[House Report 117-641]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress    }                                    {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                    {      117-641

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



 
                        SECURING AIR TRAVEL ACT

                                _______
                                

 December 14, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, from the Committee on Homeland Security, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 6856]

    The Committee on Homeland Security, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 6856) to reduce the number of firearms at 
Transportation Security Administration passenger screening 
checkpoints by directing the Administrator to carry out a range 
of activities to inform the public about restrictions regarding 
the carrying of firearms in sterile areas of airports and to 
strengthen enforcement of such restrictions and for other 
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon 
with an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do 
pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose and Summary..............................................     6
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     6
Hearings.........................................................     8
Committee Consideration..........................................     8
Committee Votes..................................................     9
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................    11
C.B.O. Estimate, New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and 
  Tax Expenditures...............................................    11
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................    11
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............    11
Duplicative Federal Programs.....................................    11
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
  Benefits.......................................................    11
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................    11
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................    11
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................    12
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............    15

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Securing Air Travel Act''.

SEC. 2. SIGNAGE.

  Section 44901 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(m) Signage Regarding Firearms.--
          ``(1) Checkpoint signage.--Not later than one year after the 
        date of the enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of 
        the Transportation Security Administration shall display 
        uniform signage in passenger screening checkpoints to inform 
        individuals at such checkpoints of restrictions regarding the 
        carrying of a firearm in the sterile area of an airport. Such 
        signage shall include visual elements and a concise description 
        of the maximum criminal and civil penalties (with relevant 
        statutory or regulatory citations) for unlawfully carrying a 
        firearm in the sterile area of an airport.
          ``(2) Placement.--Signage under paragraph (1) shall be 
        prominently displayed and located in such a manner that it 
        would reasonably be expected to be seen by an individual prior 
        to entering the passenger screening checkpoint.
          ``(3) Airports with frequent firearm interdictions.--Not 
        later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
        subsection and biennially thereafter, the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall publish a list of 
        not fewer than 25 airports at which firearms were most 
        frequently interdicted at passenger screening checkpoints in 
        the prior two years. If with respect to any such list there are 
        fewer than 25 such airports, such list shall include as many of 
        such airports as are otherwise described in this paragraph.
          ``(4) Additional enhanced signage for airports with frequent 
        firearm interdictions.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of the publication of each list required under paragraph (3), 
        the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration 
        shall require each airport included on the list to install 
        additional enhanced signage at all passenger terminal entrances 
        to such airports to inform the public and individuals planning 
        to enter a passenger screening checkpoint of the restrictions 
        regarding the carrying of a firearm in the sterile area of the 
        airport and, as applicable, State, local, territorial, or other 
        jurisdiction-specific restrictions on carrying firearms in the 
        publicly-accessible areas of the airport. Such additional 
        enhanced signage shall be consistent for all airports required 
        to install such additional enhanced signage under this 
        paragraph, except, as the case may be, for descriptions of such 
        applicable State, local, territorial, or other jurisdiction-
        specific restrictions. The Administrator may permit an airport 
        to remove such signage if such airport is not included on a 
        subsequent list.
          ``(5) Outdated signage.--If any relevant information on 
        signage installed pursuant to this subsection is rendered 
        inaccurate due to statutory, regulatory, or other changes, the 
        Administrator shall ensure such signage is updated in a timely 
        manner, except this paragraph does not apply in the case of 
        annual inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalties.
          ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  ``(A) Passenger screening checkpoint.--The term 
                `passenger screening checkpoint' means the designated 
                area at each airport located in the United States at 
                which the Transportation Security Administration, or an 
                entity authorized by the Administration pursuant to 
                section 44920, or other comparable authority, provides 
                for the screening of passengers and carry-on baggage.
                  ``(B) Passenger terminal entrance.--The term 
                `passenger terminal entrance' means the area at each 
                airport located in the United States where individuals 
                arriving to the airport by means other than a flight 
                first enter the terminal or other comparable enclosure 
                containing passenger facilities of the airport located 
                prior to the passenger screening checkpoint.
                  ``(C) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has the 
                meaning given such term in section 1540.5 of title 49, 
                Code of Federal Regulations.''.

SEC. 3. PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVES.

  (a) Campaign.--
          (1) In general.--
                  (A) Implementation.--Not later than 120 days after 
                the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
                Administrator of the Transportation Security 
                Administration shall implement a public awareness 
                campaign to inform the public of the potential criminal 
                and civil consequences of carrying a firearm in the 
                sterile area of an airport that includes actual 
                examples of the criminal and civil consequences imposed 
                on individuals who violated such prohibition.
                  (B) Prohibition.--Actual examples under subparagraph 
                (A) may not include any personally identifiable 
                information regarding individuals described in such 
                subparagraph.
          (2) Elements.--The campaign required under paragraph (1) 
        shall, at a minimum, involve--
                  (A) the use of Transportation Security Administration 
                websites, social media channels, press releases, and 
                other means of external communication;
                  (B) the production of audiovisual materials to be 
                distributed via online video sharing platforms;
                  (C) engagement with external organizations, including 
                local and national organizations with memberships that 
                could benefit from information regarding how to 
                lawfully travel with a firearm in checked baggage or, 
                in the case of an authorized law enforcement officer, 
                lawfully enter a sterile area with a firearm;
                  (D) engagement with press and media, including, to 
                the extent practicable, local press and media in at 
                least those cities that host airports identified 
                biennially pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (m) 
                of section 44901 of title 49, United States Code, as 
                amended by section 2; and
                  (E) engagement with transportation stakeholders, such 
                as taxi services, public transportation systems, online 
                platforms for ridesharing, air carriers, airport 
                operators, and law enforcement organizations, regarding 
                potential partnerships, including the possibility of 
                integrating into mobile applications and websites used 
                by passengers to reserve ground transportation to the 
                airport, check into flights, and perform other travel-
                related functions warnings regarding potential criminal 
                and civil consequences of carrying a firearm into the 
                sterile area of an airport.
          (3) Existing efforts.--The campaign required under paragraph 
        (1) shall supplement and not supplant any other related 
        existing campaign.
  (b) Targeted Advertising.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Transportation 
        Security Administration may purchase or otherwise place 
        advertisements describing the potential criminal and civil 
        consequences of carrying a firearm in the sterile area of an 
        airport or on or about one's person or property that would be 
        accessible in flight, and actual examples of the criminal and 
        civil consequences faced by individuals who violated such 
        prohibition, on websites and in publications (or on or in such 
        other advertising mediums as the Administrator determines 
        appropriate) that target audiences seeking information 
        concerning--
                  (A) firearms or related activities;
                  (B) travel, tourism, or related matters; and
                  (C) such other matters the Administrator determines 
                appropriate.
          (2) Prohibition.--Actual examples under paragraph (1) may not 
        include any personally identifiable information regarding 
        individuals described in such paragraph.

SEC. 4. FINES.

  (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 449 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

``Sec. 44930. Minimum civil monetary penalties for certain firearm-
                    related violations

