On the committee with me. Thank you. Thank you as well. In the e others committee that maybe have some conflicts coming in and out but we move l with that as forward. The subcommittee is meeting oday to examine how tsa can better achieve its mission to secure Transportation Systems across the United States. Addition, the hearing will cover opportunities for tsa to to ove as it relates technological advances in communications with state, local sector partners. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. I would like to welcome everyone subcommittee on transportation and protective security in the first hearing of 115th congress, which gave us added responsibilities to have oversight of the secret tsa. Ice as well as so weve got kind of doubled on ur workload here much to the chagrin of staff. Im grateful to my constituents for giving me an opportunity and rivilege to return to congress and to continue to chair this important subcommittee. This committee has a proven working together to advance long term common sense and strategic reforms to department of Homeland Security. While there may be divisions in this room, we all share an unshakeable commitment to ensuring the ecurity of the traveling public. Because we know that the consequences of failure are just great. The Transportation Security Administration was founded just weeks after 9 11. Does best. D what it it reacted to a crisis and threw a lot of money out without sometimes thinking about the overall structure. We are nearly 16 years later, american taxpayer has spent billions of dollars and it tsa is long overdue for an overhaul. The agency has been plagued with and a lack of consistent leadership. Tsa has had six different administrators leading the agency. Six. While weve been able to advance legislation to address many of tsa faces nges that incumbent to provide leadership. Without continuity at the top its impossible for any organization to successfully a long term strategic vision. Instead weve all been left with of the fits and starts last few years. I juxtapose that, for example, an agency where the director is there for a 10year term and how the really helps moving forward. Under former administrator, tsa began to move in the right direction. A new training and Education Program was put into place for all front line employees. Was placed on engagement with the private sector and tsa launched an task force to seek out new technologies. All of these things had a positive effect on morale at some extent. While these were important first steps they did not go far enough nd now many of these potentially transformative initiatives are left to languish with yetear altogether another change in leadership when the president names a new administrator. It would be wise for the new to continue to build upon many of these initiated by es the admiral. Help garner congressional support for reform and improvement within the agency. The last few years, we saw record breaking numbers of americans traveling. Unfortunately, tsa was at times ill prepared for the volume of travelers. It was caught flat footed. At the height of the wait time crisis last summer News Coverage the country showed passengers stranded at airports overnight due to long tsa wait lines, sleeping on cots or on the floor. The number of passengers will to increase. We must ensure tsa is prepared effectively and efficiently screen passengers. Simultaneously, tsa must focus and rking with the state local partners to keep all areas of our airports safe and secure. Center ue was front and on january 7 when a disturbed individual opened fire in the claim area at the hollywood, Fort LauderdaleInternational Airport resulting five lives and scores of injuries. Air traffic was brought to a Law Enforcement officials and First Responders rushed to contain the situation. Incident served as a stark reminder of the threats acing our nations aviation system. Although tsa is one of the youngest agencies in the federal overnment its come to operate as an entrenched federal bureaucracy. It fails oftentimes to achieve important efficiency and it lacks flexibility to respond to an everchanging threat landscape. I believe with the start of this new administration we have a effect pportunity to positive change at tsa. The purpose of our hearing today is to look forward. Backwards, forward, and well hear from the many willing nd ready partners, that tsa as, to help inform us what innovations and efficiencies it could use to achieve its Critical Mission a primary sector is engine of innovation and efficiency in the u. S. Economy. The department of homeland tsa must look to them for best practices and new echnologies that can simultaneous improve Aviation Security. From forward to hearing all of our Witnesses Today on he specific reforms necessary and make the traveling public safer. With that im pleased to recognize a new Ranking Member of the subcommittee, the gentle lady from new jersey, ms. Watson coleman for her opening and make the statement. Thank you, chairman. I really appreciate this opportunity to work with you and forward to working in a bipartisan way to ensure that we effectiveness , and robust traveling economy, hat benefits from the things that we shall do together. For t to thank you convening this hearing. At the outset let me aim working with d to the transportation and security subcommittee to address those of lenges within all modes transportation. The Transportation Security Administration as well as airlines, airports, and other holders have experienced major challenges recently in security. Aviation while there have been many Lessons Learned and improvements thereo Aviation Security, is much to be done in this area. The ow, i understand that u. S. Travel association has taken time to reduce a plan for security of aviation and i look forward to hearing your perspective on how we can security while facilitating an efficient experience for travelers. Also look forward to your perspective on ensuring that the Aviation Security, which is diverted to offsetting the deficit, is utilized as a enhancing Aviation Security. He purpose for which it was originally introduced. Ms. Brooks, i look forward to hearing the perspective of stake holders ty around the world, through your expertise as head of security, Airports Council international. Aviation security is a global exposure to ur technology and diverse security olicies through the Smart Security initiative will add great value to this hearing. Thank you for i being here today. Ts owes more 738 million passengers discovered firearms in carry on bags. When things arrive at the nations checkpoint such as lengthy wait Times Associated ith the peak travel season or reported high failure rates from culvert testing, transportation bear ty officials usually the brunt of the traveling publics frustrations. We learned that a multitude of factors can contribute to these issues benot limited to technology, policies, and management. Not just transportation and Security Officers. Working day in and day out to ensure no weapon or person with ill intent is harm us via our commercial aviation system. I look forward to your testimony disparities between the rights