WASHINGTON — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske today recognized Congress for the passage of H.R. 302, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes the TSA Modernization Act, the first ever reauthorization of TSA since the agency’s founding in 2001. The bill authorizes TSA to continue as an agile and modern national security organization capable of dealing with ever-evolving threats to our transportation system.
“This legislation emphasizes stability, supports TSA’s outstanding workforce, and modernizes the agency’s structure and operations.” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “I thank Congress, especially the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Homeland Security, for their work on this legislation. It will strengthen the agency and result in a more comprehensive security system to outmatch today’s dynamic threat environment.”
The bill incorporates various provisions of S. 1872, TSA Modernization Act of 2018; S. 763, Surface and Maritime Transportation Security Act; H.R. 2825, DHS Authorization Act of 2017, and numerous other House-passed bills.
The reauthorization act empowers TSA to expand field operations testing of advanced screening technologies, increase use of canine resources and enhance public area security. It will also improve passenger and cargo security as well as cockpit and cabin security, surface transportation security and foreign airport security. This ensures that TSA can continue to set the global benchmark for providing the highest transportation security standards in the world today.
Through the FAA Reauthorization Act, Congress is recognizing and responding to the critical needs of the agency. It allows TSA to maintain its spirit of innovation and collaboration alongside its many government, industry and international partners, and supports TSA’s strategic priorities: Improve Security and Safeguard the Transportation System, Accelerate Action, and Commit to Our People.