Lawmakers Propose Measures to Improve Airport Security Screening

Lawmakers from both parties have introduced several bills aimed at improving the Transportation Security Administration’s screening technology and passenger experience.

A bipartisan proposal led by Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., seeks to end the diversion of funds from the 9/11 security fee to the general budget and establish a dedicated fund for TSA to acquire new screening technologies, Nextgov/FCW reported.

The legislation would expedite the deployment of Credential Authentication Technology machines with facial recognition capabilities, currently estimated to take 25 years under the current funding structure.

Another bill by Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., focuses on improving passenger experience during security screening. It encourages the use of non-invasive technologies such as thermal imaging and explores ways to reduce physical pat-downs and the need for divesting personal items.

Additionally, the bill calls for collecting anonymized data on passenger screening to assess its impact on minority travelers.

Meanwhile, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced a separate proposal to enhance the screening process for veterans and disabled travelers. It mandates annual TSA training on screening disabled individuals and proposes enrolling veterans with disabilities in TSA PreCheck at no charge.