  ``(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration shall establish minimum civil monetary penalty 
amounts for repeat or egregious violations of subsection (a) of section 
1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to the 
carriage of firearms on or in an individual's person or accessible 
property into the sterile area of an airport or onboard an aircraft.
  ``(b) Minimum Civil Monetary Penalties for Repeat Violations.--The 
minimum civil monetary penalty amount for a repeat violation of 
subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations, involving a firearm shall be--
          ``(1) in the case of an individual with respect to whom such 
        a repeat violation occurs within five years of the date of the 
        final adjudication of a previous such violation--
                  ``(A) $10,000 for any such repeat violation involving 
                an unloaded firearm; and
                  ``(B) $12,500 for any such repeat violation involving 
                a loaded firearm or unloaded firearm with accessible 
                ammunition; and
          ``(2) in the case of an individual with respect to whom such 
        a repeat violation occurs more than five years after the date 
        of the final adjudication of a previous such violation--
                  ``(A) $5,000 for any such repeat violation involving 
                an unloaded firearm; and
                  ``(B) $10,000 for any such repeat violation involving 
                a loaded firearm or unloaded firearm with accessible 
                ammunition.
  ``(c) Minimum Civil Monetary Penalties for Egregious Violations.--The 
minimum civil monetary penalty amount for an intentional or otherwise 
egregious violation of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, involving a firearm shall be--
          ``(1) $10,000 for any knowing violation in the case of a 
        deliberate attempt to conceal such firearm; and
          ``(2) $5,000 for any violation which the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration determines is otherwise 
        egregious, including if the firearm at issue--
                  ``(A) is known to the Administrator to--
                          ``(i) not contain a serial number when 
                        required by law; or
                          ``(ii) have been manufactured using additive 
                        layer manufacturing (commonly known as `3-D 
                        printing'); or
                  ``(B) is--
                          ``(i) of a nature or type that poses a 
                        greater risk to aviation security than firearms 
                        typically identified at passenger screening 
                        checkpoints; or
                          ``(ii) identified with ammunition that is of 
                        a nature or type that poses a greater risk to 
                        aviation security than ammunition typically 
                        identified at passenger screening checkpoints.
  ``(d) Special Circumstances.--An individual subject to a minimum 
civil monetary penalty amount pursuant to subsection (a) may appeal 
such penalty amount or seek a reduction in such penalty amount in the 
case of such individual's particular violation, including based on 
mitigating factors (including in accordance with subsection (e)) 
pursuant to procedures provided for in the Transportation Security 
Administration's security regulations. The Administrator of the 
Transportation Security Administration may, if the Administrator 
determines such is appropriate, grant such appeal or reduce such 
penalty amount, as the case may be.
  ``(e) Self-disclosure.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
section, the Administrator of the Transportation Security 
Administration may consider self-disclosure as a mitigating factor when 
determining the amount of a civil monetary penalty if an individual, in 
good faith, voluntarily discloses a violation of subsection (a) of 
section 1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to the 
Transportation Security Administration, an entity authorized to conduct 
screening pursuant to section 44920 of title 49, United States Code, a 
Government representative, an employee or contractor of an airline or 
airport, or other appropriate authority, after the individual is 
present for screening at a passenger screening checkpoint but prior to 
the detection of such violation. The Administrator shall inform 
appropriate Administration passenger screening checkpoint personnel, 
entities authorized to conduct screening pursuant to section 44920 of 
title 49, United States Code, Government representatives, employees or 
contractors of an airline or airport, and other appropriate authorities 
regarding appropriate procedures for handling the self-disclosure of 
such a violation, including procedures for contacting law enforcement.
  ``(f) Payment Plans.--The Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration may provide payment plans for payment of civil 
monetary penalty amounts under this section for a violation of 
subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal 
Regulations, in the event an individual provides documentation of 
hardship.
  ``(g) Use of Amounts From Civil Monetary Penalties.--The 
Administrator shall obligate and expend amounts received from the 
imposition of civil monetary penalties under this section for repeat or 
egregious violations of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, involving a firearm for the acquisition 
and deployment of passenger screening checkpoint technology.
  ``(h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
interpreted as--
          ``(1) limiting the authority of the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration to issue civil monetary 
        penalty amounts that are greater than those established as 
        minimum civil monetary penalty amounts pursuant to this 
        section;
          ``(2) limiting the authority of the Administrator to 
        establish minimum civil monetary penalty amounts with respect 
        to first-time or non-egregious violations of section 1540.111 
        of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations; or
          ``(3) instructing the Administrator to establish a minimum 
        civil monetary penalty amount with respect to violations 
        involving unloaded replicas of firearms not capable of 
        discharge.
  ``(i) Definition.--In this section, the term `passenger screening 
checkpoint' means the designated area at each airport located in the 
United States at which the Transportation Security Administration, or 
an entity authorized by the Administration pursuant to section 44920, 
or other comparable authority, provides for the screening of passengers 
and carry-on baggage.''.
  (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 449 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 44929 the following new item:

``44930. Minimum civil monetary penalties for certain firearm-related 
violations.''.

SEC. 5. PRECHECK ELIGIBLITY.

  Section 44919 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
  ``(m) Ineligibility of Individuals Unlawfully Possessing Firearms in 
Restricted Areas.--
          ``(1) In general.--Any unauthorized individual who possesses 
        a firearm after the individual is present for screening at a 
        passenger screening checkpoint shall be ineligible for 
        expedited security screening and prohibited from participating 
        in the PreCheck Program for a period of time determined by the 
        Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration in 
        the Administrator's sole discretion.
          ``(2) Request for reconsideration.--The Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall maintain a 
        procedure through which an individual subject to a period of 
        ineligibility pursuant to this subsection may petition the 
        Administrator for a reduction in the duration of such period. 
        The Administrator may, if the Administrator determines such is 
        appropriate, reduce such duration. Any such determination shall 
        be in the Administrator's sole discretion.
          ``(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `passenger 
        screening checkpoint' means the designated area at each airport 
        located in the United States at which the Transportation 
        Security Administration, or an entity authorized by the 
        Administration pursuant to section 44920, or other comparable 
        authority, provides for the screening of passengers and carry-
        on baggage.''.

SEC. 6. REPORT.

  Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act 
and biennially thereafter, the Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report describing the following:
          (1) The implementation of the signage requirement under 
        paragraph (1) of subsection (m) of section 44901 of title 49, 
        United States Code, and the implementation of the signage 
        requirement under paragraph (4) of such subsection (including a 
        copy of the list of airports required to be produced biennially 
        thereunder), as such section was amended by section 2.
          (2) The public awareness activities of the Administration 
        relating to firearms, including activities conducted pursuant 
        to section 3.
          (3) The number of violations of subsection (a) of section 
        1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and any 
        other incidents involving the unauthorized carriage of a 
        firearm at a passenger screening checkpoint, including 
        information regarding which such violations and incidents were 
        committed by individuals while receiving expedited screening, 
        during the period of time covered by each such report.
          (4) PreCheck Program revocations or denials pursuant to 
        subsection (m) of section 44919, United States Code, as added 
        by this Act, during the period of time covered by each such 
        report.
          (5) Any new or evolving threats relating to, or efforts to 
        enhance, public area security at airports as such pertains to 
        firearms.
          (6) Such other matters relating to firearm-related threats to 
        transportation security as the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.

SEC. 7. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW.

  Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the 
appropriate congressional committees a review of the Transportation 
Security Administration's efforts to--
          (1) implement the provisions of this Act and the amendments 
        made by this Act;
          (2) deter the carriage of firearms and other dangerous items 
        at passenger screening checkpoints through means other than 
        those required by this Act and such amendments; and
          (3) enhance public area security at airports against firearm-
        related threats.

SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

  In this Act:
          (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
        ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on 
        Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate.
          (2) Passenger screening checkpoint.--The term ``passenger 
        screening checkpoint'' means the designated area at each 
        airport located in the United States at which the 
        Transportation Security Administration, or an entity authorized 
        by the Administration pursuant to section 44920 of title 49, 
        United States Code, or other comparable authority, provides for 
        the screening of passengers and carry-on baggage.
          (3) Sterile area.--The term ``sterile area'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 1540.5 of title 49, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.