of these federal employees in comparison to those work force. As we discuss the future of tsa we transportation security, cannot leave out the perspective of those that you represent. Believe that this subcommittee must convene a hearing on this topic that also perspective of the agency whose future were discussing. The Transportation Security Administration. Lastly, year after year the for the aviation sector s multiples higher than the funding for the service sector. Here is extensive rail structure including the amtrak northeast corridor as well as freight and commuter trains that are extremely and important to my constituents. Given the attacks on trains in in in which a metro train was the subject of a ombing that killed and injured travelers as well as an attack on a highspeed train traveling rom amsterdam to paris we must ensure that discussions of the future of tsa and transportation incorporate other modes of transportation, mr. Hairman, and i look forward to engaging in thats opportunities with you. Hose who wish to do american citizens harm will continue to attempt to exploit soft targets shore up t vulnerabilities that exist throughout all Transportation Systems. All again, i thank witnesses for appearing before us today and look forward to your testimony. The balance yield of my time, mr. Chairman. Thank you, other members of reminded that re Opening Statements may be submitted for the record. Were very pleased to have a istinguished panel here to testify before us today on this very important topic. And the idea of having you here to hear from you, the concerns you have, before we find out who the new so that when is that administrator gets here that we have some, we have a game plan to help address some of the issues. Roger st witness, mr. Dow, serves as the president and the executive officer for u. S. Travel association. Rior to joining in 2005 he had a 34year career at Marriott International and most notably, in the United States army with the 101st Airborne Division in vietnam where he the bronze star and other citations. Thats something i think about often these days as my son is career in the army, in the infantry after graduating from college, as an officer. So i will be swearing him into the army as an officer in may thats going to be a high on for for high fear or me but as you can imagine. She has worked in aviation ndustry for many years and started her aviation career at Virgin Atlantic airways. Role ition to her current she also teaches Aviation Security at mcgill university, a is a fine institution, and member of the Editorial Board of Aviation Security international. She oping at some point invites me up to montreal to see a hockey game. I would be happy to come up. Third witness is mr. Cox, jay david cox, National President of American FederationGovernment Employees who we know well. Mr. Cox was first selected august t of afge in 2012. And was reelected to a second 2015. Year term in august ive had many conversations with your group and i always find it productive, and helpful. I applaud you for that i thank i for being here today and recognize mr. Dow for his opening statement. Thank you, chairman, and thanks about son for what hes to do. And rank member Watson Coleman, im a jersey boy so i grew up in jersey. My heart is there and its good to be with you and members of thank you for allowing me to testify. U. S. Travel, im talking on which of u. S. Travel represents the entire of the travel industry which is 2. 1 economy 15. 1 r million jobs. Our mission is simple to. More people traveling to the United States and within the United States. A national riving discussion on Aviation Security and traveler security for a worked with d have every one of the administrators and look forward to working with the next administrator. A belief that greater travel and increased are mutually compatible goals. I also believe without security period. S no travel and so this is why this is so important. Five years ago we made a tsa of dation to the several points that we believe could take place. Last month we issued an update of that report and i was pleased that the chairman was with us as we rolled it tsa of several out and also us was keating. It was an event on roll call talked about items that ill get to that can make a difference. Its very important with a new of a new nd the Dawn Administration that we really make sure that were doing the ight thing for the safety of americans. Were pleased to offer many policy recommendations here, and to suggest a new series of reforms that we think give ry important, and to the American People the best investment that were making in our countrys security. We recognize tsa has a mix critical to detect and deter any threats and the challenge you mentioned, mr. Chairman, of the 750 Million People who go through airports every year. Its complex. Its expensive and its important. We recognize that tsa has made any good moves but we think there is more that can be done. As you mentioned, with the long that, there of have been some perceived failures. There have been real failures that those ception lines could make it difficult to travel. Research that shows that americans would make two or three more trips if they an they could get through airport efficiently but when they think there are big lines they avoid the trip and make the which is not as effective as we know it is facetoface. Many challenges the t is a has faced and a lot of work remains. Of the ideas weve put forward, i would like to work i would like to focus on just a recommendations in a report transforming security at update on progress. The fees went up by 1. 6 million ut the decision was made to keep the amount of money going and that overflow fund, go to the general and were strong believers that 1 3 of fees should go to improve tsa. Diverting fees and put it for the equipment, et cetera. The best way to ensure, the trusted traveler programs. The l know precheek and Global Entry Program are very effective but when it comes to those programs, i talk about the s. Ur p one is the process. Weve got to sign people up weiciently and i dont think need to have two forms of i. D. I can get on any plane, any of i. D. , th one form we can do things like that to get people signed up. Promotion. Million people signed up it would be 850 million. Hadhe private sector, if we an opportunity to get these would put ed up we money towards that. Also look at price. Businessman, thats not much but if you take a company that signs up several thousand people, we should out a way to get a volume discount. For a family of four, thats 320, so we should think about what we can do and making it a priority is very important. The next area focuses on Innovative Technology. Weve got to not just talk about technology but weve got to put place and spend the money to do so, and last place is mpower the airports in the private sector to really help and spp, which is basically the to Re Partnership program really help bring more innovative ideas, better extremely nd were interested in this, this committee is do extraordinarily say, tant work, and, as i once again, without security, no travel. Thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate