Review - S 3959 Introduced – TWIC-HME Applications

Last month, Sen Wicker (R,MS) introduced S 3959, 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.

This bill is very similar to HR 5840 that was introduced in the House on September 29^th, 2024. No action has been taken on that legislation.

Moving Forward

Wicker and two {Sen Fischer (R,NE) and Sen Tester (D,MT)} of his three cosponsors are members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation 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 do not see anything that would engender organized opposition to the bill. I suspect that if the bill were to be considered that it would receive bipartisan support. As with most bills introduced in the Senate, this legislation is not politically important enough to take up sufficient for consideration under regular order.

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/s-3959-introduced - subscription required.