                          Purpose and Summary

    H.R. 6856, the ``Securing Air Travel Act,'' seeks to reduce 
the number of firearms brought to Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) airport checkpoints by expanding TSA's 
signage and public awareness initiatives relating to firearms, 
as well as by strengthening and codifying elements of its 
enforcement efforts. Specifically, the bill would require TSA 
to display uniform signage at all passenger screening 
checkpoints to inform individuals of restrictions on carrying 
firearms in the sterile areas of airports. Additional such 
signage would be required at terminal entrances in the 25 
airports with the highest number of firearms interdictions 
across the nation. The bill further requires TSA to implement a 
public awareness campaign regarding the potential criminal and 
civil consequences of carrying a firearm to, or past, a TSA 
checkpoint and to advertise the campaign in a targeted manner. 
With respect to enforcement, the legislation authorizes 
baseline civil penalty amounts for individuals who repeatedly 
or egregiously attempt to bring a firearm into the sterile area 
of an airport. Such penalties may be appealed and reduced if 
the individual can demonstrate mitigating circumstances. The 
bill also codifies TSA's longstanding practice of disqualifying 
individuals who brought unauthorized firearms to checkpoints 
from receiving expedited screening, including through TSA 
PreCheck, for a period of time. Finally, H.R. 6856 contains 
oversight mechanisms to ensure that the provisions of this Act 
are effectively implemented; they include a Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) review and biennial reports to 
Congress.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    In 2021, TSA officers detected 5,972 firearms at passenger 
screening checkpoints, which was the highest number on record 
in TSA's history and nearly six times more than the 1,123 
firearms TSA caught in 2010. In 2020, and again in 2021, TSA 
interdicted approximately 10 firearms per million passengers 
screened--representing a doubling of the interdiction rate just 
since 2019, when TSA found approximately 5 firearms per million 
passengers. This per capita figure is unprecedented in TSA's 
history.
    The surge in the number of firearms brought to TSA airport 
checkpoints is a significant threat to aviation security and 
airport operations. Last year, 86 percent of the firearms 
detected by TSA were loaded with ammunition. If a hijacker or 
other malign actor were able to evade security screening to 
successfully bring a loaded weapon on a plane, the consequences 
could be catastrophic and deadly. Even in instances in which 
TSA security screening detects a firearm at a checkpoint, the 
traveling public and TSA's frontline workforce are placed at 
risk. For example, in November 2021, a passenger undergoing 
screening at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 
lunged into his bag after a Transportation Security Officer 
detected a firearm. The passenger grabbed and accidentally 
discharged the firearm, causing flights to be halted and 
prompting significant turmoil throughout the airport. Luckily, 
the ammunition discharged in the November 2021 incident did not 
harm anyone; however, three individuals sustained injuries in 
the resulting chaos. State and local law enforcement officials 
have expressed great concern about how even routine firearm 
catches at TSA checkpoints tax their limited resources at 
airports.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on 
Transportation and Maritime Security, Hearing on Concealed Carry-Ons: 
Confronting the Surge in Firearms at TSA Checkpoints, Testimony of 
Jason D. Wallis, President, Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network 
and Chief of Police, Port of Portland, 117th Cong., 2d sess., (Feb. 15, 
2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Although there are examples of bad actors deliberately 
seeking to bring firearms on planes,\2\ most individuals caught 
with firearms tell TSA they did not realize they were carrying 
a firearm. Under current law, individuals who deliberately 
bring a firearm to the checkpoint may face Federal criminal 
prosecution. State prosecution depends on the laws of a 
particular jurisdiction and whether the firearm was lawfully 
possessed. TSA may impose civil monetary penalties upon an 
individual bringing a firearm to an airport checkpoint of up to 
$13,910 and may restrict access to certain privileges, such as 
TSA PreCheck eligibility.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \2\For example, see Marnie Hunter, ``Gun hidden in raw chicken 
found at Florida TSA checkpoint,'' CNN, (Nov. 10, 2022), available at 
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-finds-gun-in-chicken/index.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H.R 6856 seeks to enhance TSA's efforts to provide 
individuals with the information and knowledge they need to 
avoid such consequences. By requiring TSA and, in certain 
cases, airports to install prominent signage warning 
individuals about the prohibition on carrying firearms to the 
checkpoint, H.R. 6856 is intended to help firearm owners 
remember to take their guns out of their carry-on luggage prior 
to entering a screening checkpoint. It is also aimed at making 
gun owners more familiar with the lawful ways one may travel 
with a firearm, including by declaring it to the airline and 
shipping it in checked luggage. The public awareness 
initiatives authorized in H.R. 6856--including a public 
awareness campaign and targeted advertisement effort--seek to 
further enhance travelers' knowledge of the existing rules 
regarding flying with a weapon and help firearm owners avert 
breaching airport security rules and, in turn, prevent 
significant airport disruptions.
    With respect to the narrow class of individuals who commit 
repeat or egregious violations, H.R. 6856 strengthens TSA's 
existing practice of assessing elevated civil penalties based 
on such circumstances. Specifically, the bill creates baseline 
civil penalty amounts for those who deliberately bring a 
firearm to a checkpoint, do so on two or more occasions, or are 
carrying certain particularly dangerous items, including 
illicit untraceable firearms. Notably, these baseline amounts 
are less than the maximum $13,910 amount TSA is currently 
authorized to assess under statute, and they may be reduced 
based upon mitigating factors. Additionally, the proceeds from 
such fines will support the acquisition and deployment of 
additional detection technology. H.R. 6856 further codifies 
TSA's existing practice of denying expedited screening and 
PreCheck status for a period of time to those who brought a 
firearm to a checkpoint.
    Ahead of the Committee's consideration of H.R 6856, the 
Committee conducted robust oversight regarding the surge in 
firearms at checkpoints that included a February 2022 hearing 
entitled ``Concealed Carry-Ons: Confronting the Surge in 
Firearms at TSA Checkpoints'' and significant engagement with 
TSA, aviation stakeholders, and law enforcement.

                                Hearings

    For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the 
Rules of the House of Representatives, the following hearings 
were used to develop H.R. 6856:
           On February 15, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
        Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing 
        entitled, ``Concealed Carry-Ons: Confronting the Surge 
        in Firearms at TSA Checkpoints.'' The Subcommittee 
        received testimony from Balram Bheodari, General 
        Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International 
        Airport; Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades 
        Department, AFL-CIO; Jason D. Wallis, President, 
        Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network and Chief of 
        Police, Port of Portland; and Ralph Cutie, Director and 
        Chief Executive Officer, Miami International Airport. 
        At the hearing, witnesses discussed specific 
        legislative approaches to address the rising number of 
        firearms detected at TSA checkpoints, including 
        measures such as increased signage and strengthened 
        enforcement that were incorporated into H.R. 6856.
           On July 20, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
        Transportation and Maritime Security held a hearing 
        entitled, ``Taking to the Skies: Examining TSA's 
        Strategy for Addressing Increased Summer Travel.'' The 
        Subcommittee received testimony from Darby LaJoy, 
        Executive Assistant Administrator for Security 
        Operations, TSA; and Michael Ondocin, Executive 
        Assistant Administrator for Law Enforcement, Federal 
        Air Marshal Service, TSA.
           On September 29, 2021, the full Committee 
        held a hearing entitled, ``20 Years After 9/11: The 
        State of the Transportation Security Administration.'' 
        The Committee received testimony from the Honorable 
        David Pekoske, Administrator, TSA; the Honorable Peter 
        Neffenger, former Administrator, TSA; the Honorable 
        John Pistole, former Administrator, TSA; and the 
        Honorable J.M. Loy, former Administrator, TSA. 
        Administrator Pekoske also cited the surge in firearms 
        in his testimony during this hearing.

                        Committee Consideration

    The Committee met on March 2, 2022, a quorum being present, 
to consider H.R. 6856 and ordered the measure to be favorably 
reported to the House, as amended, by a recorded vote of 21-12.

                            Committee Votes

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII requires the Committee to list the 
recorded votes on the motion to report legislation and 
amendments thereto.
          1. An amendment offered by Mr. Higgins failed by a 
        recorded vote of 14 ayes and 19 noes (Rollcall No. 30).

                                          Committee Record Vote No. 30
                 Higgins (LA) Amendment to Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 6856
                                           Failed: 14 ayes and 19 noes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Majority Members                     Vote                Minority Members               Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Jackson Lee................................           No   Mr. Katko..........................          Aye
Mr. Langevin...................................           No   Mr. McCaul.........................          Aye
Mr. Payne......................................           No   Mr. Higgins (LA)...................          Aye
Mr. Correa.....................................           No   Mr. Guest..........................          Aye
Ms. Slotkin....................................           No   Mr. Bishop (NC)....................          Aye
Mr. Cleaver....................................           No   Mr. Van Drew.......................          Aye
Mr. Green (TX).................................           No   Mr. Norman.........................          Aye
Ms. Clarke (NY)................................           No   Mrs. Miller-Meeks..................          Aye
Mr. Swalwell...................................           No   Mrs. Harshbarger...................          Aye
Ms. Titus......................................           No   Mr. Clyde..........................          Aye
Mrs. Watson Coleman............................           No   Mr. Gimenez........................          Aye
Miss Rice (NY).................................           No   Mr. LaTurner.......................          Aye
Mrs. Demings...................................           No   Mr. Meijer.........................  ............
Ms. Barragan...................................           No   Mrs. Cammack.......................          Aye
Mr. Gottheimer.................................           No   Mr. Pfluger........................  ............
Mrs. Luria.....................................           No   Mr. Garbarino......................          Aye
Mr. Malinowski.................................           No
Mr. Torres (NY)................................           No
Mr. Thompson (MS), Chairman....................           No
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          2. A motion by Mr. Thompson to favorably report H.R. 
        6856 to the House, as amended, was agreed to by a 
        recorded vote of 21 ayes and 12 noes (Rollcall No. 31).