your testimony. Ask youany questions to when the time comes. Appreciate that. Ms. Brooks for testimony. Thank you. Members of the subcommittee, i would like to thank you for the provide a to perspective from the council nternational, global trade representative of the worlds airport, on the advancements in Airport Security, screening particular, nd in the Smart Security project. Challenges of growing passenger numbers continues, with limited resources, the Airline Partners and the air transport joined forces in 2013 to define the future of the cabin baggage screening where passengers proceed through security with minimal convenience with got ity resource that is allocated based on risk and here airport facilities are modernized. Today its being widely recognized throughout the World Airlines and regulators. Of airportsg number around the world are putting measures in place. To deliver strength and security through a focus on risk. Etter use of existing technologies, and introduction of advanced detection capabilities. Secondly, to increase the operation and efficiency of the checkpoints including faster equipment, reduced cost to passenger and the best use of space and staff. Finally, to improve passenger and Staff Experience cues, reduction in reduced manual handling and less use of technology, intrusive and less time consuming security screening. On the screening checkpoints, it also benefits the security as the airport as a the , particularly through reduction in cues and crowds. Smart Security Program is structured through trials an tests and information sharing. Irports, recollectsors and airlines have worked together to test different technologies. And have shared their findings the project team in order to produce a set of best practices or guidance material. In turn is shared with the Wider Community so all can experience of e participants in the project. There is no one solution for all airports. Instead the project is identified, a number of omponents can be implemented depending on the regulation requirements, need, facilities and risk profile of the airport. This reason, there is not one smart checkpoint that can be model. S an exact rather, a menu of options that to meet mbined requirements. Smart security has demonstrated ignificant improvements in operational efficiency, Passenger Satisfaction and security. Examples, some of the components deployed centralized processing or remote screening to enable be networked to away from the checkpoint location or across lanes. Trials have demonstrated significant efficiency mprovement and some airports have seen increases reduction in total passenger processing imes by an average of 30 seconds per passenger. Checkpoints, environments and anagement enhancements including automation, for xample, tray handling systems, machination, and automated checkpoints for monitoring using these some airports have reported a flow increase up to 20 and some implement add completely new look and feel. Designed to provide a more passenger friendly nvironment for travelers to divest and be reunited with their possessions. His checkpoint benefits the Passenger Experience but also aids the detection of suspicious behavior. Full body scanners for passenger screenings demonstrated to provide ffective security while improving the Passenger Experience in reducing the need for full manual searches. Airports that have taken part in trials include dublin, melbourne, london heathrow, and many others. Many have implemented example, the or canadian airplane transport installeduthority has new automated lanes in montreal and can a goodry and automated are beginning to be deployed here in the United States using many of the same principles recommended by smart such as lane automation, parallel divesting and tray sensor systems. Forward the focus for the coming year will be on technologies such as computer nothi tomography and differentiated risk. Ing according to enablers, key nderstanding that not all airport risk profiles are the same, Screening Technology and development. Along with efficient testing and evaluation of new technologies. United states, weve been of ing with tsa, sharing information from the automated screening lanes at hartsfield, atlanta, which d implement a number of these Smart Security best practices, had a number of discussions. We believe there is a great deal of opportunity here in the from states to benefit the Lessons Learned by Smart Security and vice versa. And we look forward to working with tsa and more u. S. Airports. You for ike to thank this opportunity to testify and to your rd questions. Thank you very much. I look forward to the forward. Ns moving i hear you loud and clear about the technological aspects. Drum been beating that since we started on this committee. Is behind the curve in technology. I had to go last year to ireland for work. England, and the use of biometrics in england were stunning. Walk up, you stand, they check your passport and they do facial recognition scan in about one second and then when i went to check into the gate, when i was checking in to go on again. Rplane you did it and it matched the facial recognition from the person who came in to the person who got on airplane. They have Technology Like this all over the world and its maddening to me that we dont going to re so im definitely explore that moving forward. Of the technology will be useless if you dont have the job. Personnel doing the thats why im looking forward to mr. Coxs testimony. For his ognize mr. Cox testimony. Mr. Chairman, welcome back, have you so excited to back as chair of the subcommittee, and to ranking congratulations on your new post, and pane, its always so you and mr. Dow, chairmans son and all the men military,rving in the and all veterans, we owe them a debt of gratitude for their and i to this country, 40,000remind everyone the transportation Security Officers that work for tsa, that afge represents, over 31 of haveare also veterans that served this country and continue to serve this country by keeping of us safe and secure. Every member of congress travels their district. They travel back to conduct votes, andd the hold they do it safely because of the great work of tsos. And flight ts attendants travel safely right over this country because these men and women are protecting us an keeping us safe. Message today is that no tsa ssion of the future of should ever exclude the voices force. Tso work they are the eye, ears and hands of tsa at the checkpoints and of our nations airport. They are the most visible of components and most likely to be blamed for perceived part of the he agency. They are rarely if ever done. Ized for a job well the best way for congress and tsa to show its appreciation for s contributions to National Security would be fair treatment job. E second, we ask that congress nsure tsos have the resources necessary to carry out the agencys mission, such as appropriate and proper equipment, and finally, we ask that congress hold tsa for both of these priorities. Screening of passengers and baggage was made direct federal government responsibility after a National Examination of Aviation Security following 9 