Review - HR 5840 Introduced – Streamlining TSA Threat Assessments

Last month, Rep Graves (R,LA) introduced HR 5840, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. The bill would require the TSA to take actions (potentially including issuing an interim final rule) to streamline the procedures for individuals applying for or renewing enrollment in more than one TSA security threat assessment program, in particular, the TWIC and HAZMAT Endorsement programs. No new funding is authorized by the legislation.

Moving Forward

Graves and two of his cosponsors {Rep Titus (D,NV) and Rep Green (R,TN)} are members of the House Homeland Security Committee to which this bill was assigned for consideration. This means that there may be sufficient influence to see the bill considered in Committee. I see nothing in this bill that would engender any organized opposition. I suspect that there would be sufficient bipartisan support for the bill for it to be considered on the floor of the House under the suspension of the rules process.

Commentary

TSA has already implemented some of the streamlining actions. If a TWIC applicant already has an HME (or a Free and Secure Trade card) they are eligible for a reduced fee TWIC ($93 vs $125.25) and the expiration of the two will be the same (the date for the earlier assessment).

 

For more information about the provisions of the bill, see my article at CFSN Detailed Analysis - https://patrickcoyle.substack.com/p/hr-5840-introduced - subscription required.