                                          Committee Record Vote No. 31
                         Thompson (MS) Motion to Favorably Report H.R. 6856, as amended
                                         Agreed to: 21 ayes and 12 noes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Majority Members                     Vote                Minority Members               Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ms. Jackson Lee................................          Aye   Mr. Katko..........................          Aye
Mr. Langevin...................................          Aye   Mr. McCaul.........................           No
Mr. Payne......................................          Aye   Mr. Higgins (LA)...................           No
Mr. Correa.....................................          Aye   Mr. Guest..........................           No
Ms. Slotkin....................................          Aye   Mr. Bishop (NC)....................           No
Mr. Cleaver....................................          Aye   Mr. Van Drew.......................           No
Mr. Green (TX).................................          Aye   Mr. Norman.........................           No
Ms. Clarke (NY)................................          Aye   Mrs. Miller-Meeks..................           No
Mr. Swalwell...................................          Aye   Mrs. Harshbarger...................           No
Ms. Titus......................................          Aye   Mr. Clyde..........................           No
Mrs. Watson Coleman............................          Aye   Mr. Gimenez........................          Aye
Miss Rice (NY).................................          Aye   Mr. LaTurner.......................           No
Mrs. Demings...................................          Aye   Mr. Meijer.........................  ............
Ms. Barragan...................................          Aye   Mrs. Cammack.......................           No
Mr. Gottheimer.................................          Aye   Mr. Pfluger........................  ............
Mrs. Luria.....................................          Aye   Mr. Garbarino......................           No
Mr. Malinowski.................................          Aye
Mr. Torres (NY)................................          Aye
Mr. Thompson (MS), Chairman....................          Aye
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Committee Oversight Findings

    In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII, the 
Committee advises that the findings and recommendations of the 
Committee, based on oversight activities under clause 2(b)(1) 
of rule X, are incorporated in the descriptive portions of this 
report.

Congressional Budget Office Estimate, New Budget Authority, Entitlement 
                    Authority, and Tax Expenditures

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule 
XIII and section 308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, and with respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(3) of 
rule XIII and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974, the Committee has requested but not received from the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office a statement as to 
whether this bill contains any new budget authority, spending 
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in 
revenues or tax expenditures.

                       Federal Mandates Statement

    An estimate of Federal mandates prepared by the Director of 
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act was not made available to the 
Committee in time for the filing of this report. The Chairman 
of the Committee shall cause such estimate to be printed in the 
Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee.

         Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the objective of 
H.R. 6856 is to enhance aviation and airport security by 
reducing the number of firearms brought to TSA checkpoints, 
including by better informing the public about restrictions 
regarding carrying firearms at checkpoints and strengthening 
enforcement of such restrictions in certain limited 
circumstances.

                      Duplicative Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c) of rule XIII, the Committee finds 
that H.R. 6856 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, this bill, as reported, 
contains no congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or 
limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 
9(f) of rule XXI.

                      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 H.R. 6856 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 states that the Act may be cited as the 
``Securing Air Travel Act''.

Sec. 2. Signage.

     This section requires TSA to display uniform signage at 
all passenger screening checkpoints nationwide informing 
individuals of the restrictions regarding carrying firearms in 
the sterile area of an airport. This requirement, which takes 
effect 1 year from the date of enactment, also specifies that 
such signs must include a concise description of the maximum 
criminal penalty and maximum civil penalty an individual may 
face for carrying a firearm into the sterile area, as well as 
corresponding statutory or regulatory citations. Moreover, such 
signs must include a visual element. The Committee anticipates 
that such signs could be displayed electronically or non-
electronically. At each airport, such signs must be prominently 
displayed and located in such a manner that they would 
reasonably be expected to be seen by an individual prior to 
entering the checkpoint.
     In addition, the bill requires additional signage at the 
airports where the surge in firearm interdictions is most 
acute. Specifically, TSA is required to publish a biennial list 
of not fewer than 25 airports at which firearms were most 
frequently caught at checkpoints in the prior 2-year period. In 
the unlikely event that firearms were caught at fewer than 25 
airports in any given 2-year period, TSA may simply list those 
airports at which firearms were interdicted. It is the 
Committee's expectation that TSA will identify the 25 airports 
with the largest raw numbers of firearms caught, rather than 
the 25 airports with the largest numbers of firearms caught per 
passengers screened. Upon TSA's publication of this list every 
2 years, each airport named on the list shall be required to 
install additional signage at each entrance to its terminals 
within 180 days, informing the public and individuals planning 
to enter a checkpoint of the restrictions regarding carrying 
firearms in the sterile area of the airport and, as applicable, 
any State, local, territorial, or other jurisdiction-specific 
restrictions on carrying firearms in the publicly accessible 
areas of the airport. Except to the extent there is varying 
jurisdiction-specific information, such signs shall be 
consistent in appearance and information nationwide.
    Finally, in the case of both types of required signage, any 
relevant information on such signage that becomes outdated due 
to statutory, regulatory, or other changes must be updated in a 
timely manner. This provision, however, does not apply to 
annual inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalty amounts.

Sec. 3. Public awareness initiatives.

     While the signage provisions of this legislation seek to 
ensure travelers already at the airport are aware of the 
restrictions on firearms in sterile areas, this section seeks 
to provide individuals with such information prior to their 
arrival at an airport. Specifically, within 120 days of 
enactment, TSA is required to implement a public awareness 
campaign to inform the public of the potential criminal and 
civil consequences of carrying a firearm in the sterile area of 
an airport. The campaign must include actual examples of 
criminal and civil consequences imposed on individuals, but 
such examples may not include any personally identifiable 
information.
    The legislation enumerates certain mandatory elements of 
this campaign. First, it must include the use of TSA websites, 
social media channels, press releases, and other means of 
external communication. Second, it must involve the production 
of audiovisual content and the distribution of such content on 
online video sharing platforms. Third, TSA must engage with 
external organizations, including local and national 
organizations with memberships that could benefit from 
information regarding how to lawfully travel with a firearm in 
checked baggage or, in the case of an authorized law 
enforcement officer, lawfully enter a sterile area with a 
firearm. Fourth, TSA must engage with local press and media to 
the extent practicable, including in the cities that host the 
25 airports with the highest number of airport firearm 
interdictions. Finally, TSA must engage with a variety of 
transportation and law enforcement stakeholders regarding 
potential partnerships, including with ride-sharing apps and 
airlines about the possibility of integrating warnings 
regarding checkpoint firearm restrictions into apps and 
websites used by passengers to reserve ground transportation to 
the airport and check into flights.
    TSA's authority to include additional elements in the 
public awareness campaign is preserved; TSA is directed to 
supplement and not supplant any existing public awareness 
efforts regarding firearms. For instance, TSA currently 
releases press releases and social media posts regarding 
firearm catch statistics and notable firearm interdictions, and 
H.R. 6856 envisions the continuation of such efforts.
    Finally, this section authorizes the TSA Administrator to 
purchase or otherwise place targeted advertisements describing 
the potential criminal and civil consequences of carrying a 
firearm to a checkpoint. H.R. 6856 specifically envisions such 
advertisements appearing on websites and in publications, as 
well as other advertisement mediums, that target audiences 
seeking information about firearms, travel or tourism, related 
matters, or other subjects that TSA determines appropriate. As 
is the case with the public awareness campaign, these 
advertisements must include actual examples of imposed criminal 
and civil consequences but may not include personally 
identifiable information.

Sec. 4. Fines.