11. That examination found that fatal security lapses were doi in no small part to the fact that the screening contractors perated with too little oversight. He screeners they hired had little training, did not understand operating procedures, turnover, and very low pay. Kept years, tsos have america safe from terrorism and other risks, they have got the and done it very effectively. Their record is one that we applaud. Ll tsos seized over 3,300 firearms, of them loaded at checkpoints. Jexs ey defied allpro this past summer, with long wait understaffing and made it happen throughout this country. Politicians e some who believe that we should privatize tsa. Make no mistake. Privatization through the jeans Partnership Program takes us to pre 911 conditions, the future of tsa lies with civil servants. Tsos and not private contractors. For their job because they want to serve the by keeping our air travel safe. And in return, they have every treatment pect fair from their employer, federal government. The workplace policies changed every time there is a new administrator, had more than our fair share, sir. Go through many changes of all working conditions. Ratified a new contract with the agency. Conditions terms and of employment were changed input rally without any from congress or from the union that represents those employees. I certainly believe the one thing that we could do that is to grant them title 5 rights under the u. S. Code. His would prevent discrimination. It would give them full collective bargaining rights, i would certainly like to warren, nator shots, erkle, and others, who have introduced legislation in the enate, and its our understanding, Ranking Member thompson and congresswoman lloyd introducing legislation in the house for title 5 rights for tsos. So much, mr. Chairman, and Ranking Members for having us today and we look to taking any questions. Its always a pleasure to be with you. Thank you, mr. Cox. A very good point. The front line folks are rarely at tsa for a job they do day in and day out. Its a difficult job to do to a needle in a haystack. Its remarkable that they found 3,300 guns last year and its deeply troubling that they found 3,300 guns but every day go to work and they put, put have the ressure of the safety of the traveling public in their hands. So i definitely want to comment thank r their work and i them for the work, and our job is not only to support them, but as easy as their job possible, and its clear to me, and well have more discussion this, that the technology is lacking in this country, compared to the rest of the of like d its kind asking someone to go fight a whene with bows and arrows your adversaries have more sophisticated weapons. We have to give them better and better k with working conditions under which to work. Thats the tension we have in days of limited budgets, but finding the efficiencies and finding ways to make them better is what we need to do. Again, i applaud them for all their efforts and please extend to them for me. I recognize myself for five i utes of questions, and think im going to start with there is so much to ask you, we here if second round time permits, but, just quickly, mr. Dow, you mentioned the average traveler will take two trips a year if the experience in traveling was today. Than it is i would probably take more trips, too, if the seats were a little bit bigger because being person, its brutal. Especially when someone puts a seat back in front of you. Cant even sit up straight hardly in those seats, but, did of a calculation as to what the Economic Impact to three f those two more trips per year, ballpark . 85 billion. 880,000 jobs. Hat were finding is people, when it gets to be an hour flight, it might be a three or they are drive, driving and that creates another putting people on the road. This is so critical to get through efficiently and safely. Right. And i appreciate that. Forward, there does seem to be a virtual certainty additional unt of travelers is going to explode in this country and around the world. If you could comment on me based on your projections and are, if experience were ready for it. From an infrastructure a processingt also standpoint. For it. E not ready eve gone from international travelers, up to 77 million, domestic travelers are going up year. And 4 per so were going to get to a point that that 750 million travelers a definitely going to be billion travellers and when that happens in a short time, were not ready for it. We dont have the facilities. The screening areas, the be a mess, it will and it will impede the growth of the economy and jobs. Question, and thats going to be upon us before we know it. This is not10year problem. Fiveyear problem. What do you see is tsas need st hurdles that they to clear in order to make it ready for that challenge. Weve greatest hurdles, heard it several times is to be able to have technology, to make tsos are doing the Mission Critical jobs versus standing watching someone exit the airport that someone else could do, if they try and go the wrong way. Jobs, weve got these welltrained people and weve got to get them really utilize their talents an the lady talked about things. There are a lot of things we can do. Tsa needs technology, efficiency and needs to get more people in the precheck. Critical. With that, and i think weve made Great Strides with that. We need is much more to do. Syracuse, my airport, for they used put in to have to travel to new york 45 inutes away on not a very good road just to go to the port of oswego to get yourself on a preclearance, which is insane. Put a kiosk at the airport. Close to 50 of the traefllers ome out in precheck which is amazing and its completely tso ed the burden on the tsa officers, as experience overall of the public. Ill probably follow up with more questions if i have time, there is so much we need to talk but technology is key. Thats why, ms. Brooks i would like to ask you some questions. The program, obviously, there are many initiatives and what have you, it seems like when you internationally hats why, ms. At some airports, and in europe, technology is Lightyears Ahead us. What do you see is the biggest echnological drawbacks we have here in the United States, that to be addressed . Automated lanes more there is a lot that can be done, tray centers are very visible. Here is a lot that can be done with actually automating Threat Detection and putting some into the machines themselves. Then that coupled with, i entioned centralized image processing. Thats networking the checkpoints, so that you can a continuous flow of images provided to the screening officers. Deal of n a great efficiency going from that. And then, actually, through networking the checkpoints, you a lot of efficiency in terms of understanding management good information from the checkpoints to enable you to better deploy your resources. About biometrics a little bit. I think for the future that will critical. Tely we talk a lot about screening according to risk. But if you dont know who the youve got in front of you and who youre screening then you cant do that. To be a k thats going very important piece, being able to say that this bag in