FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2015

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) today welcomed action on the Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act (S. 2361), legislation that would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airport operators, and air carriers to tighten internal security at airports across the nation.

“Ensuring a safe and secure travel experience is the highest priority for airports,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke.  “With new security threats emerging around the globe, ACI-NA appreciates the collaborative approach policy makers have taken to put forward a bill that enhances security while protecting the proven intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to airport security.”

ACI-NA worked closely with the bill sponsors to protect the intelligence-driven, risk-based security approach currently employed by TSA and airports across the country.  ACI-NA also worked to ensure the inclusion of numerous airport priorities in the bill, including the important role of TSA in conducting any additional employee screening, airports having access to additional vetting databases like FBI’s Rap Back service and DHS’ E-Verify and SAVE programs, and TSA annually reviewing its security directives for relevance.

The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and is co-sponsored by Committee Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA).  This legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.