     This section requires the TSA Administrator to establish 
minimum civil monetary penalty amounts, which may nonetheless 
be reduced under appropriate circumstances, for repeat or 
egregious violations of subsection (a) of 49 C.F.R 1540.111--
the Federal regulation prohibiting the carriage of weapons, 
explosives, and incendiaries into sterile areas of airports--
that involve a firearm. This provision applies only to a 
narrow, specified class of violations and does not apply to 
first-time violators accidently bringing ordinary firearms to 
checkpoints. Under current practice and authority, TSA 
routinely assesses civil penalties for bringing firearms to 
checkpoints of up to $13,910.
    Under this legislation, in the case of repeat violations, 
an individual who brings a firearm to a checkpoint on two or 
more occasions within a given 5-year period from the date of 
the adjudication of an initial violation shall be assessed at 
least $10,000 if the firearm was unloaded or at least $12,500 
if the firearm was loaded or accompanied by accessible 
ammunition. If the subsequent violation occurred more than five 
years from the date of the adjudication of the initial 
violation, the penalty shall be at least $5,000 if the firearm 
was unloaded and at least $10,000 if the firearm was loaded or 
accompanied by accessible ammunition.
    The bill explicitly and carefully enumerates circumstances 
that render a violation egregious. In the case of knowing 
violations involving a deliberate attempt to conceal a firearm, 
the violator would be subject to a civil penalty of at least 
$10,000. A civil penalty of at least $5,000 applies if the TSA 
Administrator determines a violation is otherwise egregious, 
including if the firearm unlawfully fails to include a serial 
number or was manufactured using additive-layer manufacturing. 
The penalty of at least $5,000 also applies if the TSA 
Administrator determines a firearm, or ammunition identified 
alongside a firearm, was of a nature or type that poses a 
greater risk to aviation security than those typically caught 
at checkpoints. This language is in keeping with the 
Administrator's existing statutory authority to exercise 
discretion in assessing firearm-related penalties of up to 
$13,910 depending on the nature of the violation.
    Critically, this section also contains extensive 
protections to ensure individuals subject to TSA penalties are 
afforded due process and an opportunity for individualized 
consideration of their circumstances. An individual subject to 
minimum penalty may appeal such penalty or seek a reduction in 
the amount of such penalty, including a reduction to an amount 
that is less than the minimum. Such requests shall be granted 
as the TSA Administrator determines appropriate, including by 
taking into account the existing mitigating factors provided 
for under TSA's security regulations. The TSA Administrator may 
also provide for payment plans. Additionally, the bill exempts 
from the minimum civil penalties any individual who self-
discloses a firearm violation to the TSA, a Screening 
Partnership Program participant, a government representative, 
an employee or contractor of an airline or airport, or other 
appropriate authority after the individual is present for 
screening but prior to the detection of the firearm. The bill 
also requires the TSA Administrator to inform relevant 
personnel of the appropriate procedures for handling the self-
disclosure of such a violation, including procedures for 
contacting law enforcement.
    The bill also enhances TSA's ability to detect firearms at 
checkpoints by requiring that the TSA Administrator obligate 
and expend amounts received from the imposition of civil 
monetary penalties under this section for repeat or egregious 
firearm offenses on the acquisition and deployment of passenger 
screening checkpoint technology.
    Finally, this section contains multiple rules of 
construction to ensure its provisions are interpreted 
consistent with their intent, including to ensure certain 
firearm replicas are not treated as firearms for purposes of 
the minimum civil penalties described above.

Sec. 5. PreCheck eligibility.

    This section codifies TSA's existing practice of 
disqualifying any unauthorized individual who possesses a 
firearm at a checkpoint from expedited security screening, 
including through the TSA PreCheck program, for a period of 
time. The length of such period of ineligibility or prohibition 
shall be determined by the TSA Administrator in his or her sole 
discretion. This section further provides that an individual 
subject to such a period of ineligibility or prohibition may 
petition the TSA Administrator for a reduction in the duration 
of such period. Consistent with the discretionary nature of 
expedited screening and PreCheck program eligibility, in all 
cases, the approval or denial of any such request for 
reconsideration shall be in the TSA Administrator's sole 
discretion.

Sec. 6. Report.

     This section requires TSA to submit to the House Committee 
on Homeland Security and the Senate Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation Committee reports regarding the implementation 
of this legislation and the threat of firearms at airports. The 
first report is due within 1 year of the date of enactment, and 
subsequent reports are due biennially thereafter. Specific 
matters required to be contained in these reports include 
information regarding the implementation of this legislation's 
signage requirements (including the biennial list of the top 25 
airports for firearms interdictions), a description of TSA's 
firearm-related public awareness initiatives, statistics 
regarding the number of firearms interdictions (including 
specific information on such interdictions that involved 
individuals receiving expedited screening), statistics 
regarding firearms-related PreCheck program revocations or 
denials, and any new or evolving threats related to firearms in 
public area security at airports.

Sec. 7. Government Accountability Office review.

     This section requires GAO to submit to the House Committee 
on Homeland Security and the Senate Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation Committee a review of TSA's implementation of 
this legislation, efforts to reduce the carriage of firearms at 
checkpoints through other means, and efforts to enhance public 
area security at airports. Such review must be submitted to 
Congress not later than 2 years from the date of enactment.

Sec. 8. Definitions.

     The final section of the legislation defines the terms 
``appropriate congressional committees,'' ``passenger screening 
checkpoint,'' and ``sterile area.''

         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 (new matter is 
printed in italics and existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman):

                      TITLE 49, UNITED STATES CODE



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
SUBTITLE VII--AVIATION PROGRAMS

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


PART A--AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SUBPART III--SAFETY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                         CHAPTER 449--SECURITY

                       SUBCHAPTER I--REQUIREMENTS

Sec.
44901. Screening passengers and property.
     * * * * * * *
44930. Minimum civil monetary penalties for certain firearm-related 
          violations.
     * * * * * * *

                       SUBCHAPTER I--REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 44901. Screening passengers and property

