Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1871, the Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act. Clarity and transparency are important everywhere in government, and the TSA is no exception. This bill will ensure that TSA creates a more consistent and transparent system for determining what qualifies as sensitive security information, or SSI. It further requires TSA to work closely with transportation stakeholders in the development, review, and implementation of new requirements, known as security directives, or SDs, and emergency amendments, or EAs.

It is critical that TSA works hand in glove with our transportation industry to ensure the safest, most efficient travel for all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R.

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Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

The Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act is a commonsense solution to strengthen national security and promote communication with stakeholders. Involving stakeholders in policymaking is the most effective way to implement trustworthy and efficient decisions. As any stakeholder will tell you, information sharing is critical.

My bill will improve consistency in TSA's designation and redaction of materials as sensitive security information, as well as address the security directive and emergency amendment process and its impacts on international aviation security. My bill will also ensure clear and consistent designations and emphasize TSA's outreach with carriers and local law enforcement to promote information sharing.

Finally, the Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act will instruct the TSA Administrator to implement guidelines to ensure all security and safety measures are being met. This legislation will undoubtedly improve aviation security by ensuring TSA clearly communicates critical security information to transportation security stakeholders.

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Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I urge Members to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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