Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 -- (House of Representatives - June 17, 2004)

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Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly support the DeFazio amendment to eliminate the 45,000-person cap on the number of TSA screeners.

When Congress created the Transportation Security Administration and tasked them with protecting our aviation, rail and transit systems, it was expected that Congress would provide the agency with the necessary resources. However, Congress has not done its job.

Last year, a cap of 45,000 was placed on the number of Federal screeners at our Nation's airports. This number is not only an arbitrary figure; it does not give our airports enough personnel necessary to screen passengers. We have an obligation to enable the TSA to hire the number of people needed to ensure the security of the flying public in the safest and most efficient way.

Now, I cannot speak for the airport in Clinton, New York; but I can speak for the airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Officials at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas have struggled to manage the long lines as a result of inadequate personnel. In January, departing passengers stood in line for up to 4 hours after attending one of our largest conventions. This is absolutely unacceptable for a community that depends on its airport to deliver tens of millions of annual visitors.
Not only does this cause passenger frustration; it poses additional security risks. Thousands of people jammed into a small area could create yet another potential terrorist target.

In our attempts to secure one aspect of our aviation system, we should not expose another flank to potential attack. TSA has worked with the Nevada delegation to temporarily reduce wait times by giving the Federal security director more flexibility and personnel. But McCarran screeners are working over 50 hours a week to meet the demand. We cannot expect them to continue to work these hours. At some point, they are either going to quit their jobs or their efficiency and effectiveness will be compromised, which in turn will impact on passenger safety. We must find a long-term
solution.

McCarran International Airport is the life blood of the Las Vegas Valley. Last year, nearly 36 million people came to Las Vegas; 46 percent of them arrived by air. Passenger traffic at McCarran has grown 15 percent just this year alone, and this growth is expected to continue. New airlines have added service and established airlines continue to expand their existing networks to include more flights to southern Nevada.

Officials at McCarran and local FSD have worked tirelessly to improving the screening process for passengers. This summer, seven new checkpoints will be opened by next fall and an inline baggage screening system will be operational. We have at McCarran the latest technology, but it is time for Congress to do our part.

Instead of mandating a cap on a screener workforce, let us give the TSA the resources it needs to secure our skies. Give the TSA the ability to hire the screeners it needs to achieve its mission, keeping the flying public safe.

This is about more than aviation security. This is about national security. We cannot cut corners or attempt to play politics with something as important as the lives of our pilots, our crew members, our passengers, and America's airport personnel.

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