  (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration shall provide for the screening of all 
passengers and property, including United States mail, cargo, 
carry-on and checked baggage, and other articles, that will be 
carried aboard a passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier 
or foreign air carrier in air transportation or intrastate air 
transportation. In the case of flights and flight segments 
originating in the United States, the screening shall take 
place before boarding and shall be carried out by a Federal 
Government employee (as defined in section 2105 of title 5), 
except as otherwise provided in section 44920 and except for 
identifying passengers and baggage for screening under the 
CAPPS and known shipper programs and conducting positive bag-
match programs.
  (b) Supervision of Screening.--All screening of passengers 
and property at airports in the United States where screening 
is required under this section shall be supervised by uniformed 
Federal personnel of the Transportation Security Administration 
who shall have the power to order the dismissal of any 
individual performing such screening.
  (c) Checked Baggage.--A system must be in operation to screen 
all checked baggage at all airports in the United States as 
soon as practicable.
  (d) Explosives Detection Systems.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall take all 
        necessary action to ensure that--
                  (A) explosives detection systems are deployed 
                as soon as possible to ensure that all United 
                States airports described in section 44903(c) 
                have sufficient explosives detection systems to 
                screen all checked baggage, and that as soon as 
                such systems are in place at an airport, all 
                checked baggage at the airport is screened by 
                those systems; and
                  (B) all systems deployed under subparagraph 
                (A) are fully utilized; and
                  (C) if explosives detection equipment at an 
                airport is unavailable, all checked baggage is 
                screened by an alternative means.
          (2) Preclearance airports.--
                  (A) In general.--For a flight or flight 
                segment originating at an airport outside the 
                United States and traveling to the United 
                States with respect to which checked baggage 
                has been screened in accordance with an 
                aviation security preclearance agreement 
                between the United States and the country in 
                which such airport is located, the 
                Administrator of the Transportation Security 
                Administration may, in coordination with U.S. 
                Customs and Border Protection, determine 
                whether such baggage must be re-screened in the 
                United States by an explosives detection system 
                before such baggage continues on any additional 
                flight or flight segment.
                  (B) Aviation security preclearance agreement 
                defined.--In this paragraph, the term 
                ``aviation security preclearance agreement'' 
                means an agreement that delineates and 
                implements security standards and protocols 
                that are determined by the Administrator of the 
                Transportation Security Administration, in 
                coordination with U.S. Customs and Border 
                Protection, to be comparable to those of the 
                United States and therefore sufficiently 
                effective to enable passengers to deplane into 
                sterile areas of airports in the United States.
                  (C) Rescreening requirement.--If the 
                Administrator of the Transportation Security 
                Administration determines that the government 
                of a foreign country has not maintained 
                security standards and protocols comparable to 
                those of the United States at airports at which 
                preclearance operations have been established 
                in accordance with this paragraph, the 
                Administrator shall ensure that Transportation 
                Security Administration personnel rescreen 
                passengers arriving from such airports and 
                their property in the United States before such 
                passengers are permitted into sterile areas of 
                airports in the United States.
                  (D) Report.--The Administrator of the 
                Transportation Security Administration shall 
                submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of 
                the House of Representatives, the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
                Senate, and the Committee on Homeland Security 
                and Governmental Affairs of the Senate an 
                annual report on the re-screening of baggage 
                under this paragraph. Each such report shall 
                include the following for the year covered by 
                the report:
                          (i) A list of airports outside the 
                        United States from which a flight or 
                        flight segment traveled to the United 
                        States for which the Administrator 
                        determined, in accordance with the 
                        authority under subparagraph (A), that 
                        checked baggage was not required to be 
                        re-screened in the United States by an 
                        explosives detection system before such 
                        baggage continued on an additional 
                        flight or flight segment.
                          (ii) The amount of Federal savings 
                        generated from the exercise of such 
                        authority.
  (e) Mandatory Screening Where EDS Not Yet Available.--As soon 
as practicable and until the requirements of subsection 
(b)(1)(A) are met, the Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration shall require alternative means for 
screening any piece of checked baggage that is not screened by 
an explosives detection system. Such alternative means may 
include 1 or more of the following:
          (1) A bag-match program that ensures that no checked 
        baggage is placed aboard an aircraft unless the 
        passenger who checked the baggage is aboard the 
        aircraft.
          (2) Manual search.
          (3) Search by canine explosives detection units in 
        combination with other means.
          (4) Other means or technology approved by the 
        Administrator.
  (f) Cargo Deadline.--A system must be in operation to screen, 
inspect, or otherwise ensure the security of all cargo that is 
to be transported in all-cargo aircraft in air transportation 
and intrastate air transportation as soon as practicable.
  (g) Air Cargo on Passenger Aircraft.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
        shall establish a system to screen 100 percent of cargo 
        transported on passenger aircraft operated by an air 
        carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation or 
        intrastate air transportation to ensure the security of 
        all such passenger aircraft carrying cargo.
          (2) Minimum standards.--The system referred to in 
        paragraph (1) shall require, at a minimum, that 
        equipment, technology, procedures, personnel, or other 
        methods approved by the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration, are used to 
        screen cargo carried on passenger aircraft described in 
        paragraph (1) to provide a level of security 
        commensurate with the level of security for the 
        screening of passenger checked baggage.
          (3) Regulations.--The Secretary of Homeland Security 
        shall issue a final rule as a permanent regulation to 
        implement this subsection in accordance with the 
        provisions of chapter 5 of title 5.
          (4) Screening defined.--In this subsection the term 
        ``screening'' means a physical examination or non-
        intrusive methods of assessing whether cargo poses a 
        threat to transportation security. Methods of screening 
        include x-ray systems, explosives detection systems, 
        explosives trace detection, explosives detection canine 
        teams certified by the Transportation Security 
        Administration, or a physical search together with 
        manifest verification. The Administrator may approve 
        additional methods to ensure that the cargo does not 
        pose a threat to transportation security and to assist 
        in meeting the requirements of this subsection. Such 
        additional cargo screening methods shall not include 
        solely performing a review of information about the 
        contents of cargo or verifying the identity of a 
        shipper of the cargo that is not performed in 
        conjunction with other security methods authorized 
        under this subsection, including whether a known 
        shipper is registered in the known shipper database. 
        Such additional cargo screening methods may include a 
        program to certify the security methods used by 
        shippers pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) and 
        alternative screening methods pursuant to exemptions 
        referred to in subsection (b) of section 1602 of the 
        Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act 
        of 2007.
  (h) Deployment of Armed Personnel.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall order the 
        deployment of law enforcement personnel authorized to 
        carry firearms at each airport security screening 
        location to ensure passenger safety and national 
        security.
          (2) Minimum requirements.--Except at airports 
        required to enter into agreements under subsection (c), 
        the Administrator of the Transportation Security 
        Administration shall order the deployment of at least 1 
        law enforcement officer at each airport security 
        screening location. At the 100 largest airports in the 
        United States, in terms of annual passenger 
        enplanements for the most recent calendar year for 
        which data are available, the Administrator shall order 
        the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel 
        at airport security screening locations if the 
        Administrator determines that the additional deployment 
        is necessary to ensure passenger safety and national 
        security.
  (i) Exemptions and Advising Congress on Regulations.--The 
Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration--
          (1) may exempt from this section air transportation 
        operations, except scheduled passenger operations of an 
        air carrier providing air transportation under a 
        certificate issued under section 41102 of this title or 
        a permit issued under section 41302 of this title; and
          (2) shall advise Congress of a regulation to be 
        prescribed under this section at least 30 days before 
        the effective date of the regulation, unless the 
        Administrator decides an emergency exists requiring the 
        regulation to become effective in fewer than 30 days 
        and notifies Congress of that decision.
  (j) Blast-Resistant Cargo Containers.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall--
                  (A) evaluate the results of the blast-
                resistant cargo container pilot program that 
                was initiated before August 3, 2007; and
                  (B) prepare and distribute through the 
                Aviation Security Advisory Committee to the 
                appropriate Committees of Congress and air 
                carriers a report on that evaluation which may 
                contain nonclassified and classified sections.
          (2) Acquisition, maintenance, and replacement.--Upon 
        completion and consistent with the results of the 
        evaluation that paragraph (1)(A) requires, the 
        Administrator shall--
                  (A) develop and implement a program, as the 
                Administrator determines appropriate, to 
                acquire, maintain, and replace blast-resistant 
                cargo containers;
                  (B) pay for the program; and
                  (C) make available blast-resistant cargo 
                containers to air carriers pursuant to 
                paragraph (3).
          (3) Distribution to air carriers.--The Administrator 
        shall make available, beginning not later than July 1, 
        2008, blast-resistant cargo containers to air carriers 
        for use on a risk managed basis as determined by the 
        Administrator.
  (k) General Aviation Airport Security Program.--
          (1) In general.--The Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall--
                  (A) develop a standardized threat and 
                vulnerability assessment program for general 
                aviation airports (as defined in section 
                47134(m)); and
                  (B) implement a program to perform such 
                assessments on a risk-managed basis at general 
                aviation airports.
          (2) Grant program.--The Administrator shall initiate 
        and complete a study of the feasibility of a program, 
        based on a risk-managed approach, to provide grants to 
        operators of general aviation airports (as defined in 
        section 47134(m)) 1 for projects to upgrade 
        security at such airports. If the Administrator 
        determines that such a program is feasible, the 
        Administrator shall establish such a program.
          (3) Application to general aviation aircraft.--The 
        Administrator shall develop a risk-based system under 
        which--
                  (A) general aviation aircraft, as identified 
                by the Administrator, in coordination with the 
                Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
                Administration, are required to submit 
                passenger information and advance notification 
                requirements for United States Customs and 
                Border Protection before entering United States 
                airspace; and
                  (B) such information is checked against 
                appropriate databases.
          (4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of 
        the Transportation Security Administration such sums as 
        may be necessary to carry out paragraphs (2) and (3).
  (l) Limitations on Use of Advanced Imaging Technology for 
Screening Passengers.--
          (1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following 
        definitions apply:
                  (A) Advanced imaging technology.--The term 
                ``advanced imaging technology''--
                          (i) means a device used in the 
                        screening of passengers that creates a 
                        visual image of an individual showing 
                        the surface of the skin and revealing 
                        other objects on the body; and
                          (ii) may include devices using 
                        backscatter x-rays or millimeter waves 
                        and devices referred to as ``whole-body 
                        imaging technology'' or ``body scanning 
                        machines''.
                  (B) Appropriate congressional committees.--
                The term ``appropriate congressional 
                committees'' means--
                          (i) the Committee on Commerce, 
                        Science, and Transportation and the 
                        Committee on Homeland Security and 
                        Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
                          (ii) the Committee on Homeland 
                        Security of the House of 
                        Representatives.
                  (C) Automatic target recognition software.--
                The term ``automatic target recognition 
                software'' means software installed on an 
                advanced imaging technology that produces a 
                generic image of the individual being screened 
                that is the same as the images produced for all 
                other screened individuals.
          (2) Use of advanced imaging technology.--The 
        Administrator of the Transportation Security 
        Administration shall ensure that any advanced imaging 
        technology used for the screening of passengers under 
        this section--
                  (A) is equipped with and employs automatic 
                target recognition software; and
                  (B) complies with such other requirements as 
                the Administrator determines necessary to 
                address privacy considerations.
          (3) Extension.--
                  (A) In general.--The Administrator of the 
                Transportation Security Administration may 
                extend the deadline specified in paragraph (2), 
                if the Administrator determines that--
                          (i) an advanced imaging technology 
                        equipped with automatic target 
                        recognition software is not 
                        substantially as effective at screening 
                        passengers as an advanced imaging 
                        technology without such software; or
                          (ii) additional testing of such 
                        software is necessary.
                  (B) Duration of extensions.--The 
                Administrator of the Transportation Security 
                Administration may issue one or more extensions 
                under subparagraph (A). The duration of each 
                extension may not exceed one year.
          (4) Reports.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after 
                the date on which the Administrator of the 
                Transportation Security Administration issues 
                any extension under paragraph (3), the 
                Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
                congressional committees a report on the 
                implementation of this subsection.
                  (B) Elements.--A report submitted under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
                          (i) A description of all matters the 
                        Administrator of the Transportation 
                        Security Administration considers 
                        relevant to the implementation of the 
                        requirements of this subsection.
                          (ii) The status of compliance by the 
                        Transportation Security Administration 
                        with such requirements.
                          (iii) If the Administration is not in 
                        full compliance with such 
                        requirements--
                                  (I) the reasons for the 
                                noncompliance; and
                                  (II) a timeline depicting 
                                when the Administrator of the 
                                Transportation Security 
                                Administration expects the 
                                Administration to achieve full 
                                compliance.
                  (C) Security classification.--To the greatest 
                extent practicable, a report prepared under 
                subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in an 
                unclassified format. If necessary, the report 
                may include a classified annex.
  (m) Signage Regarding Firearms.--
          (1) Checkpoint signage.--Not later than one year 
        after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the 
        Administrator of the Transportation Security 
        Administration shall display uniform signage in 
        passenger screening checkpoints to inform individuals 
        at such checkpoints of restrictions regarding the 
        carrying of a firearm in the sterile area of an 
        airport. Such signage shall include visual elements and 
        a concise description of the maximum criminal and civil 
        penalties (with relevant statutory or regulatory 
        citations) for unlawfully carrying a firearm in the 
        sterile area of an airport.
          (2) Placement.--Signage under paragraph (1) shall be 
        prominently displayed and located in such a manner that 
        it would reasonably be expected to be seen by an 
        individual prior to entering the passenger screening 
        checkpoint.
          (3) Airports with frequent firearm interdictions.--
        Not later than one year after the date of the enactment 
        of this subsection and biennially thereafter, the 
        Administrator of the Transportation Security 
        Administration shall publish a list of not fewer than 
        25 airports at which firearms were most frequently 
        interdicted at passenger screening checkpoints in the 
        prior two years. If with respect to any such list there 
        are fewer than 25 such airports, such list shall 
        include as many of such airports as are otherwise 
        described in this paragraph.
          (4) Additional enhanced signage for airports with 
        frequent firearm interdictions.--Not later than 180 
        days after the date of the publication of each list 
        required under paragraph (3), the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration shall require 
        each airport included on the list to install additional 
        enhanced signage at all passenger terminal entrances to 
        such airports to inform the public and individuals 
        planning to enter a passenger screening checkpoint of 
        the restrictions regarding the carrying of a firearm in 
        the sterile area of the airport and, as applicable, 
        State, local, territorial, or other jurisdiction-
        specific restrictions on carrying firearms in the 
        publicly-accessible areas of the airport. Such 
        additional enhanced signage shall be consistent for all 
        airports required to install such additional enhanced 
        signage under this paragraph, except, as the case may 
        be, for descriptions of such applicable State, local, 
        territorial, or other jurisdiction-specific 
        restrictions. The Administrator may permit an airport 
        to remove such signage if such airport is not included 
        on a subsequent list.
          (5) Outdated signage.--If any relevant information on 
        signage installed pursuant to this subsection is 
        rendered inaccurate due to statutory, regulatory, or 
        other changes, the Administrator shall ensure such 
        signage is updated in a timely manner, except this 
        paragraph does not apply in the case of annual 
        inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalties.
          (6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Passenger screening checkpoint.--The term 
                ``passenger screening checkpoint'' means the 
                designated area at each airport located in the 
                United States at which the Transportation 
                Security Administration, or an entity 
                authorized by the Administration pursuant to 
                section 44920, or other comparable authority, 
                provides for the screening of passengers and 
                carry-on baggage.
                  (B) Passenger terminal entrance.--The term 
                ``passenger terminal entrance'' means the area 
                at each airport located in the United States 
                where individuals arriving to the airport by 
                means other than a flight first enter the 
                terminal or other comparable enclosure 
                containing passenger facilities of the airport 
                located prior to the passenger screening 
                checkpoint.
                  (C) Sterile area.--The term ``sterile area'' 
                has the meaning given such term in section 
                1540.5 of title 49, Code of Federal 
                Regulations.

