 
        private stakeholders to receive and obtain access to 
        classified information distributed under this section, 
        as appropriate.
          (8) Classification of material.--The Secretary, to 
        the greatest extent practicable, shall provide 
        designated public and private stakeholders with 
        transportation security information in an unclassified 
        format.
  (v) Enforcement of Regulations and Orders of the Secretary of 
Homeland Security.--
          (1) Application of subsection.--
                  (A) In general.--This subsection applies to 
                the enforcement of regulations prescribed, and 
                orders issued, by the Secretary of Homeland 
                Security under a provision of chapter 701 of 
                title 46 and under a provision of this title 
                other than a provision of chapter 449 (in this 
                subsection referred to as an ``applicable 
                provision of this title'').
                  (B) Violations of chapter 449.--The penalties 
                for violations of regulations prescribed and 
                orders issued by the Secretary of Homeland 
                Security under chapter 449 of this title are 
                provided under chapter 463 of this title.
                  (C) Nonapplication to certain violations.--
                          (i) Paragraphs (2) through (5) do not 
                        apply to violations of regulations 
                        prescribed, and orders issued, by the 
                        Secretary of Homeland Security under a 
                        provision of this title--
                                  (I) involving the 
                                transportation of personnel or 
                                shipments of materials by 
                                contractors where the 
                                Department of Defense has 
                                assumed control and 
                                responsibility;
                                  (II) by a member of the armed 
                                forces of the United States 
                                when performing official 
                                duties; or
                                  (III) by a civilian employee 
                                of the Department of Defense 
                                when performing official 
                                duties.
                          (ii) Violations described in 
                        subclause (I), (II), or (III) of clause 
                        (i) shall be subject to penalties as 
                        determined by the Secretary of Defense 
                        or the Secretary's designee.
          (2) Civil penalty.--
                  (A) In general.--A person is liable to the 
                United States Government for a civil penalty of 
                not more than $10,000 for a violation of a 
                regulation prescribed, or order issued, by the 
                Secretary of Homeland Security under an 
                applicable provision of this title.
                  (B) Repeat violations.--A separate violation 
                occurs under this paragraph for each day the 
                violation continues.
          (3) Administrative imposition of civil penalties.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland 
                Security may impose a civil penalty for a 
                violation of a regulation prescribed, or order 
                issued, under an applicable provision of this 
                title. The Secretary shall give written notice 
                of the finding of a violation and the penalty.
                  (B) Scope of civil action.--In a civil action 
                to collect a civil penalty imposed by the 
                Secretary under this subsection, a court may 
                not re-examine issues of liability or the 
                amount of the penalty.
                  (C) Jurisdiction.--The district courts of the 
                United States shall have exclusive jurisdiction 
                of civil actions to collect a civil penalty 
                imposed by the Secretary under this subsection 
                if--
                          (i) the amount in controversy is more 
                        than--
                                  (I) $400,000, if the 
                                violation was committed by a 
                                person other than an individual 
                                or small business concern; or
                                  (II) $50,000 if the violation 
                                was committed by an individual 
                                or small business concern;
                          (ii) the action is in rem or another 
                        action in rem based on the same 
                        violation has been brought; or
                          (iii) another action has been brought 
                        for an injunction based on the same 
                        violation.
                  (D) Maximum penalty.--The maximum civil 
                penalty the Secretary administratively may 
                impose under this paragraph is--
                          (i) $400,000, if the violation was 
                        committed by a person other than an 
                        individual or small business concern; 
                        or
                          (ii) $50,000, if the violation was 
                        committed by an individual or small 
                        business concern.
                  (E) Notice and opportunity to request 
                hearing.--Before imposing a penalty under this 
                section the Secretary shall provide to the 
                person against whom the penalty is to be 
                imposed--
                          (i) written notice of the proposed 
                        penalty; and
                          (ii) the opportunity to request a 
                        hearing on the proposed penalty, if the 
                        Secretary receives the request not 
                        later than 30 days after the date on 
                        which the person receives notice.
          (4) Compromise and setoff.--
                  (A) The Secretary may compromise the amount 
                of a civil penalty imposed under this 
                subsection.
                  (B) The Government may deduct the amount of a 
                civil penalty imposed or compromised under this 
                subsection from amounts it owes the person 
                liable for the penalty.
          (5) Investigations and proceedings.--Chapter 461 
        shall apply to investigations and proceedings brought 
        under this subsection to the same extent that it 
        applies to investigations and proceedings brought with 
        respect to aviation security duties designated to be 
        carried out by the Secretary.
          (6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Person.--The term ``person'' does not 
                include--
                          (i) the United States Postal Service; 
                        or
                          (ii) the Department of Defense.
                  (B) Small business concern.--The term ``small 
                business concern'' has the meaning given that 
                term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 
                U.S.C. 632).
          (7) Enforcement transparency.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than December 31, 
                2008, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
                shall--
                          (i) provide an annual summary to the 
                        public of all enforcement actions taken 
                        by the Secretary under this subsection; 
                        and
                          (ii) include in each such summary the 
                        docket number of each enforcement 
                        action, the type of alleged violation, 
                        the penalty or penalties proposed, and 
                        the final assessment amount of each 
                        penalty.
                  (B) Electronic availability.--Each summary 
                under this paragraph shall be made available to 
                the public by electronic means.
                  (C) Relationship to the Freedom of 
                Information Act and the Privacy Act.--Nothing 
                in this subsection shall be construed to 
                require disclosure of information or records 
                that are exempt from disclosure under sections 
                552 or 552a of title 5.
                  (D) Enforcement guidance.--Not later than 180 
                days after the enactment of the Implementing 
                Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 
                2007, the Secretary shall provide a report to 
                the public describing the enforcement process 
                established under this subsection.
  (w) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security for--
          (1) railroad security--
                  (A) $488,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
                  (B) $483,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
                  (C) $508,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
                  (D) $508,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
          (2) over-the-road bus and trucking security--
                  (A) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
                  (B) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
                  (C) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and
                  (D) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
          (3) hazardous material and pipeline security--
                  (A) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
                  (B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
                  (C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.

