Seven bipartisan bills that would enhance aviation, border and transportation security at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were passed by the House, making 25 bills passed by the House Committee on Homeland Security.
“Yesterday, the US House of Representatives took an important step in securing our homeland by passing seven bills that provide the Department of Homeland Security with tools critical to fulfilling its mission,” said committee chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas). “These bills increase DHS’ accountability regarding border security technology and strengthen aviation security.”
“This is a significant step in the Congressional oversight of DHS and I encourage our counterparts in the Senate to act quickly on this legislation,” McCaul said, adding, “I would also like to commend the members of the committee for their insightfulness and abilityto work together by passing 25 bills this year through the House of Representatives.”
Specifically, the House passed the following Homeland Security bills:
The Preclearance Authorization Act of 2015 (HR 998), which would authorize DHS to establish Custom and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance operations in foreign countries in order to secure the homeland against terrorists and instruments of terror from entering the United States.
The Border Security Technology Accountability Act of 2015 (HR 1634) would require DHS to provide written documentation that each border security technology with significant lifecycle cost estimate is meeting cost, schedule and performance standards.
The Improved Security Vetting for Aviation Workers Act of 2015 (HR 2750), would strengthens the vetting of credentialed aviation workers who have access to sensitive areas of airports.
The TSA PreCheck Expansion Act (HR 2843) would focus on driving-up enrollment and improving the marketing efforts for the TSA PreCheck program.
The House also passed the Securing Expedited Screening Act (HR 2127); the State Wide Interoperable Communications Enhancement Act (HR 2206); and, the Keeping Our Travelers Safe and Secure Act (HR 2770).