this person and to this i know who this person is and i know they are supposed to be here going through the and traveling. Thats a piece thats missing ight now and its being worked on all over the world. But its something that we be work on. To we have really been on tsa over the last couple of years. Had 18 subcommittee hearings which i think is more than anyone in congress. Held tsa to task. All kinds of meetings. Weve had roundtable discussions with industry leaders. N an attempt too try and drag them out of the proverbial stone age as far as screening equipment goes. Waye is still an awful long to go. Do you see some glimmers of hope with changes that have been made tsa . Ntly within yeah, absolutely. Think the task force is looking at some of these future technologies, and making great and some of the areas that were very interested in as well, and i would really like to of that software continuing, and with a lot of engagement with us as well. We can share experiences, and, you know, globally at ing what everybody is doing and bringing all of that information together, because some of the technologies, particularly with things like so you can walk through a checkpoint without having to stop. Thats really where we want to the nd, you know, through work of airports and regulators and organizations like tsa, then, you know, well be able to get this but we need to push and d and the r obviously, that requires money. So, you know, unfortunately it comes back to the bottom line again. Yes, it does. I appreciate it. There is so much more to ask all you. I suspect Watson Coleman has some questions for you that i anyhow. Ave asked the chair now recognizes mrs. For five minutes for questions. Before i engage in questions, i ask that i get an opportunity oceans. Some i appreciated the ones that you made with regard to the testimony that was offered. You. Ank it is really important that are here to you give us your perspective. It is so important that we make that there is efficient and effective traveling. Its so important that we contribute to the economy, with travel. Who want to its so important that we recognize the significance of people online. And recognize that because things have not happened that bad, dont ignore the as it s that exist, relates to them. Nd the information with regard to technology and how we stand in relation to the rest of the world is important. A couple oflumes to things. Stability. It needs the access to the fees that are being diverted for so that money because of be used for purposes improving technology. The most Innovative Technology, evidencebased, as well staff thats the charged with doing this. So before i engage in my very hort questions i just want to ask unanimous consent that jackson lee be allowed to question the well. Sses as thank you for your indulgence. Mr. E art with mr. Cox because i dont want to disappoint my chairman. Able to st they were screen a certain amount of travelers in a certain amount of time. 2015 brought to light a number of basic security gaps. Tsa rightfully refocused to effective screening. Steadily increasing volume of travelers and the pressure to screen them in a certain amount time, and i do hope that there is an increase in traveling and i hope that this trying to get wrap our brain around right now applied tood and appropriately so it doesnt decrease the appropriate travel, has tsa worked to ensure the effective and efficient of the upmost importance . Thank you, congresswoman. Has definitely refocused on they were training for quick and fast, to the most the ient mannerism to get passengers through. Needed toealized they what eening for quality, folks should look for. All of us go through airports and its pretty amazing. See those screens and i have no idea what im looking at but these are trained professionals. Skillful work force, and being ble to focus directly on training and i commend our previous administrator for resources e time and to retrain tsos and to do that, obviously, thats a hardship because if a person is in training, they are not directly that day, and one out, were ld point about five thousand less transportation Security Officers today than we were several years ago. O we have less people doing a lot more screening. That was going to be my second question. Now, right . Correct. And you say thats 5,000 less we had we had right at 45,000, i years ay, three or four ago. Given what you have xperienced and given what mr. Dow has even expressed in terms of expectations of increased traveling, how many tsos do you needed . Uld be i wouldnt be the best person to ask but certainly that 5,000 i believe, lost, needs to be returned. Much higher. Ic is technology is improving. And we applaud and we want technology. Yes, the frequent traveler program, all of those things, ome handinhand, but still yet, we can never get rid of the human element. Even at the rson, frequent traveler check lane, hat has to be there, the Human Resources still have to exist, with all of that. You. Hank i know that weve had some serious concerns about the fact hat tsos are not covered under title 5. Correct. I know that you recently collective r second Bargaining Agreement with tsa. How is negotiating with tsa negotiating other dhs agencies that are union . Nted by your merit systemt have protection board rights as all other federal employees and most agencies. There is not the ability to have grievance procedure to resolve or place disputes. Limited very, very things that can be negotiated. Basically, we spend a lot of talking about when you can wear a jacket and when you cannot wear a jacket. When you can wear shorts or pants. And so those are very minimal for s but very important the work. Border patrol agents, ice cis, all other Homeland Security employees, coast guard, have title five protection. Its been noted that tsos have the lowest just about he lowest morale in the work force. Nd i would suspect you might align that concern with the fact same hey dont have the rights and privileges as other federal employees do . Thats correct. Hey dont have the same rights and privileges. Nor are they on the gs pay scale. Less than most other federal employees. And so its an entirely employment system. Ability hat impact the to recruit enough and to retain enough . Yes, maam. Tsa is higher than many other government agencies. To have some questions for mrs. Brooks, and r. Dow and i will do it on the second round so i thank you for indulgence thus far. Mr. Coleman, if you have just a few minutes of questions we in one y to do this round if you would like to do longer. R a few minutes thank you. You observe s integrating Innovative Technology into the passenger process, will help make Airport Security procedures more effective and efficient, what are the Biggest Challenges getting the stateoftheart technologies into our airports s compared to the procurement process used in airports around the world . Is it the money . Is it the lack of planning . Into, of does come it course. One does come into it, of course. To of the things that needs be looked is for the time it takes for the technology to get out of the lab and into the airports. The certification processes. Be done