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SUBTITLE VII--AVIATION PROGRAMS

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PART A--AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY

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SUBPART III--SAFETY

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                         CHAPTER 449--SECURITY

                       SUBCHAPTER I--REQUIREMENTS

Sec.
44901. Screening passengers and property.

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               SUBCHAPTER II--ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
           
44947. National Deployment Office.

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SUBCHAPTER II--ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL

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Sec. 44947. National Deployment Office

  (a) Establishment.--There is established within the 
Transportation Security Administration a National Deployment 
Office, to be headed by an individual with supervisory 
experience. Such individual shall be designated by the 
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.
  (b) Duties.--The individual designated as the head of the 
National Deployment Office shall be responsible for the 
following:
          (1) Maintaining a National Deployment Force within 
        the Transportation Security Administration that is 
        comprised of transportation security officers, 
        including supervisory transportation security officers 
        and lead transportation security officers, to provide 
        the Administration with rapid and efficient response 
        capabilities and augment the Department of Homeland 
        Security's homeland security operations to mitigate and 
        reduce risk, including for the following:
                  (A) Airports temporarily requiring additional 
                security personnel due to an emergency, 
                seasonal demands, hiring shortfalls, severe 
                weather conditions, passenger volume 
                mitigation, equipment support, or other 
                reasons.
                  (B) Special events requiring enhanced 
                security including National Special Security 
                Events, as determined by the Secretary of 
                Homeland Security.
                  (C) Response in the aftermath of any manmade 
                disaster, including any terrorist attack.
                  (D) Other such situations, as determined by 
                the Administrator.
          (2) Educating transportation security officers 
        regarding how to participate in the Administration's 
        National Deployment Force.
          (3) Recruiting officers to serve on the National 
        Deployment Force, in accordance with a staffing model 
        to be developed by the Administrator.
          (4) Approving one-year appointments for officers to 
        serve on the National Deployment Force, with an option 
        to extend upon officer request and with the approval of 
        the appropriate Federal Security Director.
          (5) Training officers to serve on the National 
        Deployment Force.

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