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Sec. 44919. PreCheck Program

  (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration shall continue to administer the 
PreCheck Program in accordance with section 109(a)(3) of the 
Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 114 note).
  (b) Expansion.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of the TSA Modernization Act, the Administrator shall 
enter into an agreement, using other transaction authority 
under section 114(m) of this title, with at least 2 private 
sector entities to increase the methods and capabilities 
available for the public to enroll in the PreCheck Program.
  (c) Minimum Capability Requirements.--At least 1 agreement 
under subsection (b) shall include the following capabilities:
          (1) Start-to-finish secure online or mobile 
        enrollment capability.
          (2) Vetting of an applicant by means other than 
        biometrics, such as a risk assessment, if--
                  (A) such means--
                          (i) are evaluated and certified by 
                        the Secretary of Homeland Security;
                          (ii) meet the definition of a 
                        qualified anti-terrorism technology 
                        under section 865 of the Homeland 
                        Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 444); 
                        and
                          (iii) are determined by the 
                        Administrator to provide a risk 
                        assessment that is as effective as a 
                        fingerprint-based criminal history 
                        records check conducted through the 
                        Federal Bureau of Investigation with 
                        respect to identifying individuals who 
                        are not qualified to participate in the 
                        PreCheck Program due to disqualifying 
                        criminal history; and
                  (B) with regard to private sector risk 
                assessments, the Secretary has certified that 
                reasonable procedures are in place with regard 
                to the accuracy, relevancy, and proper 
                utilization of information employed in such 
                risk assessments.
  (d) Additional Capability Requirements.--At least 1 agreement 
under subsection (b) shall include the following capabilities:
          (1) Start-to-finish secure online or mobile 
        enrollment capability.
          (2) Vetting of an applicant by means of biometrics if 
        the collection--
                  (A) is comparable with the appropriate and 
                applicable standards developed by the National 
                Institute of Standards and Technology;
                  (B) protects privacy and data security, 
                including that any personally identifiable 
                information is collected, retained, used, and 
                shared in a manner consistent with section 552a 
                of title 5, United States Code (commonly known 
                as ``Privacy Act of 1974''), and with agency 
                regulations;
                  (C) is evaluated and certified by the 
                Secretary of Homeland Security; and
                  (D) is determined by the Administrator to 
                provide a risk assessment that is as effective 
                as a fingerprint-based criminal history records 
                check conducted through the Federal Bureau of 
                Investigation with respect to identifying 
                individuals who are not qualified to 
                participate in the PreCheck Program due to 
                disqualifying criminal history.
  (e) Target Enrollment.--Subject to subsections (b), (c), and 
(d), the Administrator shall take actions to expand the total 
number of individuals enrolled in the PreCheck Program as 
follows:
          (1) 7,000,000 passengers before October 1, 2019.
          (2) 10,000,000 passengers before October 1, 2020.
          (3) 15,000,000 passengers before October 1, 2021.
  (f) Marketing of PreCheck Program.--Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of the TSA Modernization Act, the 
Administrator shall--
          (1) enter into at least 2 agreements, using other 
        transaction authority under section 114(m) of this 
        title, to market the PreCheck Program; and
          (2) implement a long-term strategy for partnering 
        with the private sector to encourage enrollment in such 
        program.
  (g) Identity Verification Enhancement.--The Administrator 
shall--
          (1) coordinate with the heads of appropriate 
        components of the Department to leverage Department-
        held data and technologies to verify the identity and 
        citizenship of individuals enrolling in the PreCheck 
        Program;
          (2) partner with the private sector to use biometrics 
        and authentication standards, such as relevant 
        standards developed by the National Institute of 
        Standards and Technology, to facilitate enrollment in 
        the program; and
          (3) consider leveraging the existing resources and 
        abilities of airports to collect fingerprints for use 
        in background checks to expedite identity verification.
  (h) PreCheck Program Lanes Operation.--The Administrator 
shall--
          (1) ensure that PreCheck Program screening lanes are 
        open and available during peak and high-volume travel 
        times at appropriate airports to individuals enrolled 
        in the PreCheck Program; and
          (2) make every practicable effort to provide 
        expedited screening at standard screening lanes during 
        times when PreCheck Program screening lanes are closed 
        to individuals enrolled in the program in order to 
        maintain operational efficiency.
  (i) Eligibility of Members of the Armed Forces for Expedited 
Security Screening.--
          (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), an 
        individual specified in paragraph (2) is eligible for 
        expedited security screening under the PreCheck 
        Program.
          (2) Individuals specified.--An individual specified 
        in this subsection is any of the following:
                  (A) A member of the Armed Forces, including a 
                member of a reserve component or the National 
                Guard.
                  (B) A cadet or midshipman of the United 
                States Military Academy, the United States 
                Naval Academy, the United States Air Force 
                Academy, or the United States Coast Guard 
                Academy.
                  (C) A family member of an individual 
                specified in subparagraph (A) or (B) who is 
                younger than 12 years old and accompanying the 
                individual.
          (3) Implementation.--The eligibility of an individual 
        specified in paragraph (2) for expedited security 
        screening under the PreCheck Program is subject to such 
        policies and procedures as the Administrator may 
        prescribe to carry out this subsection, in consultation 
        with the Secretary of Defense and, with respect to the 
        United States Coast Guard, the Commandant of the United 
        States Coast Guard.
  (j) Vetting for PreCheck Program Participants.--The 
Administrator shall initiate an assessment to identify any 
security vulnerabilities in the vetting process for the 
PreCheck Program, including determining whether subjecting 
PreCheck Program participants to recurrent fingerprint-based 
criminal history records checks, in addition to recurrent 
checks against the terrorist watchlist, could be done in a 
cost-effective manner to strengthen the security of the 
PreCheck Program.
  (k) Assurance of Separate Program.--In carrying out this 
section, the Administrator shall ensure that the additional 
private sector application capabilities under subsections (b), 
(c), and (d) are undertaken in addition to any other related 
TSA program, initiative, or procurement, including the 
Universal Enrollment Services program.
  (l) Expenditure of Funds.--Any Federal funds expended by the 
Administrator to expand PreCheck Program enrollment shall be 
expended in a manner that includes the requirements of this 
section.
  (m) Ineligibility of Individuals Unlawfully Possessing 
Firearms in Restricted Areas.--
          (1) In general.--Any unauthorized individual who 
        possesses a firearm after the individual is present for 
        screening at a passenger screening checkpoint shall be 
        ineligible for expedited security screening and 
        prohibited from participating in the PreCheck Program 
        for a period of time determined by the Administrator of 
        the Transportation Security Administration in the 
        Administrator's sole discretion.
          (2) Request for reconsideration.--The Administrator 
        of the Transportation Security Administration shall 
        maintain a procedure through which an individual 
        subject to a period of ineligibility pursuant to this 
        subsection may petition the Administrator for a 
        reduction in the duration of such period. The 
        Administrator may, if the Administrator determines such 
        is appropriate, reduce such duration. Any such 
        determination shall be in the Administrator's sole 
        discretion.
          (3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
        ``passenger screening checkpoint'' means the designated 
        area at each airport located in the United States at 
        which the Transportation Security Administration, or an 
        entity authorized by the Administration pursuant to 
        section 44920, or other comparable authority, provides 
        for the screening of passengers and carry-on baggage.

