WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted for legislation that would make air travel safer by requiring close federal supervision over airport security screening, expanding the Federal Air Marshal Program, and taking steps to strengthen cockpit security, among other provisions.  The U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation – H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for America Act – by a vote of 286-139.
 
“We are all working toward the same goal: making air travel as secure as possible so Americans can fly safely, without fear,” Ryan said. “The question is: what is the most effective way to do this?  The bill that we passed today would put in place rigorous federal oversight of the screening process, higher standards and increased accountability. At the same time, it would give the Administration needed flexibility so that it can put the best system in place.”

“The bill the House approved today sets high standards without forcing the government to nationalize screeners if a more effective system can be implemented,” Ryan said. “Most of Europe and Israel have tried nationalized screeners in the past and tell us that nationalizing decreased quality and safety.  We want to learn from their experiences so we can set up the highest quality security system possible. This legislation gives the DOT the discretion to decide who to hire based on their ability to maximize safety and security.”

“The bill we passed also makes sense because it puts responsibility for transportation security under one roof – at the Department of Transportation. In contrast, the Senate bill splits responsibility between the Justice and Transportation Departments, increasing the chance of confusion and complications,” Ryan said.

Among its provisions, the House-passed bill:

• Establishes a new security structure giving the Administration the option of either using federal employees or contracting for federally-certified screening employees.  The screening process would be subject to federal standards, federal supervision, and strict federal oversight.
• Requires the deployment of Federal Air Marshals.
• Requires that there be a law enforcement or military presence at each screening checkpoint, not merely at each airport.
• Establishes a new Transportation Security Administration within the Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for security for all modes of transportation and headed by a new Under Secretary.
• Directs the new Under Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to take action to strengthen cockpit doors.

Requires the Secretary to permit pilots to carry guns in the cockpit if the airline permits its pilots to carry guns and the pilot has completed an appropriate training program.
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