a lot that can with that, clearly tsa has to ertify equipment and thats absolutely right. But that turnaround time is very important for getting things out into airports. And maybe there are opportunities to look at whats in europe, for example, the company that certifies equipment and have some kind of if you have that already certified something, then maybe there is a less igorous process that can be done here. Maybe there is some reciprocal arrangement because thats really critical to getting done. Does the instability of the leadership in tsa, whether or is, indeed, an lignment between long term plan, long term needs, and long affectdgeting, does that the rolling out of technology in use e in other in other airports that is already evidencebased . I think probably the shifting know, is between, you whether there is recent development or something seen thats very critical and important in the rollout of new yes, that probably oes have an impact given one administrator to the next may have very different views about how fast these things need to happen. Certainly had some very good experiences with the previous administrator. You, my last question. Sure. This is for mr. Dow and president cox. According to media reports Airline Crews have been cart up travelpresident s recent ban. Specifically airline crew embers from seven countries referenced in the executive order are now prohibited from entering this country. U. S. E having approved entry visas. Some crew members have been have had nd carriers to shift staff away from the u. S. Routes to prevents additional crew members from affected. According to the International Air transportation association, was issued e order without prior coordination, warning, causing confusion, both airlines and travelers. It also placed additional comply on airlines to with unclear requirements to bear implementation costs. And face potential penalties for not compliance. Say about he order the importance of dhs consulting and coordinating with partners 80s, and travel industry, stake holders, and development and implementation of the Security Policy . Dow, start with you, mr. And ill ask you, mr. Cox to respond, and then ill say thank you to my chairman. We respect and appreciate the concerns for safety in america. Find a waywe need to to end the confusion tapped chaos that it has created, and urge them to get through this because there is a great deal of misunderstanding caused, and i think its very in thent to have anybody we work through these things. E need to make sure the world knows clearly what were doing. I think there has been a great deal of confusion clearly, represents the National Border patrol throughout the country, and the that ive d feedback had from those agents, not ally, confusion of knowing exactly what to do at irports resources s focused away, particularly from our worry order, where about drug cartels and those and many trafficking things that are harmful, that we intoly, most people coming airports have met the proper requirements and have the proper paperwork. We always want to prevent this t anyone coming into country to do harm to the American Public. Chairman, let me just say, when we think of our sister and security we think of our intelligence community, our places of that nature. Travelers, thats the sail level of security were expecting and hoping for. And while we can use the best technologies in the world, i an eve that those who take oath to uphold our constitution as employees of our work force, are the ones that should be making sure that were safe and secure at airports. You, with that, i appreciate your indulgence. You. Hank ill note, as matter of practice with this committee, the ranking will have more flexibility with respect to time forward. List of peopleng doing questions here, we want be able to here from all so we ask question for mr. Dow. Sir, if we can move to Airport Security overall, id like to ask you about your opinions regarding the vetting and supervision of airport employees that have regular access to aircraft and luggage and cargo. Theres a great deal of emphasis being placed upon the screening of travelers. Those of us that fly regularly wonder, what is the level of screening being given to the employees that have access to the aircraft that were entering . And to our luggage and cargo that travel as well. Give us some feedback, please, on the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of Premises Security at United States airports. Mr. Dow first of all, we believe that everyone who has access to the air Transportation System has to be properly vetted and screened. Thats back of the house employ back of the airport employees, pilots, everyone has to do that. You asked a question also on how important it is to last part of your question i dropped i apologize. Mr. Higgins your overall assessment of the vulnerabilities or weakness of airport Perimeter Security. Mr. Dow thats very important area because as we have seen a couple of problems that we have had around the world have been outside the screening area. And i think its extremely important that we put measures in there, whether it be presence of security, security practices, but we have to be careful we dont move t. S. A. Out to the beginning of the highway getting to the airport. So many airports are so difficult to get through. We have to have systems, people have to know were watching those areas. But Perimeter Security is important, but we do not want to move the checkpoint to the road approaching the airport, which would be a total disaster. Its a high priority, and we have to address it. Mr. Higgins yes, sir. Im wondering what level of coordination t. S. A. Has with Airport Police and to address these matters of the safety of the aircraft and travelers. Mr. Dow just as Ranking Member said of having everybody involved, i think its very important that local police, Airport Police, and security and our secret Service People all work in conjunction to put. In your state i have seen a tremendous amount of cooperation between the state police, city police, and new orleans, which is very important. I think its important. It can be done. You can get everyone working together. Mr. Higgins thank you, sir. And generally speaking nationwide, are you seeing that level of cooperation in other states . Mr. Dow it varies. You have seen one airport, you have seen one airport. Its becoming more and more important and all our airport directors have it on their radar that we need to look not only at security checkpoints but understand and have a place plan in place for Perimeter Security. Mr. Higgins thank you, mr. Dow. Ms. Brooks, mr. Cox, thank you for your testimony. I yield. Mr. Katko the chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Payne. Mr. Payne thank you, mr. Chairman. And to the Ranking Member of the subcommittee. Its really an honor and privilege to have her join this committee that has really done great work and worked in a bipartisan manner over the course of the time that i have been involved. Looking forward to continuing that work. Mr. Dow, in your testimony you discussed implementing improvements to the checkpoint experience. In your opinion, what