Congress adopts Aviation and Air Cargo Security Measures
As the 113th Congress finishes up its remaining business, two more pieces of legislation affecting aviation and cargo security headed to the President’s desk. H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act, and H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act were passed with broad bipartisan majorities at the end of last week. These two bills will give industry stakeholders, including those who move air freight, a chance to participate in discussions and regulatory decisions on cargo and passenger security.
The Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act establishes a 32-member advisory committee within the Transportation Security Administration, which will recommend improvements to aviation security. Committee members will have two-year terms of appointment, and will meet no less than twice a year with at least one meeting open to the public. There is to be a distinct subcommittee to consider improvements to Air Cargo Security. The groups to be represented on the Committee include:
| Air Carriers | Aircraft Manufacturers | Travel Industry | General Aviation |
| All-Cargo Air Transportation |
Passenger Advocacy Groups |
Airport Security Operators |
Aviation Technology Security Industry |
| Labor Groups for Air Carrier Employees, Transportation Security Officers, & Employees of Airport Construction and Maintenance Contractors |
Airport Operators and Airport Construction & Maintenance Contractors |
Airport-Based Businesses (including minority-owned small businesses) |
Victims of Terrorist Acts Against Aviation |
| Indirect Air Carriers | Privacy-Rights Organizations |
Aeronautical Repair Stations |
Law Enforcement |
The Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act directs the TSA to report to Congress on a strategic long-term technology investment plan, to increase legislative oversight on technology vulnerability gaps and on major spending decisions.
TIA Government Affairs staff will monitor implementation of these bills in the coming months. To participate in TIA’s Airfreight Logistics Conference, or for general assistance with these issues, please contact Will Sehestedt at sehestedt@tianet.org or 703-299-5713.