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Sec. 44930. Minimum civil monetary penalties for certain firearm-
                    related violations

  (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the 
Transportation Security Administration shall establish minimum 
civil monetary penalty amounts for repeat or egregious 
violations of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, relating to the carriage of 
firearms on or in an individual's person or accessible property 
into the sterile area of an airport or onboard an aircraft.
  (b) Minimum Civil Monetary Penalties for Repeat Violations.--
The minimum civil monetary penalty amount for a repeat 
violation of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, involving a firearm shall be--
          (1) in the case of an individual with respect to whom 
        such a repeat violation occurs within five years of the 
        date of the final adjudication of a previous such 
        violation--
                  (A) $10,000 for any such repeat violation 
                involving an unloaded firearm; and
                  (B) $12,500 for any such repeat violation 
                involving a loaded firearm or unloaded firearm 
                with accessible ammunition; and
          (2) in the case of an individual with respect to whom 
        such a repeat violation occurs more than five years 
        after the date of the final adjudication of a previous 
        such violation--
                  (A) $5,000 for any such repeat violation 
                involving an unloaded firearm; and
                  (B) $10,000 for any such repeat violation 
                involving a loaded firearm or unloaded firearm 
                with accessible ammunition.
  (c) Minimum Civil Monetary Penalties for Egregious 
Violations.--The minimum civil monetary penalty amount for an 
intentional or otherwise egregious violation of subsection (a) 
of section 1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, 
involving a firearm shall be--
          (1) $10,000 for any knowing violation in the case of 
        a deliberate attempt to conceal such firearm; and
          (2) $5,000 for any violation which the Administrator 
        of the Transportation Security Administration 
        determines is otherwise egregious, including if the 
        firearm at issue--
                  (A) is known to the Administrator to--
                          (i) not contain a serial number when 
                        required by law; or
                          (ii) have been manufactured using 
                        additive layer manufacturing (commonly 
                        known as ``3-D printing''); or
                  (B) is--
                          (i) of a nature or type that poses a 
                        greater risk to aviation security than 
                        firearms typically identified at 
                        passenger screening checkpoints; or
                          (ii) identified with ammunition that 
                        is of a nature or type that poses a 
                        greater risk to aviation security than 
                        ammunition typically identified at 
                        passenger screening checkpoints.
  (d) Special Circumstances.--An individual subject to a 
minimum civil monetary penalty amount pursuant to subsection 
(a) may appeal such penalty amount or seek a reduction in such 
penalty amount in the case of such individual's particular 
violation, including based on mitigating factors (including in 
accordance with subsection (e)) pursuant to procedures provided 
for in the Transportation Security Administration's security 
regulations. The Administrator of the Transportation Security 
Administration may, if the Administrator determines such is 
appropriate, grant such appeal or reduce such penalty amount, 
as the case may be.
  (e) Self-disclosure.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this section, the Administrator of the Transportation Security 
Administration may consider self-disclosure as a mitigating 
factor when determining the amount of a civil monetary penalty 
if an individual, in good faith, voluntarily discloses a 
violation of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, to the Transportation Security 
Administration, an entity authorized to conduct screening 
pursuant to section 44920 of title 49, United States Code, a 
Government representative, an employee or contractor of an 
airline or airport, or other appropriate authority, after the 
individual is present for screening at a passenger screening 
checkpoint but prior to the detection of such violation. The 
Administrator shall inform appropriate Administration passenger 
screening checkpoint personnel, entities authorized to conduct 
screening pursuant to section 44920 of title 49, United States 
Code, Government representatives, employees or contractors of 
an airline or airport, and other appropriate authorities 
regarding appropriate procedures for handling the self-
disclosure of such a violation, including procedures for 
contacting law enforcement.
  (f) Payment Plans.--The Administrator of the Transportation 
Security Administration may provide payment plans for payment 
of civil monetary penalty amounts under this section for a 
violation of subsection (a) of section 1540.111 of title 49, 
Code of Federal Regulations, in the event an individual 
provides documentation of hardship.
  (g) Use of Amounts From Civil Monetary Penalties.--The 
Administrator shall obligate and expend amounts received from 
the imposition of civil monetary penalties under this section 
for repeat or egregious violations of subsection (a) of section 
1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, involving a 
firearm for the acquisition and deployment of passenger 
screening checkpoint technology.
  (h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
interpreted as--
          (1) limiting the authority of the Administrator of 
        the Transportation Security Administration to issue 
        civil monetary penalty amounts that are greater than 
        those established as minimum civil monetary penalty 
        amounts pursuant to this section;
          (2) limiting the authority of the Administrator to 
        establish minimum civil monetary penalty amounts with 
        respect to first-time or non-egregious violations of 
        section 1540.111 of title 49, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; or
          (3) instructing the Administrator to establish a 
        minimum civil monetary penalty amount with respect to 
        violations involving unloaded replicas of firearms not 
        capable of discharge.
  (i) Definition.--In this section, the term ``passenger 
screening checkpoint'' means the designated area at each 
airport located in the United States at which the 
Transportation Security Administration, or an entity authorized 
by the Administration pursuant to section 44920, or other 
comparable authority, provides for the screening of passengers 
and carry-on baggage.

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