Dems Want TSA to Stay with 100% Screening and Not Move to Risk-Based
On October 31, 2011, three Democratic leaders1 sent a letter to Transportation Security Administration Administrator Pistole requesting an update on the status of TSA’s efforts to ensure that 100% of U.S.-bound air cargo is screened, in light of recent developments, such as the TSA’s decision to extend the December 31, 2011 deadline for 100% screening of all U.S.-bound cargo and TSA plans to pursue risk-based screening.
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(See ITT’s Online Archives 11100716 for earlier summary of TSA official’s statement that the TSA is not going forward with the proposed December 31 deadline for 100% screening of cargo on international inbound passenger aircraft.)
Leaders Say Risk Based Screening is Contrary to Law
The leaders also expressed concern about TSA’s statement that it “continues to work closely with its private sector and international partners to further risk-based screening of international inbound air cargo on passenger and all-cargo aircraft.” The letter notes that TSA seems to be signaling that it is moving ahead with a risk-based, rather than 100%, screening approach. According to the letter, this would be contrary to the intent of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act (P.L. 110-53). The letter states that the leaders continue to believe that 100% screening of U.S.-bound air cargo is critical to guarding against evolving terrorist threats.
Letter Requests TSA Response to Numerous Questions by Nov 14
In light of TSA’s recent press statement and, in the interest of ensuring that TSA fully achieves the 100% air cargo screening mandate as intended by Congress, the leaders ask Pistole to respond to numerous questions by November 14, 2011, including:
• Is “risk-based” screening the ultimate security outcome for TSA meeting the 100% air cargo screening mandate or does it underscore a phased-in effort to achieve 100%?
• What were the factors involved in the decision to delay implementation of the 100% cargo screening mandate?
• What is the current timeline for fulfilling the international air cargo screening mandate?
• What screening methods is TSA considering for the screening of international inbound cargo?
1Ranking Members of the House Homeland Security Committee and its Transportation Security Subcommittee and the House Committee on Natural Resources.
(See ITT’s Online Archives 11101314 for summary of the TSA/CBP discussion of the Air Cargo Advanced Screening pilot, which uses advanced shipment data to assess risk on cargo transported into the U.S.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11110205 for summary of CBP Commissioner’s update on ACAS during which states that CBP plans to expand ACAS to more international sites in the near future.)
Press release with link to letter available here.