Senate Commerce Chair Introduces Bill Designed to Improve TSA Port Functions
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act on Sept. 21, geared partly to improve Transportation Security Administration hiring procedures and provide more independent oversight of background checks for TSA…
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maritime port employees, the committee said (here). Specifically, the bill would require the TSA to fill gaps and improve screening of maritime workers, and would direct a third-party evaluation and “corrective action plan” to address deficiencies of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. TWIC is a mandated background check program for workers who must access secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities and vessels. “The majority of TSA activities focus on security at airports,” committee ranking member and bill co-sponsor Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said in a statement. “This bill says TSA should take into account all types of transportation when it comes to security and provides the agency with some tools needed to get it done.” The bill awaits the consideration of the committee.