June 8, 2009
What’s at Issue
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act on June 4, 2009. To view the Roll Call vote on H.R. 2200, please click here.
Why It’s Important
Legislation to reauthorize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the first bill authorizing programs and spending for the agency since its creation in 2001. The bill includes $11.4 billion in new discretionary spending over the next five years.
Major Provisions
The major provisions, spending levels and amendments follow:
- $7.6 billion for fiscal year 2010.
- $8 billion for fiscal year 2011.
General Aviation Security
- A general aviation security grant program is established to enhance transportation security at general aviation airports by making grants to operators of general aviation airports for projects to improve perimeter security, airfield security, and terminal security.
- Eligible Projects — No later than one year after the date of submission of the first report of the working group, the TSA shall develop and make available a list of approved eligible projects for grants based upon recommendations made by the working group. The federal share of the grants is 90%.
- $10 million is provided for grants for FY 10 and FY11.
Aviation Security Advisory Committee
- An Aviation Security Advisory Committee is established, composed of not more than 27 members, including representatives from air carriers, all cargo air transportation, indirect air carriers, labor organizations representing air carrier employees, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, general aviation and the aviation technology security industry, including biometrics.
- General Aviation Security Working Group – The TSA is mandated to establish, within the Aviation Security Advisory, a general aviation working group to advise the agency regarding transportation security issues for general aviation facilities, general aviation aircraft, heliports, and helicopter operations at general aviation and commercial service airports.
Air Cargo Screening
- 2 years after enactment of the TSA Authorization bill, the agency must establish a system to verify that all cargo transported on passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or foreign air carrier inbound to the United States is screened for explosives.
Air Cargo Security Working Group
- An air cargo security working group will be established within the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to provide recommendations for air cargo security issues, including the implementation of the air cargo screening mandates. The working group will meet semiannually and provide annual reports on recommendations to improve the administration’s cargo screening initiatives established to meet all cargo screening.
Air Cargo Crew Training
- The TSA shall develop a plan for security training for the all-cargo aviation threats for pilots and crewmembers operating in all-cargo transportation.
Repair Stations
- The TSA shall issue regulations establishing security standards for foreign and domestic repair stations performing maintenance for aircraft used to provide air transportation and ensure that comparable security standards apply to maintenance work performed by employees of repair stations certified under Part 121 and maintenance work performed by employees of repair stations certified under Part 145.
Security Risk Assessment of Airport Perimeter Access Controls
- The TSA shall establish a strategic risk-based plan to improve transportation security at airports including best practices to make airport perimeter access controls more secure at all commercial service and general aviation airports.
- The plan shall include an assessment of the role of new and emerging technologies, including unmanned and autonomous perimeter security technologies that could be utilized at both commercial and general aviation facilities.
Biometric Identifier Airport Access Enhancement Demonstration Program
- The TSA shall establish a demonstration program for biometric identifier access systems for individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of an airport, including airport employees and flight crews, to determine how airports can implement uniform biometric identifier and interoperable security systems.
- Initial participation in the demonstration program includes 7 airports, at least 2 being large airports.
- $20 million is provided for FY10 and FY11.
Reimbursement for Airports for Incurred Eligible Costs
- The TSA shall establish a process for resolving reimbursement claims for airports that have incurred, before enactment of this act, eligible costs associated with development of partial or completed in-line baggage systems.
Amendments:
The following amendments were voted on and passed for inclusion in H.R. 2200:
- Representatives John Mica (R-FL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), and Thomas Petri (R-WI) successfully offered an amendment requiring the TSA to go through the federal rulemaking process after a security directive (SD) has gone into effect for more than 180 days. (Intended to address security directives issued without imminent threat).
- Representative Peter King (R-NY) offered an amendment to prohibit Guantanamo Bay detainees from flying on commercial aircraft in the United States if they are released in the U.S.
NATA Position
NATA supported passage of H.R. 2200 and commends Members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their swift action on this important legislation. NATA is pleased with the inclusion of general aviation as a stakeholder in the aviation security working group to address potential security implications on the industry as well as the general aviation security grant program. In addition, NATA was pleased with inclusion of the Mica Amendment to mandate that security directives go through the federal rulemaking process after being issued for 180 days.
Status
It remains uncertain at this time whether the U.S. Senate will consider H.R. 2200, the Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 in the coming months. NATA will inform members of status changes.
Staff Contact: Kristen Moore
Director, Legislative Affairs
kmoore@nata.aero