are the most effective and pressing adjustments that should be made to the precheck process in order to encourage greater participation among trusted populations without sacrificing the security of all the passengers . Mr. Dow very good question, mr. Payne. Thank you. On the precheck process, number one we have to get more people in the program. We have millions of people who have been vetted very deeply from a secure standpoint. We should figure out how to get those people in the program. Second thing, coy apply for a mortgage and get an answer in 40 seconds. We should be able to have people apply for precheck and get a very quick answer going through all the security processes. If we do that that will help. We have to, as i said earlier, promote more. If i owned t. S. A. , i would put a lot of dollars behind promoting and getting another 10 million or 15 million in this program. That would raise over 1 billion. We need to promote, we need to have a good process. We have to be able to sign people up and it has to be a priority. It has not been a big enough priority whether it be with congress or a loft people to get people in this program. You and i are not going to blow up an airport. Bottom line, we should figure out how to get more of us in this program. Mr. Payne thank you, sir. Ms. Brooks, what reasons can you give for the lack of innovation here in the states as opposed to other jurisdictions where you have seen this technology implemented . You know, we hear in america, like to pride ourselves being on the cutting edge, and in so many instances im finding that were lacking in areas. I find were lacking in areas. Can you give me some context on why you think we are where we are . Ms. Brooks well, i think the innovation actually isnt lacking. Its happening in the labs. T. S. A. Is doing a lot of really good work in looking at new technologies and some of the things that were starting to see rolled out now in airports, for example, in atlanta, is actually getting toward some of that innovation but i think it comes to getting it out there more quickly and, again, it comes down to there has to be Adequate Funding to get that technology tested, certified and rolled out into the airports. Mr. Payne well, i mean, you know, i get concerned sometimes about, you know, us trying to reinvent the wheel. If theres something, you know, thats working at heathrow, you know, my pride isnt going to keep me from saying, well, hey, how are you doing that . How are you implementing that . I just dont understand, you know, the lag time in finding technology that is moving us forward and advancing and, you know, getting to the airports in a timely manner if its working there. Ms. Brooks i think the collaboration that we have now with t. S. A. Is critical. I really hope with the new administrator Going Forward we are exchanging good information with t. S. A. And have very good discussion about the technology, the research, the trials, the process thats happening both in the u. S. And in the rest of the world. So i think theres a lot we can learn from each other and i really hope that continues Going Forward because weve seen a big difference in the last couple years. Mr. Payne thank you. President cox, its good to have you here again. We respect the work of the men and women at t. S. A. The t. S. O. s are really on the front line and we have to make sure that we some of us in Congress Make sure that the traveling public and people in this country understand the difficult work being on the front lines every single day that our t. S. O. s are and really raise their profile and respect in this country for the work that they do. 3,300 weapons that they found, and thats just firearms. On january 23, President Trump signed an executive order initiating a federal hiring freeze. T. S. O. s are federal employees. Have you received any guidance from the administration on whether or not this hiring freeze will affect t. S. O. s . President cox i have not, sir. Its our understanding there is a hiring freeze for all of Homeland Security at this point. I may be wrong with that. Its changed by the moment, but its our understanding there is a hiring freeze for t. S. A. And other departments inside of Homeland Security. Mr. Payne well, i think some type of correspondence should go out to the administration in terms of maybe looking at that freeze in this area, making sure that the traveling public is safe, should not be something thats curtailed. You said youre down 5,000 t. S. O. s. President cox about 5,000 less than there was several years ago. Mr. Payne i really think thats something that needs to be addressed and hopefully through this committee we can do so and with that i yield back. Mr. Katko thank you, mr. Payne. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Keating. Mr. Keating thank you, mr. Chairman. Welcome to the new Ranking Member and the staff. Its great to be here. You know, one of the things that concerns me generally is the fact were doing this in the lens of terrorist attack which we should and peoples safety personally. However, theres another target for these attacks and thats our economy and its the economy of an industry, its the economy of the countries that are affected by this. So i want to thank mr. Dow for the dialogue that the chairman and i participated in and the close relationship with this committee. I think its very important from an interest standpoint you do that. President cox, i tell you, i fly a lot. The attitude of the people on the front line that are there is extraordinary. The helpfulness. Ive really been impressed by that. Its a tough job. But ive seen a high level of helping people even when they are perhaps doing some things we should prevail against. I want to delve on a couple of issues. Number one, mr. Dow, ms. Brooks, enhancing precheck, we touched on that. How do we come to terms with the airlines themselves being helpful . I mean, the idea of, for instance, being able to exchange maybe some frequent flyer miles in exchange for a precheck status, is that something thats been explored . How are businesses that have people that work for them, are they stepping up more . Have you seen a trend to make sure their companies and employees have precheck paid for them by the companies and what can we do to expand that, you know, to greater extent, even . Mr. Dow well, two things, mr. Keating. Thank you for all your engagement on this issue. Youve been an expert on this issue. I appreciate it. You mentioned the economy. When september 11 happened, the air travel industry came to its knees in 45 minutes. The u. S. Economy followed in about 30 days. The World Economy followed about two months. So the length between travel and economy is so clear. When you ask about t. S. A. Precheck, we would like to see all of those things happen. Some companies have stepped out and pay for their employees. Google. Some of the Tech Companies have done that. But we need to get the ability to use the frequent flyer miles. Enterprise rentacar is doing that. Mr. Keating so people can make the tradeoff. Mr. Dow it allows more t. S. O. Resources to look for the folks that we dont know a lot about and so we got to make it a high priority. Mr. Keating theres one other sorry to interrupt. One area where they could make the tradeoff and will help anyone that travels. The extra charge for the baggage. I see so many slowups as a result of people just struggling to get the extra bag on so they are not charged with it. Maybe theres something they can do with frequent flyer miles and the extra charge for baggage, too, because that slows things down and i think it makes security a a lot hotter as well. Just my thought. Mr. Dow i wish someone from the airlines could speak with you also on that. Thank you. Mr. Keating thank you. Mr. Cox, one thing im worried about, talking about the freeze and the freeze will have an effect because you are going to lose some good recruits that will give up. When people see a freeze and theyre already working in a tough job like that, they are going to quit. You are going to lose some very valuable people along the lines. But also, i think training is important as anything else. Ive seen it in so many other areas. Ive seen it in major cities, you know, with the uwasi training, how crossprofessionalization. With soft targets being more and more of a concern, thats what we saw in istanbul, in brussels, its what we saw in Fort Lauderdale. That training will be more valuable. Training with local police and the people that are there for Airport Security. Do you see a need for further funding for that training yourself with your personnel . Mr. Cox yes, sir. Theres clearly a need for more training, and i think you touched on it very nicely. There are more people that work in an airport than just the screening employees. Theres the vendors, the airline employees, the passengers. Theres lots of personnel in airports. Theyre almost a city onto themselves. You have to have training for all those individuals thats working in those facilities every day. And to play on some things, the chair, mr. Dow and you have said, i think were talking about infrastructure. Infrastructure that would improve the economy because we get more people to travel, that we move them through faster, all these things that will help our economy. I think investing in better equipment, investing in the Human Resources, all of that will do great things for our economy. So im excited to see Congress Talk about improving the infrastructure. Mr. Keating i do think i have seen some of the new technology myself, and thats not replacing peoples jobs. Thats being able to shift people to other jobs which are important, too, so i yield back. Thank you. Mr. Katko thank you, mr. Keating. There being no more witnesses, we dont have time for another time because i have a hard stop in such a short period of time. I want to ask you somewhat conventional since we have a few minutes here. Is there anything you three witnesses wanted to say that you didnt have an opportunity to say briefly that you wanted to touch on before we conclude . Mr. Dow i think one thing thats important is engage the airports. Many airports are in favor of s. P. P. I think its very important that t. S. A. Take a look at the main mission of security and keeping us safe and bringing the technology and the folks from the airports because they can add on facilitation, on equipment, on k9s, and i think we have to have a better marriage of the folks that run the airports and t. S. A. Mr. Katko i couldnt agree with more on that. An example was last summer when some administrative glitches helped contribute greatly to the wait lines at the airports. When they started talking from the airlines and airports, those lines were alleviated. Working collaboratively with the folks on the front line. I thank you for noting that. Mr. Keating mr. Chairman, could i have unanimous consent for one comment . Mr. Katko absolutely. Mr. Keating i want to point out with the help of the committee here we passed in the house just this week a bill that will take the g. A. O. Study about looking at the uniqueness of the design of every airport into consideration with our safety plan. So we have moved forward as a committee taking some of that. Im sorry, mr. Chairman. Mr. Katko i appreciate you making that. Anyone else before we conclude . Mr. Cox mr. Chairman, i have to say this with all honesty, i think particularly this subcommittee has a great chairman. A great Ranking Member. Mr. Katko i agree. Mr. Cox and i mean it from the bottom of my heart because you work together. You want to find solutions. Its easy to constantly identify problems. The American People are looking for solutions. Employees are looking for solutions. Government does lots of good things that helps this country operate and helps the private industry operate. So i am excited about this congress and this subcommittee. I will work with you and afge works with the two of you in any way we can to find solutions to help our economy and keep us all safe. Mr. Katko thank you, mr. Cox. I appreciate the kind words. We do try and dispense with Party Loyalties and to do the right thing to keep the American Public safe and keep this system humming and also make it better. Thats our job. Hopefully we can stand as an example what others in congress can do when they put down their swords. So ms. Brooks, before we wrap up, would you like to say anything . Ms. Brooks yes, just briefly. I want to underscore mr. Dows point that engagement with the airports, engagement with other industry parties is absolutely critical. Where we have seen the best results i am not just talking about technology, human factors, the screening checkpoints, all of that, it works best when theres strong collaboration between industry and the regulators. So that would be my probably my key message. Mr. Katko thank you, ms. Brooks. I want to thank all the folks here today. When the situation permits itself as a matter of course Going Forward we will have a little more flexibility in how we conduct the hearings like we did today. I cant guarantee its always going to be like that. I will signal certainly to mrs. Watson coleman how were doing it. We have a structure we follow but when we can deviate from the good of the order to get a more full hearing, were going to do that if we can. Id like to thank the witnesses for their thoughtful testimony and members of the committee may have some additional questions for the witnesses and we have we will ask you respond to these in writing. The hearing record will be open for 10 days. Without objection, the subcommittee stands adjourned. Thank you, all. Cspans washington journal. Coming up this morning, democratic rhode island congressman David Cicilline will discover will discuss the recent travel ban unless the republicans agenda. This christmas from new york will discuss the travel ban, the Affordable Care act, and budget issues. Be sure to watch this morning. Join the discussion. President trump spoke at his First National prayer breakfast. An annual event held each february since he is introduced 1953. By mark burnett. We hear from Senate Chaplain barry black. This is one hour and 40 minutes. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, folks. May we have your attention . We kind of hate to interrupt all of the conversations going on